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

North Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

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

North Dakota sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,054 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under North Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $89, with renewal running $61 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
62/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · North Dakota

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,054 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C+
$89
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$31/yr
$61 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,054 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$89
Renewal Fee
$61
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 Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Dakota? ▼
In North Dakota, the license path calls for 1054 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $89 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota licenses licensed practical nurse (lpn)s who complete its requirements (1054 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the North Dakota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to North Dakota from another state? ▼
For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
North Dakota 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 Dakota? ▼
Licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn)s in North Dakota must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $61.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed practical nurse (lpn) license

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Dakota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed practical nurse (lpn)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the North Dakota licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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