2026 data New York board official source

New York Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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

What the New York data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Becoming a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in New York means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,295 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. New York regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $149, and renewal costs $109 every 2 years. 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.

For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
51/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · New York

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 F
1,295 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$149
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$55/yr
$109 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 New York

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,295 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$149
Renewal Fee
$109
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New York licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York?
New York requires 1295 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-PN), and an initial fee of $149. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York?
New York licenses licensed practical nurse (lpn)s who complete its requirements (1295 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the New York licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to New York from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the New York licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does New York require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing?
Yes, New York requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York?
Licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn)s in New York must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $109.

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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York, 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 New York 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.