Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the North Carolina data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

To practice as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in North Carolina, the state licensing board requires 1,223 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under North Carolina's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $131, with renewal running $95 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,223 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$131
Renewal Fee
$95
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) All North Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina's requirements cover 1223 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $131. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in North Carolina means clearing the state's checklist: 1223 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
North Carolina does require a background check before issuing a licensed practical nurse (lpn) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in North Carolina, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $95.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.