Education

• The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires that all applicants for LPN licensure complete a state-approved training course. As of August 2010, the board had approved 30 LPN programs in the state. The majority of these programs were at Kentucky's two-year technical colleges. Approved LPN programs last for roughly one year and culminate in a diploma or certificate of completion. After completing the necessary education, LPN candidates must apply for a provisional license and then participate in a 120-hour internship at a hospital, long-term care home or any medical facility where nurses can provide direct patient care under supervision of licensed professionals.
  
  

Examination

• After completing the clinical internship, LPN licensing candidates must take an examination called the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses. The National Council of States Boards of Nursing develops the examination, which is taken using a computer at Pearson Vue Testing Centers. As of January 2011, such centers were located in Louisville and Lexington. The examination is multiple choice. The test varies in length, continuing until candidates answer enough questions correctly to pass or miss enough questions to make passing impossible. Generally, the NCLEX-LPN consists of 85 to 205 questions.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Kentucky LPN applicants must undergo a criminal background check. To begin the process, candidates complete an online application available from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts website. In addition, candidates must fill out an online licensing application on the Kentucky Board of Nursing website. They must also submit a copy of an official transcript from their LPN training program as well as Verification of Completion of the Clinical Internship form signed by a supervisor from the internship placement. Payment of an application fee is also necessary. As of January 2011, the amount of the fee was $110.
  
  

Out-of-State Nurses

• Individuals who have LPN licenses from another state can qualify for credentialing in Kentucky without having to retake the NCLEX-PN. Out-of-state LPNs must submit a copy of their license to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which then verifies its validity and subsequently issues a Kentucky LPN license. Applicants must undergo a criminal background check with an additional professional fingerprinting requirement not necessary for other prospective licensees. The application fee for LPN licensing for out-of-state nurses was $150 as of January 2011.