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Kentucky Nursing License 2025
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Kentucky Nursing License 2025

Kentucky Nursing License 2025
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    🐎 Welcome to Nursing in the Bluegrass State

    Known for its rolling hills, Southern charm, and world-famous horses, Kentucky is also one of the best states for building a nursing career. Whether you’re a new grad preparing for the NCLEX, a traveling nurse seeking endorsement, or an experienced RN relocating to Louisville, getting your Kentucky Nursing License is your first step.

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’ve helped thousands of nurses successfully apply for state licensure. This 2025 guide covers every step — from application to renewal — so you can start practicing with confidence in Kentucky.

    🏛️ About the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)

    The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing nursing licenses, approving education programs, managing discipline, and protecting public health.

    Contact Information:

    👩‍⚕️ Types of Nursing Licenses in Kentucky

    License Type Description NCLEX Required?
    LPN Licensed Practical Nurse Yes – NCLEX-PN
    RN Registered Nurse Yes – NCLEX-RN
    APRN Advanced Practice RN Yes – National certification

    ✅ Licensure by Examination (For New Grads)

    If you’re graduating from a nursing program and taking the NCLEX for the first time, follow this process:

    Step 1: Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program

    • Kentucky accepts in-state and out-of-state nursing programs that are properly accredited (ACEN, CCNE, or equivalent).

    • Your school must send official transcripts showing your graduation date and degree earned directly to KBN.

    Step 2: Create an Online KBN Account

    • Visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing portal: https://kbn.ky.gov

    • Register and select “Apply for Licensure by Examination”

    Step 3: Submit Required Documents

    • Online application

    • Passport-sized photo

    • Proof of legal residence (e.g., driver’s license, green card, etc.)

    • Application fee: $125 (non-refundable)

    • Complete Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam (open-book exam on KBN laws/rules)

    Step 4: Register for the NCLEX

    Step 5: Background Check & Fingerprinting

    All applicants must complete a criminal background check through the Kentucky State Police and FBI.

    • Request fingerprint cards from KBN

    • Cost: ~$51

    • Results sent directly to KBN

    Step 6: Receive ATT (Authorization to Test)

    Once your application, payment, transcripts, and background check are complete, KBN will authorize you to test.

    • ATT is sent by Pearson VUE via email

    Step 7: Take the NCLEX Exam

    • Choose a testing center (can be out of state)

    • Sit for your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam

    • Wait 1–3 business days for KBN to receive your results

    Step 8: License Issued

    If you pass, your Kentucky nursing license is issued within 2–3 days and posted on KBN’s verification site.

    🌎 Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)

    Already licensed in another U.S. state and want to work in Kentucky? You’ll apply by endorsement.

    ✅ Kentucky is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
    If you hold a multistate license and reside in another NLC state, you may practice in Kentucky without applying for a separate license.

    If you’re moving to Kentucky permanently, you must transfer your license.

    Endorsement Requirements:

    • Proof of passing the NCLEX

    • Valid license in another state (must be unencumbered)

    • Fingerprinting/background check

    • Jurisprudence Exam

    • Application fee: ~$165

    • License verification (via Nursys)

    👉 Apply at: https://kbn.ky.gov

    🕐 Processing time: 10–14 business days (may vary)

    📃 Temporary Permit

    Kentucky offers a 120-day temporary permit for endorsement applicants so you can begin working while your permanent license is being processed.

    Requirements:

    • Complete online application

    • Submit all supporting documents

    • Clear criminal background check

    • $25 additional fee

    📚 Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

    To renew your license, you must complete 14 CE hours every year.

    Acceptable CE Options:

    • KBN-approved providers

    • National certifications (e.g., ANCC, AANP)

    • Academic nursing coursework

    • Online or in-person CE activities

    🔎 Tip: Keep CE documentation for at least 5 years in case of audit.

    Free and low-cost CE can be found at:

    🔁 License Renewal in Kentucky

    All RN and LPN licenses expire October 31 every year.

    Renewal Fees:

    • RN or LPN: ~$65

    • Late renewal fee: $100 penalty

    • APRNs have additional fees

    You must:

    1. Log in to your KBN account

    2. Submit your renewal application

    3. Complete required CE

    4. Pass the mandatory abuse CE training every 6 years

    👩‍⚕️ APRN Licensure in Kentucky

    To become an APRN in Kentucky, you must:

    Requirements:

    1. Hold an active Kentucky RN license

    2. Graduate from a master’s or doctoral program

    3. Pass national certification (ANCC, AANP, NBCRNA, etc.)

    4. Apply for prescriptive authority (if needed)

    5. Submit collaborative agreement (if required)

    6. CE requirements for APRNs: 5 hours in pharmacology per renewal

    Learn more at: https://kbn.ky.gov/aprn

    🔍 License Lookup

    To verify the status of your license (or someone else’s), use the official KBN search tool:

    👉 https://oop.ky.gov/lic_search_web_ky

    You can check:

    • RN/LPN/APRN status

    • Expiration date

    • Public disciplinary actions

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Can I work in Kentucky with an NLC license?

    Yes, if your primary residence is in another compact state and you hold a multistate license.

    Q: Can I take the NCLEX outside of Kentucky?

    Yes. You can take the NCLEX at any Pearson VUE testing center but must designate Kentucky as your state board.

    Q: Is CE required every year?

    Yes. 14 contact hours are required annually unless exempt (e.g., first year of licensure).

    Q: Can I expedite my license?

    Apply early, submit all documents at once, and make sure fingerprints are done immediately to avoid delays.

    🧠 NCLEX Prep for Kentucky Nurses

    Want to pass the NCLEX on your first try?

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we offer:

    🏥 Why Choose Kentucky for Nursing?

    Kentucky offers:

    • 💰 Competitive RN salaries (~$75,000 average annually)

    • 🏥 Top employers: Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, UK HealthCare

    • 🧑‍⚕️ High demand in rural areas and small towns

    • 🎓 Affordable continuing education

    • 🌄 A beautiful, low-cost lifestyle with strong community values

    📥 Download the Free Kentucky License Checklist

    We’ve created a free printable checklist to keep you organized:

    ✅ Step-by-step guide
    ✅ Fee tracking
    ✅ NCLEX and fingerprinting schedule
    ✅ Renewal reminder

    👉 Download Here (PDF)

    🎯 Final Thoughts

    The Kentucky nursing license process is clear, modernized, and supportive of nurses at every level. Whether you’re a new grad or relocating nurse, Kentucky offers a welcoming system with fast processing and lots of opportunities.

    Let NCLEXPrepGuide.com support your journey — from NCLEX to CEUs to your annual renewal.