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

Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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

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

Pennsylvania sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,284 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 Pennsylvania's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $146 to get started, plus $107 at each renewal 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
51/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Pennsylvania

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
1,284 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$146
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$54/yr
$107 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,284 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$146
Renewal Fee
$107
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, the license path calls for 1284 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $146 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania? ▼
To become a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Pennsylvania, you must meet the state's requirements including 1284 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Pennsylvania. Verify the specifics with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Yes, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $107 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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.