Registered Nurse / Kentucky
2026 data Kentucky board official source

Kentucky Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Kentucky data shows for Registered Nurses

Kentucky's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,270 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Kentucky folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $100, with renewal running $50 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 14 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,270 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$122
Renewal Fee
$84
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$100
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$50
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
14 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky requires 2270 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $122. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2270 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Kentucky licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, 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 Kentucky licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Kentucky requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Kentucky? ▼
To stay licensed as a registered nurse in Kentucky, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $84.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Kentucky? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Kentucky is $100. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Kentucky? ▼
In Kentucky, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

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.