Kentucky Nursing License
How to get your Kentucky nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Kentucky, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Kentucky licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $125 by exam / $165 by endorsement |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $65 / year |
| Continuing education | 14 hours / year |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
The $125 initial fee is for licensure by examination ($165 by endorsement). RN licenses renew annually on a November 1–October 31 cycle ($65). 14 CE contact hours are required each year. eNLC member.
Official resources
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Kentucky nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Kentucky?
- Yes. Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Kentucky without a separate application.
- How much does a Kentucky nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Kentucky is $125 by exam / $165 by endorsement, and renewal is $65 / year.
- How many continuing-education hours does Kentucky require?
- Kentucky requires 14 hours / year for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Kentucky nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.