Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
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US State List for Licensure Transfer
Meets
Alabama
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Alabama is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
LPNs who are, or have been, licensed in another state should apply by endorsement – provided they did complete an approved program. (LPNs licensed on the basis of having partially completed a registered nursing program are not eligible for endorsement into Alabama.) The application may be submitted online.
Nurses must have 24 hours of continuing education completed at some point in the preceding 24 months – this must be verified before a permanent license can be issued. CE certificates may be faxed.
License verification must be provided by the state where the nurse was originally licensed. Transcripts should also be sent directly from the source in a sealed envelope. These materials may not be faxed. However, depending on the state of licensure, license verification may be carried out online.
If license verification must be done via paper form, it may be a lengthier process. A temporary permit may be issued to a nurse who provides a notarized copy of the current license. (In the case of states that have gone completely paperless with their licensing process, a notarized screen print will be accepted.)
There is a $50 fee for a temporary permit; this is in addition to the standard $85 endorsement fee.
The Board asks that supplemental materials not show up before the licensing application.
Arizona
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Arizona is a participating state.
Out of State Practical Nurse License Candidates
Out-of-state candidates who do not need refreshers may apply immediately for licensure by endorsement. Endorsement candidates pay a $150 application fee.
If a candidate comes from another compact state but is now a resident of Arizona, the candidate will need to apply to Arizona. The candidate can practice on the old license for up to 30 days, though, while going through the licensing process in Arizona.
Candidates from other countries have additional paperwork requirements. Canadian candidates may choose to verify their education by providing evidence of licensure and passing scores on the English version of CNATS. Candidates from other countries must present credentials from CGFNS or have their educational equivalency evaluated. Candidates from countries where English is not the main language (and from the Canadian providence of Quebec) will also need to demonstrate English proficiency.
Arkansas
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Arkansas is a participating state.
Practical Nursing Licensure by Endorsement in Arkansas
Arkansas will license LPNs by endorsement whether they have completed board-approved LPN programs in their home states or been licensed by equivalency. (The LPTN pathway, though, is only eligible to endorsement candidates from California or Kansas.)
Out-of-state candidates may work under a temporary permit while going through the endorsement process. The permit is issued electronically; LPNs can verify their legal status through the ASBN Registry.
Candidates who have been practicing less than five years will need to document that in the preceding year, they have either practiced for 1,000 hours or graduated from a program. Otherwise, they will need to take an approved refresher course.
Candidates who were educated in other countries are eligible for licensure provided their transcripts indicate similar education. There are several evaluation agencies to choose from.
Licenses may be denied on the basis of disciplinary history or criminal background.
Candidates may apply online unless their education was in another country. They will have the opportunity to pay fees electronically and submit a request for a fingerprint card. Fingerprints will be submitted to the Arkansas State Police Department; it is important that they be submitted on the correct card.
Colorado
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Colorado is a participating state.
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state LPNs may be licensed by endorsement if they meet all requirements. They will need to get verification from the state where they were originally licensed. If the state is listed with nursys.com, this can be done online. Otherwise, the nurse should use the form included in the endorsement application packet.
A nurse may make a request to work under a temporary permit while completing the licensing process. This permit is only issued to those who have active licenses and whose answers to background screening questions do not indicate issues that could impact eligibility.
Some out-of-state candidates will need to take a refresher course. This applies to those who do not have a license that is current or recent or who have not practiced nursing or taken the NCLEX-PN in the preceding two years. The Board has a list of LPN refresher courses available in the state. While enrolled, the applicant will do unpaid clinical experience; the candidate will be issued a restricted license for this purpose. The candidate will need to have the preceptor fill out a skills checklist before the candidate can get the standard license.
An LPN who completed IV training in another state should get transcripts and course descriptions from the training; the candidate should also secure a competency checklist from a former instructor or RN supervisor.
Nurses who are not licensed in a U.S. state or territory should apply for license by examination. There are some steps to complete first. Candidates need to get a Healthcare Profession and Science Report – this determines if they have met equivalent requirements. Foreign nurses from countries where English is not the dominant language will need to demonstrate English competency. Unless exempt, they will need to have a CGFNS language proficiency report.
Delaware
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Delaware is a participating state.
Out of State LPN Candidates
Practical nurses who are licensed in other jurisdictions may apply for license by examination or license by endorsement, depending on whether they have already passed the required exam.
If an LPN has not been in active nursing practice during the preceding five years and has not completed a refresher course during the preceding two, the candidate will be obligated to enroll in one. If there is not a program available, the Board may allow the candidate to display continuing competency through alternate means. Currently, there is one LPN refresher course in the state, at Delaware Technical and Community College.
Endorsement candidates may be granted temporary permits if they meet continuing competency and experience requirements.
Florida
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Florida is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs Seeking Licensure
LPNs who are licensed in other jurisdictions will need to provide verification of their licenses. Those who have already taken the NCLEX will not need to retake it. With few exceptions, candidates will need to take the NCLEX if they were licensed based on passing some other exam. California used a state-specific licensing exam during certain years in the past. The Florida Board does accept this test. However, Canadian LPNs must apply by examination – the Florida Board does not accept Canadian licensing exams at this level of licensing.
Georgia
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Georgia is a participating state.
