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How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Kentucky (2026)

Quick answer

All nurses must complete one contact hour on Alzheimer's disease or other dementia once: nurses active on July 15, 2024 have until October 31, 2027; those licensed afterward have three years from initial licensure.

Exam

Pass the KBN Jurisprudence Examination with at least 80% and pass the NCLEX.

View official source

Renewal

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.

View official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

How do I get this license?

  1. Check the licensing authority

    Board

    Kentucky Board of Nursing

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Kentucky Board of Nursing
    Official source

    Official agency page

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    KBN Annual Continuing Education Requirements for Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
    Official source
  2. Check your qualifications

    Education

    Complete a Board-approved pre-licensure nursing program.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Completion of a Board approved pre-licensure program of nursing
    Official source

    Exam

    Pass the KBN Jurisprudence Examination with at least 80% and pass the NCLEX.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Completion and passing with a score of at least 80% on the KBN Jurisprudence Examination Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®)
    Official source
  3. Prepare your application

    Apply with the agency

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    During the renewal period, complete your license renewal by following these instructions:
    Official source

    Reciprocity

    Nurses from states outside the Nurse Licensure Compact, and nurses moving their primary residence to Kentucky, must obtain Kentucky licensure by endorsement.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Nurses who wish to practice in Kentucky who are not licensed in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, are required to obtain licensure by endorsement. Nurses who permanently move to Kentucky, making Kentucky their primary state of residence, are required to obtain a Kentucky license through the process of endorsement (201 KAR 20:110).
    Official source
  4. Confirm your next step with the agency

    Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.

    Open the official agency page

What else should I know?

Agency guidance

All nurses must complete one contact hour on Alzheimer's disease or other dementia once: nurses active on July 15, 2024 have until October 31, 2027; those licensed afterward have three years from initial licensure.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
All Nurses Complete 1 contact hour in Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of Dementia Individuals actively licensed as of July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement by October 31, 2027. Nurses actively licensed after July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Agency guidance

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before August 2025, must complete a one-time two-hour suicide-prevention course within three years of initial licensure, including one hour in general prevention and one in chronic toxic stress.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to August of 2025 Complete 2 contact hours in Suicide Prevention 1 in general; and 1 in chronic toxic stress; Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215.
Official source

Agency guidance

Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing before May of 1988 Complete 3 contact hours in Domestic Violence Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to May of 1988 Complete 3 contact hours in Domestic Violence Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Agency guidance

Keep CE documentation for five years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
All CE documents must be maintained for five years as proof of compliance.
Official source

Agency guidance

The Board's RN/LPN application fees are $125 for examination, $165 for endorsement and $65 for renewal. Card payments add 2.75%; ACH adds $1.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Nurse (RN) Endorsement ......................................................................................................................................................... $165 Examination ...........................................................................................................................................................$125 Renewal * ............................................................................................................................................................... $65 Please note that service fees are assessed by the electronic payment processing company for credit cards (2.75% transaction fee) and ACH (online checks) ($1.00 transaction fee).
Official source

Agency guidance

Examination applicants must be able to read, write and speak English and complete state and federal background checks.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Ability to read, write, and speak English (KRS 314.041 and KRS 314.051) Completion of the State and Federal Background Check through IdentoGO®
Official source

Agency guidance

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before December 2011, must complete 1.5 contact hours on pediatric abusive head trauma once within three years of initial licensure.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to December of 2011 Complete 1.5 contact hours in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Agency guidance

Before performing infusion therapy, LPNs educated outside Kentucky or in Kentucky before September 2019 must complete the infusion-therapy course meeting 201 KAR 20:490; the course does not need to be repeated.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
LPNs who wish to engage in Infusion Therapy and either Completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to September of 2019 Complete a course in infusion therapy that meets the criteria in 201 KAR 20:490 Prior to performing infusion therapy Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

When do I renew, and is CE required?

Renewal

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.
Official source

License term in years

1 years

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The renewed license is active for one year and will expire on October 31st of the following year.
Official source

Continuing education topics

Each November 1–October 31 earning period, one option is 14 nursing CE contact hours. Alternatives include a satisfactory employment evaluation covering at least six months plus seven CE hours, or current national nursing certification related to the practice role. Consult the Board for other qualifying alternatives.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
All nurses are required to complete Continuing Education Requirements every year between November 1 – October 31. Fourteen (14) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st – October 31st A satisfactory evaluation that covers at least 6 months of the earning period November 1st – October 31st; and Seven (7) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st – October 31st Current national nursing certification or recertification related to the nurse's practice role either obtained, renewed, or in effect during the earning period November 1st – October 31st
Official source

Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.

What does it cost?

Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.

What are the common questions?

How often do I renew a registered nurse and lpn renewal and continuing education license in Kentucky?

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.

Source and quotation
The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Which official sources support this guide?

Official sources and verification (17)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.

Board

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Kentucky Board of Nursing
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Official agency page

Open the official agency page

https://kbn.ky.gov/Registered-Nurse/Pages/Continuing-Education.aspx

KBN Annual Continuing Education Requirements for Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply with the agency

Open the official agency page

https://kbn.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/Renewal.aspx

During the renewal period, complete your license renewal by following these instructions:
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

All nurses must complete one contact hour on Alzheimer's disease or other dementia once: nurses active on July 15, 2024 have until October 31, 2027; those licensed afterward have three years from initial licensure.

