NCLEX-RN requirements in Kentucky
Everything you need to know to get licensed as an RN in Kentucky: the board, fees, continuing education, renewal cycle, fingerprint requirements, and NLC compact status.
How to get your RN license in Kentucky
- Graduate from an approved nursing program. Kentucky accepts ADN and BSN graduates from programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
- Apply to the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Submit your application, transcripts, and the $$65 licensing fee through the board's online portal at https://kbn.ky.gov.
- Complete fingerprinting and background check. Kentucky requires a criminal background check via fingerprinting, typically through L-1 Enrollment Services or IdentoGO.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN with NCSBN. Pay the $200 NCSBN fee, receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), and schedule with Pearson VUE.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN. The exam is 75 to 145 questions, computer adaptive, up to 5 hours. Results are reported to your state board within 1–2 business days.
- Receive your license. Kentucky Board of Nursing issues your license number once your NCLEX results post.
Kentucky continuing education and renewal
Kentucky requires 14 continuing education hours per 1-year renewal cycle. Renewals are managed online through Kentucky Board of Nursing.
State-specific notes: Includes mandatory 1.5 hrs domestic violence, 1.5 hrs pediatric abusive head trauma, 2 hrs suicide prevention.
Is Kentucky a compact state?
Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license issued by Kentucky, you can practice in every other compact state without applying for additional licensure. Your primary state of residency must be Kentucky to issue the compact license here.
How much does it cost to become an RN in Kentucky?
Total first-time licensure cost in Kentucky typically runs $315–$375: $65 state fee + $200 NCSBN NCLEX-RN fee + $50–60 fingerprinting, plus optional NCLEX prep ($10–$500 depending on resource).
Free NCLEX-RN practice for Kentucky candidates
Clarity gives every test-taker 10 free NCLEX questions per day with a free account. Premium ($9.99/mo) unlocks 5,000+ questions, the AI tutor, and 5 timed readiness exams modeled on the live NCLEX-RN — accepted at every state board because the NCLEX itself is the same nationally.