Out-of-State LPN Candidates in Georgia
Candidates who completed their education outside Georgia may apply by endorsement or equivalency depending on whether they are currently licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction and have already taken the NCLEX-RN.
LPNs from other states are eligible for interstate endorsement if they meet all requirements. This includes a practice requirement: three months or 500 paid hours of practice earned at some point during the preceding five years. This requirement does not apply to LPNs who are applying within one year of the time they graduated or were first licensed. There is an employment verification form in the application packet.
If a candidate has not met the practice requirement, a refresher/ re-entry course will be required. The course must have been taken within five years of application. The length of the refresher course will depend on the length of time the nurse has been out of active practice.
LPNs who are applying by endorsement must also submit license verification. The form is included in the application packet. The LPN fills out the top part of the form and then submits it to the applicable Board(s).
LPNs who graduated from programs in other nations must have their education evaluated for equivalency and must also pass a test of language proficiency. There are several to choose from: TSE, TWE, or TOEFL. LPNs who have not yet taken and passed the NCLEX should use the equivalency application.
If an endorsement candidate is determined to need more clinical experience, a temporary permit may be issued.
The cost to apply by endorsement is $75.
Idaho
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Idaho is a participating state.
Out of State LPN Candidates
An out-of-state LPN will need to get license verification in order to be licensed by endorsement. However, the candidate may work under a temporary permit while waiting for verification to arrive. The nurse will need a photocopy of the license as evidence; the candidate will also need an affidavit attesting to its authenticity. The candidate must submit an application along with the required fees.
The endorsement fee is $110; the candidate will also need to pay for fingerprint processing. The temporary permit, if desired, is $25. Nurses who have not practiced in three years (and are not recent graduates) will need a temporary permit for another purpose: to refresh their skills. The endorsement application includes an employer reference form. Those who have practiced during the preceding three years will give the reference form to a supervisor to complete and return.
Licensing questions can be addressed to the Board at (208) 334-3110 ext. 2478. International nursing candidates will need to verify substantially equivalent qualifications as well as English proficiency. Board Site.
Indiana
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Indiana is a participating state.
Out-of-State LPNs
A nurse who has been licensed or certified elsewhere must provide official verification. This is the case with all health licenses – CNA, EMT etc. – not just nursing. In many cases, nursing licenses can be verified online. If the state does not utilize the NURSYS database, a paper form is required. This will take longer, but a temporary permit may be issued. The permit costs an additional $10.
An LPN who is licensed in another state must show that the candidate is a graduate of an approved nursing program and that the candidate has passed the NCLEX or SBTPE. Indiana does not accept state-constructed exams such as the one that was used in California in past decades.
Iowa
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Iowa is a participating state.
Out of State LPN Applicants
Out of state applicants must supply transcripts and fingerprints as well as license verification. Transcripts must come directly from the school of nursing.
A $169 fee is required for nurses applying by endorsement; this covers the background check as well as application. There is a separate application for these applicants (http://nursing.iowa.gov/).
International nurses should have their credentials evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. If the nurse did not do the education in English, the candidate will also need to pass an English proficiency exam: either the TOEFL or the IELTS. The TOEFL is available in several formats.
The next step is to apply to the Iowa Board for permission to take the NCLEX-PN. There is an application form specifically for nurses licensed in other countries. Candidates should make sure they have the current version.
Kansas
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Kansas is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs (Until eNLC is enacted)
Candidates who are licensed in other states or U.S. territories may be licensed by endorsement. The application fee for LPNs is $50. Nurses will need to provide license verification. Depending on the state of licensure, this process may be carried out online or may require a paper form.
Endorsement candidates may be granted a temporary permit, good for 120 days, while they’re going through the licensing process. Candidates who have had disciplinary action, though, may be denied the privilege of working while their application is under review.
LPNs who hold IV certification in Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, or Colorado may be granted IV authority in Kansas by providing a copy of their current license. Otherwise, a certification of completion is required.
A vocational nurse who got the license in Texas or California during the years when they had a state-specific licensing exam will need to pass the NCLEX-PN.
Foreign applicants must have their credentials evaluated. They must take the TOEFL if English is not their primary language (unless they have already demonstrated proficiency by completing a nursing program taught in the English language). The Kansas Board requires a 20 in speaking, listening, and writing, and a 19 in reading.
Kentucky
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Kentucky is a participating state.
The Application Process
Candidates may complete the application, and pay the $110 fee, online. The Board notes that the application works best in Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Candidates must know the relevant Kentucky statutes and rules in order to be eligible for licensing. There is an online jurisprudence exam; candidates will be able to access it after they have submitted their application. There is a $9 fee. The test is open book, but it does have to be done in one sitting; if a candidate doesn’t finish, the candidate will need to start again. A candidate who doesn’t complete the test within three weeks will have to pay another fee.
Fingerprinting is another requirement. Fingerprints are to be sent to the Kentucky State Police for a federal background check (along with a $16.50 fee). Examination candidates should also request a state background check online.
The graduate will also need to register for the NCLEX-PN exam. After the candidate receives authorization, the candidate may schedule an exam at their choice of testing centers (http://www.kbn.ky.gov/)
A candidate can work as a Licensed Practical Nurse Applicant (LPNA) while going through the NCLEX process. The candidate may be supervised by an LPN, RN, or nurse practitioner. The candidate may not begin work, though, until the provisional license has been issued. The license can be validated online.