All nurses must complete one contact hour on Alzheimer's disease or other dementia once: nurses active on July 15, 2024 have until October 31, 2027; those licensed afterward have three years from initial licensure.

All Nurses Complete 1 contact hour in Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of Dementia Individuals actively licensed as of July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement by October 31, 2027. Nurses actively licensed after July 15, 2024, must complete this requirement within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before August 2025, must complete a one-time two-hour suicide-prevention course within three years of initial licensure, including one hour in general prevention and one in chronic toxic stress.

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before August 2025, must complete a one-time two-hour suicide-prevention course within three years of initial licensure, including one hour in general prevention and one in chronic toxic stress.

Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to August of 2025 Complete 2 contact hours in Suicide Prevention 1 in general; and 1 in chronic toxic stress; Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing before May of 1988 Complete 3 contact hours in Domestic Violence Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before May 1988, need three hours of domestic-violence CE once within three years of initial licensure.

Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to May of 1988 Complete 3 contact hours in Domestic Violence Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Keep CE documentation for five years.

Keep CE documentation for five years.

All CE documents must be maintained for five years as proof of compliance.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

The Board's RN/LPN application fees are $125 for examination, $165 for endorsement and $65 for renewal. Card payments add 2.75%; ACH adds $1.

The Board's RN/LPN application fees are $125 for examination, $165 for endorsement and $65 for renewal. Card payments add 2.75%; ACH adds $1.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Nurse (RN) Endorsement ......................................................................................................................................................... $165 Examination ...........................................................................................................................................................$125 Renewal * ............................................................................................................................................................... $65 Please note that service fees are assessed by the electronic payment processing company for credit cards (2.75% transaction fee) and ACH (online checks) ($1.00 transaction fee).
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Examination applicants must be able to read, write and speak English and complete state and federal background checks.

Examination applicants must be able to read, write and speak English and complete state and federal background checks.

Ability to read, write, and speak English (KRS 314.041 and KRS 314.051) Completion of the State and Federal Background Check through IdentoGO®
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before December 2011, must complete 1.5 contact hours on pediatric abusive head trauma once within three years of initial licensure.

Nurses educated outside Kentucky, or in Kentucky before December 2011, must complete 1.5 contact hours on pediatric abusive head trauma once within three years of initial licensure.

Nurses who completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Nurses who completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to December of 2011 Complete 1.5 contact hours in Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Within 3 years of initial licensure as described in 201 KAR 20:215. Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Before performing infusion therapy, LPNs educated outside Kentucky or in Kentucky before September 2019 must complete the infusion-therapy course meeting 201 KAR 20:490; the course does not need to be repeated.

Before performing infusion therapy, LPNs educated outside Kentucky or in Kentucky before September 2019 must complete the infusion-therapy course meeting 201 KAR 20:490; the course does not need to be repeated.

LPNs who wish to engage in Infusion Therapy and either Completed a nursing program outside of Kentucky; or Completed a Kentucky program of nursing prior to September of 2019 Complete a course in infusion therapy that meets the criteria in 201 KAR 20:490 Prior to performing infusion therapy Once completed it does not need to be repeated.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renewal

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31. Applies to: Kentucky RN and LPN renewal.

The Renewal period for LPN, RN, APRN, DT, LCPM, and SANE is September 15 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Continuing education topics

Each November 1–October 31 earning period, one option is 14 nursing CE contact hours. Alternatives include a satisfactory employment evaluation covering at least six months plus seven CE hours, or current national nursing certification related to the practice role. Consult the Board for other qualifying alternatives.

Each November 1–October 31 earning period, one option is 14 nursing CE contact hours. Alternatives include a satisfactory employment evaluation covering at least six months plus seven CE hours, or current national nursing certification related to the practice role. Consult the Board for other qualifying alternatives.

All nurses are required to complete Continuing Education Requirements every year between November 1 – October 31. Fourteen (14) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st – October 31st A satisfactory evaluation that covers at least 6 months of the earning period November 1st – October 31st; and Seven (7) contact hours of nursing CE during the earning period November 1st – October 31st Current national nursing certification or recertification related to the nurse's practice role either obtained, renewed, or in effect during the earning period November 1st – October 31st
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Education

Complete a Board-approved pre-licensure nursing program.

Complete a Board-approved pre-licensure nursing program.

Completion of a Board approved pre-licensure program of nursing
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Exam

Pass the KBN Jurisprudence Examination with at least 80% and pass the NCLEX.

Pass the KBN Jurisprudence Examination with at least 80% and pass the NCLEX.

Completion and passing with a score of at least 80% on the KBN Jurisprudence Examination Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®)
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

License term in years

1 years

1

The renewed license is active for one year and will expire on October 31st of the following year.
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Reciprocity

Nurses from states outside the Nurse Licensure Compact, and nurses moving their primary residence to Kentucky, must obtain Kentucky licensure by endorsement.

Nurses from states outside the Nurse Licensure Compact, and nurses moving their primary residence to Kentucky, must obtain Kentucky licensure by endorsement.

Nurses who wish to practice in Kentucky who are not licensed in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, are required to obtain licensure by endorsement. Nurses who permanently move to Kentucky, making Kentucky their primary state of residence, are required to obtain a Kentucky license through the process of endorsement (201 KAR 20:110).
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Not yet verified: license fee, required hours — see the official agency.

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Last verified Oct 25, 2026.

Official sources (5)

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