Application Information

APPLICATIONS:

• Completion of the practical nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN® for licensure.
• Any application for initial licensure received prior to July 1, 2019, will be reviewed for eligibility for a Louisiana single state license. A single state license grants the practical nurse permission to practice in the state of licensure only. If issued a single state license, the licensee may apply to convert the single state license to a multistate license.
• A determination of eligibility cannot be made until all required documentation and fees are received.
• Applicants must submit an application for licensure and payment using a credit card, debit card or prepaid card via the Nurse Portal.
• An application for licensure by exam and payment are valid for one year or after the approved testing attempt, whichever comes first. A new application, fee and registration with Pearson VUE is required for each testing attempt.
• The applicant is responsible for notifying LSBPNE of name, mailing address and email address changes via the Nurse Portal.
• All application fees are nonrefundable (no exceptions).

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS:

• Only official (signed, sealed) transcripts sent by the educational institute where the PN program was completed will be accepted.
• Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be accepted.
• The PN curriculum must meet the approval of LSBPNE, including content and number of clock hours completed.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:

A state and FBI criminal background check (CBC) is required for applicants for licensure in Louisiana (single or multi-state). CBC application instructions and forms can be accessed at https://www.lsbpne.la.gov/forms/criminal-background-check/

Pursuant to La. R.S. 37:35, applicants are advised that the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners may use the criminal convictions of applicants as a basis for denial of an application for licensure. In accordance with La. R.S. 37:2950, the Board shall consider the following factors in deciding whether to grant a license to an applicant with one or more criminal convictions: (1) the nature and seriousness of the offense(s); (2) the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities for which the license, permit, or certificate is required; (3) the amount of time that has passed since the conviction(s); (4) facts relevant to the circumstances of the offense(s), including any aggravating or mitigating circumstances or social conditions surrounding the commission of the offense(s); and (5) evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the person since the conviction(s). Applicants for licensure shall have the right to petition for a pre-application eligibility determination pursuant to La. R.S. 37:33 prior to meeting the general qualifications for a license.

ELIGIBILITY EXPIRATION DATE:

After an applicant is approved for licensure by exam, an eligibility timeframe is determined. An applicant must take and pass the NCLEX-PN prior to the eligibility expiration date without exceeding four attempts. Eligible applicants are notified of the eligibility expiration date via the Nurse Portal Message Center.

PEARSON VUE REGISTRATION:

• All eligible applicants for licensure will be required to register with Pearson VUE and submit a $200 payment using a credit card, debit card or prepaid card to Pearson VUE.
• 2 Ways to register:
  • www.pearsonvue.com/nclex (preferred)  
  • via phone 866-496-2539
• A confirmation of registration will be sent to you via email. If you don’t receive the confirmation, call NCLEX Candidate Services BEFORE registering again.

AUTHORIZATION TO TEST (ATT) & NCLEX-PN® SCHEDULING

• Once determined eligible for licensure by exam, LSBPNE staff will notify Pearson VUE of your approval to test. To do so, you must be registered in PearsonVUE.
•  Pearson VUE will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. This email is required in order to schedule a test date.
• Availability of testing dates is determined by PearsonVUE. There are several testing centers in Louisiana and throughout the country. Test results will be sent to the board of nursing that you have requested.
• Visit the Pearson VUE website to ensure you are aware of testing rules and requirements. Remember ALL application fees are NONREFUNDABLE.

NCLEX-PN® Results

• LSBPNE will send your OFFICIAL results to you via the Nurse Portal Message Center. Expect to receive results 7-10 days after your test date.
• UNOFFICIAL results can be accessed via Pearson VUE Quick Results 48 hours after your test date. Pearson VUE requires a $7.95 fee to access Quick Results, via http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/.
• NLCEX-PN® results CANNOT be obtained by calling the LSBPNE office.

LICENSURE

• Paper licenses are no longer issued by LSBPNE. You will receive notification of your license, along with stipulations and license number, via the Nurse Portal Message Center. Your employer may verify your license status via the NURSYS website, https://www.nursys.com/.
• ALL LPN licenses expire January 31^st of EACH year and must be renewed. Visit lsbpne.com for updates on the license renewal process.

REAPPLICATION

• There is a limit to the number of attempts and time frame in which an applicant for initial licensure by exam is eligible.
• If an applicant fails the exam and wishes to reapply for initial licensure by exam, he/she must submit:
  • an application via the Nurse Portal; choose LPN Initial by Exam-Retest;
  • the applicable application fee, using a credit card, debit card or prepaid card via the Nurse Portal;
  • additional documents, if required.
• If eligible to retest, the applicant must re-register and pay the $200 fee to Pearson VUE. A new registration and fee are required for each testing attempt.