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Licensure by Examination

Go to NCLEX Eligibility Changes for new information.

In order to receive a Kentucky nursing license, an applicant is required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).   

Administrative regulation 201 KAR 20:070 has been filed with the Legislative Research Commission.  Effectively immediately, all applicants for licensure may be made eligible to sit for NCLEX and be issued a provisional license. Passing NCLEX and completion of the clinical internship are required by law in order to be licensed as a nurse in Kentucky.

Upon completion of the 120-hour clinical internship, you must submit the Verification of Completion of the Clinical Internship Form before a permanent license will be issued.

See below for more specific information.

Application Status

You may check the status of your application from the following secure site: 

Licensure Process

Register with Pearson/VUE for the NCLEX.
  • By phone:  1-866-496-2539
  • Make sure you provide your social security number and a valid email address (preferably a personal email address — not one from your program of nursing).

You can now complete the Examination Application online by clicking on UNIVERSAL APPLICATIONS and following the instructions provided.

  • Application fee of $110.
  • A Criminal History Report [PDF Format - 13k] in all names ever used from the Administrative Office of the Courts. 
    • If you apply online, the Administrative Office of the Courts will send copies of your criminal history report to KBN electronically.  You do not have to fax or mail copies.
    • If you apply using a paper application, you must submit copies of your criminal history report WITH YOUR APPLICATION.  The criminal history request form is included when your download the Examination Appliction Form.

  • A paper application is available at Examination Application Form [PDF Format - 85k].

  • Allow 14 days for an application to be reviewed.

KBN must have Evidence of Graduation.

  • Kentucky programs will submit a Certified List of Graduates.
  • Out-of-state programs may submit a Certified List of Graduates from Out-of-State Programs of Nursing or an official transcript, with degree and date degree was conferred.

KBN will:

Applicant will receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson/VUE:

  • Within 48 hours if a valid email address was provided.
  • Up to 4 weeks if postal mail is required.
  • May schedule a test date.
  • May begin clinical internship.
  • May test before completing the internship.

KBN will receive test results from Pearson/VUE:
  • If KBN received verification of completion of the clinical internship and the applicant passed NCLEX, a permanent license will be issued within 4 weeks of test date.

  • If KBN did not receive verification of completion of the clinical internship and the applicant passed NCLEX, the applicant must complete the internship.  After KBN receives evidence of verification of the internship, a permanent license will be issued.

  • If KBN received verification of completion of the clinical internship and the applicant did not pass NCLEX, the provisional license will be void.  The applicant may no longer practice in a licensed position and may retest (Apply to Retake).   A permanent license will be issued within 4 weeks of successfully passing NCLEX.

  • If KBN did not receive verification of completion of the clinical internship and the applicant did not pass NCLEX, the provisional license will be void.  The applicant may no longer practice in a licensed position and may retest (Apply to Retake).  When KBN is notified that the applicant passed NCLEX, a second provisional license will be issued, and the applicant must begin the 120-hour internship from the beginning.  No credit will be given for hours completed previously.  When the applicant completes the internship and submits verification of completion of the internship, KBN will issue a permanent license.
Have you previously taken NCLEX in Kentucky or another state?

Requirements for Retaking the NCLEX.

Prelicensure Practical Nursing Role Delineation Course [PDF Format - 17k]:  RN graduates who fail the NCLEX-RN may apply to take the NCLEX-PN.  Additional information is provided in this link.  (Reference:  201 KAR 20:070)

 
See Also...
  Criminal Background Check (CourtNet)
How to obtain a criminal history report required for licensure by examination.

 Special Testing Accommodations
Explains process for requesting testing modifications for NCLEX candidates with disabilities.

 FAQ: Examination
Frequently asked questions about the licensure by examination process.		  

Contact Us...
 
Application Request
Use this contact form to request a licensure by examination application form.

Examination Contact
Use this contact form if you have questions about the licensure by examination process.

 

Last Updated 8/5/2008
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