How to Register for the NCLEX in Kentucky (KBN): Steps, Fees, Documents

To work as an RN in Kentucky you license with the Kentucky Board of Nursing through its Nurse Portal (US$125). You complete the IdentoGO state and federal background check, pass KBN's Jurisprudence Exam with 80% or more, have your program file the Affidavit of Graduation, and register with Pearson VUE. A six-month provisional licence lets you work until results arrive; it is void after two failed attempts. Applications are reviewed within 14 business days and stay valid for a year. Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

At a glance

The steps, in order (graduates of a Kentucky program)

8 steps

Apply in the KBN Nurse Portal and pay US$125Submit the licensure by examination application; the fee is non-refundable and the application stays valid for one year (it ends sooner if you fail twice).KBN: RN licensure by examination →
Complete the IdentoGO state and federal background checkRequired of every applicant since February 1, 2021; book through IdentoGO and pay the vendor.
Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with 80% or higherKBN's online jurisprudence examination on Kentucky nursing law; a study guide is published.KBN: Jurisprudence Exam study guide (PDF) →
Your program verifies your educationKentucky programs file the Affidavit of Graduation; graduates of other states have the official transcript sent to KBN.
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200)Apply to Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee; once KBN approves your education and application it makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →
Optional: provisional licence, six monthsA provisional licence lets you work while waiting to test and for results; it is valid six months and becomes void if you fail the NCLEX twice during that period.
KBN reviews within 14 business days; write the NCLEX-RNApplications and documents are reviewed within 14 business days once complete. Pearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts; after two failures you reapply with the Examination RETEST application.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; content-specific CE within three yearsGraduates of non-Kentucky programs must complete three hours of domestic violence continuing education within three years of Kentucky licensure. Renewal is US$65. Multistate licences follow your primary state of residence.KBN: fees for licensure applications and services (PDF) →

If you were educated outside the United States

The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.

2 steps

Credential evaluation and English proficiency per KBN's international requirementsGraduates of programs outside the US submit an education credential evaluation and English proficiency evidence as KBN directs; check the current accepted agencies on KBN's site before ordering.KBN: licensure by examination →
Application (US$125), IdentoGO, Jurisprudence Exam, Pearson VUESame steps as Kentucky graduates. Pearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US. The domestic violence CE applies to all non-Kentucky graduates.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →

Documents to have ready

Fees

How long it takes

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Take the Jurisprudence Exam early; it is online and the study guide is short.
Two failures end both the application and the provisional licence; budget your attempts.
Fingerprints only through IdentoGO's KBN process; other checks are not accepted.
Out-of-state graduates: schedule the domestic violence CE in your first year so it is not forgotten.

Questions people ask about Kentucky

How do I register for the NCLEX in Kentucky?

Apply in the KBN Nurse Portal (US$125), complete the IdentoGO background check, pass the Jurisprudence Exam at 80% or higher, have your program file the Affidavit of Graduation (or send a transcript) and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). KBN reviews within 14 business days, makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does a Kentucky RN licence cost?

US$125 to KBN, the IdentoGO fee and US$200 to Pearson VUE. Renewal is US$65.

Can I work in Kentucky before I pass the NCLEX-RN?

Yes, on a six-month provisional licence; it becomes void if you fail the NCLEX twice during that period.

Is Kentucky a compact state?

Yes, since January 19, 2018. If Kentucky is your primary state of residence and you meet the uniform requirements, your licence is multistate.

What is the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam?

An online exam on Kentucky nursing law that every applicant must pass with a score of 80% or higher before licensure; KBN publishes a study guide.

How long is a Kentucky NCLEX application valid?

One year from filing; it expires earlier if you are unsuccessful on the NCLEX twice, after which you reapply with the Examination RETEST application.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on KBN's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:

This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Examination applicationnon-refundable	US$125
IdentoGO fingerprint background checkpaid to IdentoGO	varies
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200
Renewal	US$65
Endorsement from another state	US$165

How to register for the NCLEX in Kentucky