Nurse Practitioner (APRN) License in Kentucky
Quick Answer
To become a nurse practitioner in Kentucky, you need an active KY RN license, a post-basic NP program, and national certification. Initial registration is $80; biennial renewal is $55. Kentucky requires a collaborative agreement with a physician.
- Exam
- ANCC or AANP certification exam
- Total Cost
- $80 (est.)
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial (October 31 of even years)
Requirements
Nurse Practitioner (APRN) license in Kentucky
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $80
- Renewal Fee
- $55
- Total Estimated Cost
- $80
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nurse Practitioner (APRN) 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.
Nurse Practitioner (APRN) Salary in Kentucky
Entry Level
$89,760
Median
$113,870
Experienced
$149,350
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner (APRN) 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 — ANCC or AANP certification exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$80.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation.
Nurse Practitioner (APRN) Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky provides detailed NP requirements: applicants must hold a current active Kentucky RN license and be certified as a nurse practitioner by an appropriate national nursing organization. Initial ARNP registration fee is $80, and biennial renewal (by October 31 of even years) is $55. Thirty contact hours of continuing education are required per biennium, including 5 hours in pharmacology. No age or residency requirements exist. Kentucky is a restricted practice state, requiring NPs to work under a collaborative agreement with a physician for prescriptive authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nurse Practitioner (APRN) license cost in Kentucky?
- The estimated total cost is $80, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nurse Practitioner (APRN) license in Kentucky?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse Practitioner (APRN) license in Kentucky?
- You need to pass the ANCC or AANP certification exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse Practitioner (APRN) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.