Licensing is now an electronic process. Licensed nurses will receive their license number via email.
Candidates who do not pass their first NCLEX attempt can not work as nurses until such time as they do pass. The Kentucky Board mandates a 46 day wait period before retesting. Candidates will have to repeat some steps of the process to retake. If it has been longer than six months, a criminal history check will be required again.
Louisiana
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Louisiana is a participating state.
LPN License by Endorsement
An individual who is licensed as a practical or vocational nurse in another state may apply for licensure by endorsement. There is a separate application which can be downloaded or requested by phone, fax, or email.
The nurse must document that the candidate graduated from a program that meets Louisiana’s specific coursework requirements. The candidate must also verify that the license is in good standing. The application package must include a copy of the current license as well as a copy of the fingerprint card and background check request. The fee for endorsement is $100 (as stated in the current application package) but candidates should verify fees and all other information as they are subject to change. There is a separate $18 fee to be paid to the United States government for the background check – a copy of the fee should be included in the application packet.
The Board may grant a temporary permit after receipt of required materials. An LPN who has been out of school for at least four years must verify that the candidate has practiced at least six months during the preceding four years. Otherwise, the candidate will be required to take a refresher course.
The Board notes that licensure as an LPN in another jurisdiction is not a guarantee that a candidate will meet Louisiana’s requirements. Eventually, the Board will need to receive license verification from any state where the applicant has ever held a license.
Maine
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Maine is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
An out of state LPN may be eligible for endorsement if the candidate has graduated from a program approved by the licensing agency in another U.S. state or territory. The candidate will need license verification. Many states handle license verification through Nursys.com; the Board has provided a list of these states. If licensing is in another state, the nurse should use a paper form. The form includes questions about the LPN’s educational background. A $50 fee must be submitted with the application. Endorsement candidates are sometimes issued a letter from the Board that allows them to practice while going through the endorsement process.
LPNs from Canada and other nations should be aware that the NCLEX will be required. International nurses must have a four-year high school education as well as acceptable nursing education. A nurse who does not have a green card, occupational license, or social security number and current license in another U.S. state, is not ready to apply. The candidate may call the Board at 207-287-1133.
Maryland
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Maryland is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement Candidates
The endorsement application can be completed online. An email address will be required.
A passport style photo is also necessary. Applicants can look on the Board site for instructions as well as a tool to use for cropping their digital photos.
Out of state applicants may practice on a temporary license while awaiting results of the criminal background check. They do need to have their fingerprints done first – if the applicant follows the steps correctly, a purple postcard will be stamped at the police station during the fingerprint check. This serves as evidence that the step has been completed.
Applicants who are currently living out of state may email the following address for criminal background check instructions: mdbon.nets@maryland.gov.
The application fee is $140 if requesting both a temporary and permanent license, $100 if a temporary license will not be required.
Mississippi
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Mississippi is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
An LPN applying for license by endorsement pays a $60 application fee and provides fingerprints, transcript, and license verification. There is a form in the endorsement packet that requires notarization (http://www.msbn.ms.gov/Pages/ApplicationsForms.aspx#Endorsement). The fingerprinting procedure will be different for an applicant who’s not residing in Mississippi; it is advised that the candidate call the Board.
If a currently licensed LPN wants to be eligible for work in Mississippi before all materials are processed, the candidate should add $25 to the application fee (for a total of $85). A copy of the current license must be included in the application packet. If the candidate is transferring residence/ license from another nurse compact state, though, the candidate should not request the temporary permit or include the additional fee.
The Mississippi Board does not grant IV certification by endorsement. LPNs should complete a board-approved course.
LPNs who do not have recent nursing experience may have additional requirements to show that their skills are up to date.
International applicants will need credential evaluation through CGFNS.
Missouri
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Missouri is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
LPNs who are licensed in other states may apply by endorsement. There is a separate application packet. The LPN will need a background check. The candidate should send a transcript, a copy of the license, and a $51 fee. The candidate will also need official license verification. The Board asks that candidates go to Nursys.com for more information.
An out-of-state endorsement applicant may be granted a temporary permit which will allow to attend orientation and get started in the nursing position a little earlier.
IV certification does not transfer to Missouri, even if one is, or has been, licensed in another compact state. LPNs may have their IV education evaluated by the Board, however. The Board may find that the coursework is equivalent to what is required in Missouri, or that it can substitute for a portion of the requirement.
Montana
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Montana is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
LPNs who already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply for licensure by credential. They must show that they met equivalent requirements to those that were in effect in Montana when they were first licensed. License verification is required from any state that the LPN has been licensed in in the past two years as well as from the state in which the candidate was originally licensed.
An out-of-state nurse who has not had disciplinary actions in the previous two years may be issued a temporary permit.
