Licensed Practical Nurse License in Kentucky
Quick Answer
To become an LPN in Kentucky, complete an approved 9+ month program, pass the NCLEX-PN ($88), and pay $80 initial license fee — approximately $265 total. Renewal $65 biennial (odd years by Oct 31). 30 hours CE per renewal including AIDS and domestic violence education.
- Exam
- NCLEX-PN (Computerized Adaptive Testing)
- Total Cost
- $265 (est.)
- Timeline
- 12-18 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years (odd years, by October 31)
Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse license in Kentucky
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $80
- Exam Fee
- $88
- Renewal Fee
- $65
- Total Estimated Cost
- $265
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Practical Nurse license in Kentucky. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Kentucky licensing board.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kentucky
Entry Level
$46,230
Median
$58,450
Experienced
$69,310
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-PN (Computerized Adaptive Testing)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$80.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 12-18 months.
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky has detailed info: Must be a high school graduate and complete a state board-approved practical nursing program (minimum 9 months with theory and clinical instruction). NCLEX-PN exam fee $88 (as of April 1994 — may have increased). Initial license fee $80. Biennial renewal by October 31 of odd years: active $65, inactive $45. No age, residency, or post-graduation work experience requirements. CE: 30 contact hours per renewal period from Board-approved providers, plus mandatory 2 hours of AIDS education and one-time 3 hours of domestic violence CE. Works under direction of RN, physician, or dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse license cost in Kentucky?
- The estimated total cost is $265, including application fees, exam fees ($88), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Kentucky?
- The process typically takes 12-18 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Kentucky?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-PN (Computerized Adaptive Testing). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.