How to Get Your LVN/LPN License

Your complete guide to becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Start your nursing career in as little as 12 months.

Total Time: 12-18 months

Licensing Cost: $300-$450

LVN vs LPN: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) are the same role. Texas and California use "LVN" while all other states use "LPN."

Steps to License

85%

First-Time Pass Rate

$60K

Median Salary

+5%

Job Growth

Complete a Practical Nursing Program

12-18 months

Enroll in and complete a state-approved LPN/LVN program.

Certificate/Diploma Program

12-14 months

Vocational schools, community colleges

Most common path. Full-time programs with classroom and clinical components.

Associate Degree (LPN)

18-24 months

Community colleges

Includes general education courses. May offer easier transition to RN programs.

Typical Coursework:

Anatomy and Physiology

Pharmacology

Nursing Fundamentals

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Pediatric Nursing

Maternal-Child Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Plus 400-800 hours of supervised clinical experience

Pro Tip: Verify your program is approved by your state board of nursing. Unapproved programs will not qualify you for licensure.

Apply to Your State Board of Nursing

1-2 weeks

Submit your application to your state nursing board.

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Official transcripts from nursing program
Proof of identity
Application fee ($50-$150)
Passport photo (some states)

Pro Tip: Many states allow you to apply before you graduate. Check your state's timeline to apply as early as possible.

Complete Background Check

2-4 weeks

All states require criminal background checks for nursing licensure.

Background Check Components:

Electronic fingerprinting
State criminal database check
FBI national criminal check
Sex offender registry check

Total cost: $50-$100 total

Pro Tip: Having a criminal history doesn't automatically disqualify you. Contact your state board to discuss your specific situation.

Register for the NCLEX-PN

1-2 weeks

Create your Pearson VUE account and register for the exam.

Registration Steps:

1 Visit pearsonvue.com/nclex
2 Create an account and register
3 Pay the $200 examination fee
4 Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
5 Schedule your exam date and location

Pro Tip: Your ATT is valid for 90 days. Schedule promptly to get your preferred date and testing center.

Pass the NCLEX-PN Examination

5 hours maximum

Take and pass the computerized adaptive test for practical nurses.

NCLEX-PN Exam Details:

Questions

85-205 questions

Time

Up to 5 hours

Format

Computer adaptive testing (CAT)

Pass Rate

First-time pass rate: ~85%

Content Distribution:

Safe and Effective Care Environment (26-38%)
Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
Psychosocial Integrity (9-15%)
Physiological Integrity (38-62%)

Pro Tip: Focus your study on pharmacology, priority setting, and delegation. Use practice questions from reputable review sources.

Receive Your LVN/LPN License

1-2 weeks after passing

Your state will issue your license once exam results are verified.

After You're Licensed:

Verify license status on your state board website
Print license verification for employers
Note your renewal date (usually every 2 years)
Consider specialty certifications (IV therapy, wound care)

Pro Tip: Pay $7.95 for "quick results" through Pearson VUE to get unofficial results 48 hours after your exam.

What's Next? Advance Your Career

Many LVN/LPNs use their license as a stepping stone to becoming a Registered Nurse.

LVN/LPN RN

LVN-to-RN Bridge Programs

Transition to registered nursing in 12-18 months with an LVN-to-RN bridge program. Your LVN experience gives you a head start with accelerated coursework.

12-18

Months

+40%

Salary Increase

Opportunities

Learn about becoming an RN

Not Sure Yet?

Still exploring your options? Learn about the salary, career outlook, and whether this career is right for you.

Thinking of Becoming an LVN? →