LPNs who have not passed a U.S. licensing exam will need to pass the NCLEX. A nurse who was educated in a foreign country needs to get a course by course evaluation from one of the organizations approved for this purpose: the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools or the International Education Research Foundation. In many cases, an English proficiency exam will be required as well. Nurses educated in the following countries do not need to demonstrate English proficiency through testing: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Tobago, Trinidad, or the UK. Canadian nurses do not need to unless their education was in Quebec. International nurses applying for license by examination will pay $100 (in addition to costs for examination and evaluation which are paid to other organizations); those with U.S. license who are applying by credentialing will pay $200 to the Montana Board.
Nebraska
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Nebraska is a participating state. Click the link below for the list of participating states:
Out of State and International LPN Candidates
A nurse who has been licensed in another jurisdiction may be eligible for license by endorsement. Nebraska accepts, in addition to the NCLEX, the state pool exam (a predecessor to the NCLEX).
If the applicant is currently licensed, the candidate may be granted a temporary permit once the candidate has submitted the application, fee, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and a notarized copy of the license. There is no additional fee for the temporary permit, but the candidate should indicate that the candidate wants it.
The candidate will need transcripts and official license verification before the permanent license can be issued. License verification can be done online provided the state where the nurse is licensed uses Nursys.com. In this case, verification will be a quick process. If the candidate is not from a Nursys.com state, the candidate will submit a paper form to the board.
If a nurse has not practiced at least 500 hours in the previous five years (and did not graduate in the previous two year period) the candidate must take a refresher course. The requirement for theory is 45 contact hours; the clinical requirement is 30 contact hours. A list of approved courses is available (http://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing.aspx).
International LPN candidates must also demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC.
An international LPN candidate who has not yet taken the proficiency exam, or is found to have educational deficiencies, may seek registration as a nursing assistant or medication aide so the candidate can work while the candidate completes the additional requirements.
New Hampshire
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. New Hampshire is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
A nurse who has been licensed elsewhere will need to provide license verification. In many cases, this may be done online through the NURSYS database. In some cases, paper verification will be required; the application notes which states require paper forms.
A nurse with an active license is a candidate for license by endorsement. The candidate will need to go through a criminal background check. Endorsement candidates may request a temporary permit. The temporary permit does not confer multistate practice privileges. Endorsement candidates must meet continuing competency requirements. Generally, this means practicing at least 400 hours during the preceding four years and doing 30 continuing education contact hours during the preceding two. Nurses who have taken the NCLEX in the prior two years are also considered to have met the requirement.
Sometimes the NCLEX is retaken for re-entry into the field — New Hampshire will authorize applicants to do so. The other re-entry option is to enroll in a board-approved refresher course. A nurse who chooses this option must get a special kind of temporary permit, one that authorizes participation in the clinical portion of the course.
LPNs educated outside the U.S. and Canada must demonstrate that their education meets New Hampshire’s requirements for theory and clinical coursework.
New Mexico
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. New Mexico is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
Endorsement candidates must provide license verification from the state where they were first licensed. In most cases, endorsement candidates must show that they graduated from an approved program. LPNs must meet New Mexico’s educational requirements unless they were originally licensed by July 1, 1969. Military personnel who took the national licensing examination by July 1, 1977 and were subsequently licensed as LPNs, may be eligible for endorsement.
Canadian nurses are eligible for license by endorsement if they have taken the NCLEX and been licensed in another U.S. state. (Otherwise they need to take the NCLEX.) Fingerprinting should be done before application; the Board asks that fingerprint cards be included with the initial application materials.
The application fee for an endorsement candidate is $110, unless the candidate wants to work under a temporary permit while materials are being processed (in which case the fee will be $160). The application itself lists fees – candidates should make sure they have the most current information.
North Carolina
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. North Carolina is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
LPNs who have taken approved nursing programs and been licensed in other states may apply by endorsement. Those who were licensed on the basis of non-approved military training should contact the NC Board of Nursing.
The endorsement application can be completed online. The candidate will need to have a lot of information at hand – from the current license number to the mother’s maiden name. There’s a checklist of required information on the site.
The fee to apply for license by endorsement is $150.
An endorsement candidate may be eligible for a temporary license. This can make employment-ready within about two weeks. The candidate will need to verify that the temporary license has been issued by doing an online check.
North Dakota
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. North Dakota is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
A candidate who has already passed the NCLEX (or its predecessor, the SBTPE) can apply by endorsement. The application can be completed online. The applicant will also need to provide official transcripts as well as verification from the first state where the candidate held licensing. North Dakota can issue a temporary permit upon receipt of the application, fee, and transcript. A criminal history check is required, but the permit may be issued before results are in. Application status can be checked online.
An LPN that has not practiced for at least 400 hours during the previous four-year period must meet additional requirements before the candidate can be licensed.
Oklahoma
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Oklahoma is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
Out-of-state candidates may request fingerprint cards from the Board and take them to a law enforcement agency in their own jurisdiction. They need to provide license verification from the state where they were initially licensed.
Oklahoma does not accept state-constructed licensing exams; candidates who have not taken the NCLEX-PN, or its predecessor, must do so.
Nurses who have not practiced at least 520 hours during the previous two years will need to show continuing competency through coursework. If the nurse took the NCLEX within the previous two years (and graduated within two years of the time the candidate took the NCLEX) this requirement does not apply. There is also an exemption for military spouses; details can be found in the application packet for license by endorsement.
A temporary permit may get an out-of-state nurse working sooner. It is available to candidates who have a clean disciplinary and legal history and who meet Oklahoma’s licensing requirements. There is a $10 fee, which is to be added to the standard $85 application fee.
Internationally educated nurses must have their credentials evaluated by CGFNS. In many cases, an English proficiency exam will be required.
South Carolina
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. South Carolina is a participating state.
Out-of-State LPNs
Out-of-state applicants may be licensed by endorsement if they have already taken the required exam or if they were licensed on the basis of different criteria, but have since had three successful years of practice. However, a refresher course will be required of nurses who are not current.
Out-of-state nurses should obtain fingerprint cards. They can still have their fingerprints processed through South Carolina’s electronic Live Scan system – this allows the prints to be processed more quickly. Applicants should mail their prints along with the processing fee (currently $51.50).
An endorsement candidate will need to provide license verification from the first state where the candidate was licensed. The endorsement candidate pays a $100 application fee to the Board ($110 if the candidate needs to begin work under a temporary license).
Nurses who want their temporary license issued more quickly may choose to drop in at the Board during walk-in hours. There is an additional $25 fee.
South Dakota
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. South Dakota is a participating state. Click the link below for the list of participating states:
Out of State LPNs
A practical nurse licensed in another state may apply by endorsement. The candidate will need to submit official license verification, but may be granted a temporary permit with a photocopy of a current license. The candidate will need to have fingerprints done before the candidate can be granted this status. The candidate may request cards by calling (605) 362-2760. There is also an email address available in the application packet that can be used to request fingerprinting materials.
The nurse should also request official transcripts. The candidate will submit a $100 application fee to the South Dakota Board ($125 if the candidate wants to begin work under a temporary permit).
Tennessee
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Tennessee is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
LPNs who are licensed in other jurisdictions are eligible for endorsement if they meet Tennessee’s requirements. Among the requirements are having graduated from an approved practical nursing program and having passed the national license examination. In recent years, the only accepted exam has been the NCLEX; applicants can also be endorsed if they passed the SBTPE in an earlier era.
Endorsement applications can be downloaded from the site of the Department of Health. The applicant will need to include a copy of the nursing transcript and diploma. The candidate will need to have the affidavit that is included in the application packet notarized. A $115 fee is due with the application.
The candidate should have a professional 2 ½ x 2 ½ photo taken within six months of the time the candidate plans to apply – this must be attached to the application. The candidate will obtain a criminal background check following the directions on the Department of Health website. Tennessee’s approved vendor is IdentoGO by MorphoTrust. The candidate can schedule the appointment online, or, if the candidate does not have the opportunity, by calling (855) 226-2937. A fee will be assessed. The fingerprints will be sent to the Tennessee FBI through electronic means.
Texas
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Texas is a participating state.
Out of State Applicants
Out-of-state candidates may be licensed by exam or endorsement, depending on whether they have already met licensing requirements in another state. If a nursing graduate is applying for first-time licensure/ licensure by examination based on an out-of-state program, the program director must sign an affidavit that includes information about particular courses (i.e. how many hours of theory and how many hours of lab or clinical work).
LVNs can use the credentials they earned in another jurisdiction (certificate or degree, passing NCLEX-PN scores) to endorse into Texas, but they do need to meet Texas requirements – which include actually completing an approved nursing program. If an LVN was licensed in another state based on equivalency (partially completing an RN program or doing military training in any other than an approved practical/vocational nursing program) the candidate doesn’t meet Texas requirements. If the candidate was licensed on the basis of a state exam (like the one used in California in prior decades) the candidate does not meet the examination requirement – yet. The candidate should contact the examination department.
There are only minor differences in policy for in-state and out-of-state candidates. Out-of-state candidates should request their fingerprint cards from the Board.
An endorsement candidate must provide license verification from each state where the candidate has been licensed.
A temporary permit can be issued before some steps are complete: results of background check, receipt of verifications, completion of the jurisprudence exam. However, it cannot be issued if there are questions about license eligibility (based on fitness questions). It takes a couple weeks for the Board to issue a temporary permit. It is valid for only 120 days.
Candidates who have not practiced in the recent past may be required to get a special temporary permit to do refresher work.
Utah
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Utah is a participating state.
Endorsement and International LPNs
An LPN with an active license in another state can apply by endorsement. This is a relatively simple process. The LPN does not need to provide transcripts, but must submit verification from a current state of licensure. BCI and FBI background checks are required. Candidates who can’t come to the DOPL office may use fingerprint cards (Form FD-258).
An international LPN applying by examination should have a credential evaluation report by the Foundation for International Services, Inc. If the credentials are adequate, the candidate will be able to take the NCLEX-PN.
An internationally educated nurse who has taken the NCLEX and been licensed in the U.S. must still provide credential evaluation from an approved organization.
The Board requires that candidates understand all applicable laws and rules. They change from time to time, so it’s important to visit the Board site.
Virginia
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Virginia is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
An LPN who is licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply by endorsement. The Board asks that LVNs who were licensed on the basis of an exam other than the NCLEX call them at (804) 367-4555.
Endorsement candidates fill out their applications online. In many cases, license verification can be done online as well, through nursys.com. On the Board site, there are links that an applicant can use to determine whether the state of licensure utilizes nursys.com, and if it does, to carry out the process.
If the state of licensure is not a nursys.com participant, the nurse should print out a paper form, fill out the top portion, and mail it to the licensing agency. (The fee for license verification may vary.)
West Virginia
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. West Virginia is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
An LPN who is currently licensed in another state is eligible to be endorsed into West Virginia – and to practice under a temporary permit pending the arrival of some documentation. Maintaining the active license in another state is among the requirements for practicing prior to full endorsement.
The endorsement application can be completed online or via paper form. It must be accompanied by a $50 fee in an appropriate form. Personal checks are not accepted.
If the state of licensure does not use the Nursys online verification form, the candidate will need to submit a paper license verification form to the licensing agency.
Wisconsin
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Wisconsin is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
A nurse with a current active license in another U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction can apply by endorsement if the candidate meets all requirements (including not having been terminated from a position for negligence). Accepted exams include the NCLEX and the SBTPE.
The candidate will need to verify active and inactive licenses. If the state uses the NURSYS verification system, license verification can be done online. Otherwise, the nurse will need to mail a form to the licensing agency. An endorsement candidate who wishes to begin working under a temporary permit will need a photocopy of the license. The fee for license by endorsement is $82; the temporary permit, if required, is an extra $10.
An applicant who has not worked as a nurse during the preceding five years will need to get a limited license to complete a refresher course.
An international LPN should take the TOEFL and have nursing education evaluated by CGFNS.
Wyoming
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. Wyoming is a participating state.
LPN by Endorsement
An endorsement candidate must submit, in addition to the application, fingerprint cards and license verification from the state of original licensure. The Wyoming Board will need to know the current status of the license.
The application asks for evidence of continuing competence. This can be met in a variety of ways, including recent practice, continuing education, or a refresher course. LPNs who took the NCLEX within the preceding five years are deemed competent.
A candidate who does meet requirements may be work-eligible sooner if the candidate requests a temporary permit.
Does Not Meet
Alaska
Requirements for LPNs Licensed in Other Jurisdictions
The endorsement route (license without examination) is for candidates with current, active licensing in another U.S. jurisdiction, and in a limited number of cases, for Canadian nurses. There is a separate licensure packet for endorsement candidates. Candidates should make sure they have the most current version.
Endorsement candidates must demonstrate continuing competency. 320 hours of nursing practice in the preceding two years is sufficient for meeting this requirement.
An endorsement applicant may provide a certified true copy of the license. A notary will be required. Employment verification can be found in the licensure packet. License verification forms — to be sent to the state of licensing — are also found in the packet. In many cases, license verification can be done online at http://www.nursys.com.
Nurses educated in countries other than the U.S. or Canada should have their coursework evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. They must also take and pass the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate English competency.
California
Out of State LVN Applicants
Out of state candidates must meet similar requirements, but the process is slightly different. They will need to verify their license status using a paper form or an online system. They should send $199 to cover the application and fingerprinting process.
Candidates who initiate the fingerprinting process while residing outside California will not be able to use the Live Scan fingerprinting and will use cards instead.
Foreign applicants are also eligible for licensure by endorsement, provided they take the NCLEX (or took its predecessor in an earlier time).
Connecticut
Out-of-State and International LPNs
Practical nurses licensed in the U.S. are eligible for license by endorsement; in many cases, Canadian nurses can also be licensed without further examination. License verification is required from each state, territory, or province where the nurse has held licensing. The Connecticut Board notes that it is generally possible to view Georgia license verifications online without the candidate needing to be involved in the process. Many other states use the nursys.com online system. In other cases, a paper form will be necessary.
The LPN will also need to verify the education using the appropriate form. An endorsement candidate should have education that is substantially equivalent to what the candidate would have gotten in a Connecticut program. Connecticut expects at least 1,500 hours of total nursing education; there are clinical standards that must be met as well. If the nurse’s program was shorter, the candidate will need to demonstrate appropriately supervised post-education experience.
A U.S. candidate who holds a current license and has submitted educational verification can be issued a 120-day permit while the candidate is going through the endorsement process.
A Canadian practical nurse who took the licensing exam in 1970 or later will not be required to take the NCLEX. If the candidate took the licensing exam in French, however, the candidate will need to pass a language proficiency exam.
Nurses educated in other nations will have additional requirements. They will first have a professional report through CGFNS. Later they will take the NCLEX.
Hawaii
Out of State LPN’s
Nurses who are licensed by exam in other U.S. jurisdictions are eligible for licensure by endorsement. (If a candidate graduates from a state-approved program in another state and passes the NCLEX exam there, but wants to work in Hawaii, the candidate needs to complete the process in that other state and then be licensed in Hawaii by endorsement.)
An out-of-state nurse may be eligible to work under a temporary permit while completing the licensing process in Hawaii. The candidate must provide proof that the candidate is licensed and that the candidate has requested official license verification from the board; however, the temporary permit may be issued before the official verification has arrived.
Illinois
Out-of-State and International LPNs Seeking Licensure in Illinois
LPNs or LVNs who hold active licensing in another U.S. jurisdiction can apply by endorsement. They will need to get license verification from any state where they hold current licensing or have practiced within the previous five years. They also need verification from the state they were first licensed (if different). Endorsement candidates apply directly to the Illinois Department.
Applicants from outside the U.S. will need to have their education evaluated by one of the approved organizations listed in the application packet. They will need to demonstrate English proficiency if English was not their first language.
Massachusetts
Out of State Candidates
LPNs can be licensed by endorsement if they meet the following requirements. They must have done one of the following 1) graduated from an LPN or RN program approved by the Board in another state or US territory or 2) withdrew from an RN program while in good standing. They must have passed the required licensing exam. Evidence of good character is another requirement. An applicant who answers “yes” to any of the screening questions must send supporting documentation.
Endorsement applications can be found on the site of Professional Credential Services. A fee of $275 is to be paid to PCS.
Michigan
Out of State LPNs
Applicants who have been licensed in other jurisdictions must provide license verification. The Michigan Board of Nursing requires verification from any state where the applicant has held permanent licensing.
LPN applicants from foreign countries must have their credentials evaluated by one of two organizations: the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Credential Evaluation Services of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. The TOEFL will be required of those who did not do their education in English.
Identogo or other Livescan prints are preferred for out-of-state candidates, but there are other options. Out-of-state candidates who have access to Livescan printing should have the electronic fingerprints printed out.
A candidate who has a current disciplinary sanction (including a fine) in another state is not eligible for licensure. After resolution of the sanction, the candidate may apply. Criminal convictions do not always make an individual ineligible for licensure; the Board considers the type of offense and other mitigating factors, like age.
Minnesota
Out of State LPNs
An LPN licensed in another state can be licensed by endorsement if the candidate meets Minnesota’s requirement for graduation from an approved program or if the candidate falls into one of Minnesota’s exception categories. Some states license LPNs by equivalency when they have not graduated from approved programs. This is acceptable for endorsement into Minnesota if the LPN has practiced at least 4,000 hours in the preceding five years. (If the LPN was licensed in an earlier era when Minnesota’s requirements were lower, and the candidate met requirements that were equivalent to those in place at the time, this is also acceptable.)
An endorsement applicant will need to provide license verification from the state where the candidate was first licensed (on the basis of examination) as well as the state where the candidate was most recently employed as a nurse. The endorsement application can be done online. The cost of application is $115.50.
A nurse should verify employment as well as licensing. If the Board is not satisfied that the candidate has shown continuing competency through recent licensure and practice, the candidate may be required to do continuing education or take a refresher course. If this is the case, the candidate will receive a letter from the Board.
If a nurse wishes to practice under a temporary permit while going through the licensing process in Minnesota, the candidate should include a request with the application and include a current copy of the license. The permit is valid for 60 days, or until such time as the Board takes action on the application for permanent licensure. Official license verification will be required eventually. Depending on the state of licensure, the process may be carried out online. A list of states that use Nursys.com is included in the endorsement application package (http://www.nursingboard.state.mn.us/).
Nevada
Out-of-State and International LPNs
An LPN who has previously licensed in a U.S. state should get license verification from the original state of licensure. There is a form on the Board site; the applicant fills out the top portion and then sends it to the state board (along with whatever fee the other state may require). In many cases, license verification can be done online through Nursys.com.
The applicant must also complete an application and have fingerprints done. The fee for LPN by endorsement is $95. The fingerprint-based background check can be done at the applicant’s choice of locations, provided the candidate has the agency-issued card. The Board cautions candidates to make sure their application is in before other documents start arriving in the mail.
Eligible candidates will be issued an interim permit which will allow them to begin work while waiting for the background check. There is no additional fee – the candidate just needs to wait for it to be issued.
New Jersey
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. 34 states have implemented the compact. New Jersey is a participating state.
Out of State LPNs
A nurse who holds licensing in other states will need official verification from all of them. In many cases, this can be done online. There is a paper form in the endorsement packet for use in states that don’t utilize the online system.
An endorsement candidate will need to have fingerprints made. How he/she goes about getting them done will depend on where he lives. If he/she lives within ten miles of New Jersey’s borders or comes within ten miles to work or attend school, he will be expected to use the electronic service (the same as New Jersey residents do). Otherwise, he/she has the option of using traditional fingerprint cards. Candidates who opt to use cards will need to pay a $63.55 fee to MorphoTrak; their prints will be scanned into the system.
A candidate who opts for a paper form should still fill out a brief form online that includes contact information. This is so the Board can send him the fingerprinting information.
Endorsement candidates pay the same fees for application, licensing, and surcharge that exam candidates do – a total of $200.
Internationally educated nurses have a different process. They must have a course-by-course evaluation by an outside organization and also pass an English proficiency exam. Internationally educated exam candidates pay $225 to the New Jersey Board — $25 more than those who did their education in the U.S. (This is separate from fees that will be owed to outside organizations.)
An international LPN who has a deficiency in one of the five core areas will need to make it up.
New York
Out of State LPNs
Out of state candidates must provide verification of past or current licenses, in nursing and also in other professional fields. There is a form available online which can be used for this purpose. The candidate fills out only the top portion; the licensing agency fills out the rest and then sends it to the New York Office of the Professions.
In addition to the general education requirements, a New York LPN must have training in infection control, including HIV and Hepatitis B. New York graduates can expect to receive this as part of their coursework. Other candidates should take an approved course. The requirement is the same whether the candidate is a new graduate or has been previously licensed.
Internationally educated LPNs must have their credentials evaluated through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. An internationally educated candidate may be granted a limited permit while waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Ohio
LPN by Endorsement
Endorsement candidates need to take a two-hour course in Ohio rules and laws; the requirement can be met through distance education. Candidates should visit the continuing education section of the Board site to find approved courses.
A criminal background check is another requirement for licensure. Out of state candidates may request fingerprint cards from the Board. It is possible to obtain a temporary permit before the results are in provided the candidate has submitted verification of education and licensure along with the required application and fee.
A nurse who begins work under a temporary permit must keep the license active in the qualifying state until such time as the Ohio license is issued.
Endorsement candidates must demonstrate appropriate coursework in order to be authorized to administer medication and/or carry out IV therapy. If an endorsement candidate provides evidence of appropriate IV coursework, the candidate must still take a one-hour module in state-specific laws and rules.
Oregon
Out of State Candidates
LPNs who are, or have been, licensed in other U.S. states apply by endorsement. The application fee is $195; there is also a $52 fingerprint processing fee. Candidates need to provide license verification from the first state of licensure and the most recent one (if different). U.S. graduates/ licensees fill out the endorsement application online.
If a nurse has not practiced at least 960 hours in the preceding five years, the candidate will need to do a board-approved refresher course – unless the candidate completed a license-qualifying nursing program less than five years earlier. A refresher course can be accepted if it was completed in the two years prior to application.
Pennsylvania
LPN by Endorsement
A candidate who has full active licensure in another state may apply by endorsement. The candidate will pay $100 to the Board. The candidate may be issued a temporary permit to allow the candidate to get started sooner — there is an additional $35 fee. (Fees are per the most recent application — candidates should make sure they have the current one.)
Pennsylvania requires LPNs who do IV therapy to complete a Pennsylvania-approved IV therapy course.
A candidate should use the endorsement by examination form if the candidate was licensed in a U.S. state or territory that was not using the NCLEX or state pool at the time of licensure or if the candidate was licensed in Canada without taking either of the allowable exams. The candidate should remit a fee of $135 to the Pennsylvania Board with the application — or $170 if the candidate wants to begin work sooner under a temporary permit. The permit is good for up to a year.
An examination candidate who was educated in a non-English nursing program in Canada or a U.S. territory should also submit English proficiency exam results. The Board notes that English proficiency results are valid for two years. Transcripts must be translated to English and certified for accuracy.
A candidate who was originally licensed in Canada or Puerto Rico but later passed the required exam in another U.S. jurisdiction should get license verification from the state where the candidate passed (as well as from the state where the candidate was first licensed).
Rhode Island
Out of State LPNs
A practical nurse who is licensed in another state, or in DC, can apply for license by endorsement. The candidate will pay the same application fee ($45) but use a different application packet. The candidate will need license verification from all states where the candidate has held licensing. The candidate will also need to have an official transcript sent to the Board. The candidate will have a fingerprint-based background check.
A nurse who holds a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction will be permitted to practice for up to 90 days before a permanent license is issued.
A foreign LPN can be granted a license if the credentials are found to be equivalent. The candidate must show that the candidate has a high school education as well as nursing coursework completed in a government-approved school. The candidate should have nursing coursework evaluated by one of the services approved by the Rhode Island Board.
Vermont
Out of State LPNs
A nurse who is, or has been, licensed in another state can apply by endorsement. On the application, the nurse will list the employment for the prior five years. If the candidate worked in a private capacity, or is claiming work done as a volunteer, the candidate will need to provide additional verification. The candidate will need to provide license verification from the state where the candidate was first licensed as well as the one where the candidate was most recently employed as a nurse. If the candidate has a current license, the candidate may be issued a temporary permit which will allow them to get started a little sooner. The candidate will need a photocopy of the current license. The quickest way to get the permit is to show up at the Board office during walk-through hours.
If a nurse does not have the requisite experience but is a relatively recent graduate, the candidate will need to verify the education. The fee to apply by endorsement is $150.
If an LPN has been out of school five or more years but does not have sufficient recent experience, the candidate will need to do a re-entry course that meets Board requirements for theory and clinical practice. The candidate will need a permit for this purpose. There is an application form on the Board site; it should be submitted with a $25 fee.
Washington
LPN by Endorsement
LPNs with active licenses in other U.S. jurisdictions can apply by endorsement. (Those without current licensing may seek authorization to do a refresher course.)
License verification is necessary and can often be done electronically; this depends on the state of licensure. In many cases, license verification provides verification of education as well. If it doesn’t provide the necessary information, though, transcripts will be required.
Nurses who did their education in prior decades may need additional training in AIDS in order to endorse into Washington.
Candidates with out-of-state addresses will be required to do a fingerprint-based criminal background check. A nurse may be issued a temporary permit pending results of the criminal background check.
Internationally Educated LPNs
Washington State will evaluate the education of foreign LPNs based on transcripts and an educational verification form. An online course, the Personal Vocational Relationship Course, is required.
The TOEFL is required in cases where English was not the primary language. The minimum speaking score is 26; the minimum total score is 79.