Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements in Missouri
- Training hours
- —
- Upfront cost
- $241
- Exam
- NCLEX-PN
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- Missouri State Board of Nursing (Division of Professional Registration)
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Completion of a basic prescribed curriculum at an approved school of practical nursing, resulting in a practical nursing degree, diploma, or certificate (or a comparable period of training as determined by the Board)., pass a criminal background check. 20 CSR 2200-4.020 requires applicants to submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks. No minimum age was stated in the rule sections reviewed. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete training at a state-approved program. 20 CSR 2200-4.020 requires the practical nurse candidate to have 'successfully completed a basic prescribed curriculum in an approved school of practical nursing and have earned a practical nursing degree, diploma or certificate, or completed a comparable period of training as determined by the board.' The rule does not state a specific statewide clock-hour minimum for program length (unlike some states' hour-based CNA rules), so hours is left null. [1]
- 3
NCLEX-PN
Pass the NCLEX-PN (fee: $200). Computerized adaptive test administered at Pearson VUE test centers. National registration fee paid directly to Pearson VUE, separate from Missouri's own examination fee (see fees.application). [2]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Missouri State Board of Nursing (Division of Professional Registration) with the $41 application fee. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Missouri State Board of Nursing (Division of Professional Registration) issues your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Missouri.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $41 |
| License fee [1] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [1] | $52 |
| NCLEX-PN [2] | $200 |
| Endorsement fee — LPN [1] | $51 |
| Re-examination fee — LPN [1] | $40 |
| Lapsed license fee (per year of lapse, in addition to renewal fee) [1] | $50 |
Per 20 CSR 2200-4.010: Examination Fee - LPN is $41; there is no separate stand-alone 'license issuance' fee once the exam is passed. Biennial Renewal Fee - LPN (effective January 1, 2013) is $52, which per subsection (1)(J)5 already incorporates a $1-per-year educational surcharge deposited into the nursing student loan/repayment fund. All fees are nonrefundable.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
License renewal for a practical nurse is biennial, occurring in even-numbered years, with the license expiring May 31 of each even-numbered year (20 CSR 2200-4.010(1)(J)3). Missouri's licensure rules (20 CSR 2200-4) do not impose a continuing-education-hour requirement for routine RN/LPN renewal — Missouri is among the states with no mandatory CE for nurse license renewal.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: NLC.
Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state; the NLC covers both RNs and LPNs. NCSBN's official NLC implementation table lists Missouri as implemented January 19, 2018. Missouri also licenses by endorsement ($51 fee for LPN) for nurses whose out-of-state qualifications are equivalent to Missouri's requirements at the time of original licensure.
23 state-approved training providers in Missouri — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.
Cost calculator
- $41
- $200
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to become an LPN in Missouri?
Complete a basic prescribed curriculum at an approved school of practical nursing, submit to a state and federal fingerprint background check, and pass the NCLEX-PN.
How much does it cost to apply for an LPN license in Missouri?
The examination fee is $41, plus the separate $200 NCLEX-PN fee paid to Pearson VUE. Endorsement (transferring an out-of-state license) costs $51.
Does Missouri require continuing education to renew an LPN license?
No. Missouri's nursing rules do not mandate continuing-education hours for RN/LPN license renewal.
How often do I renew my Missouri LPN license?
Every two years; LPN licenses expire May 31 of each even-numbered year. The biennial renewal fee is $52.
Is Missouri part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Missouri implemented the NLC on January 19, 2018, so a Missouri LPN holding a multistate license may practice in other NLC member states, subject to each state's practice laws.
Sources
- [1] pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/Chapter4LicensureRules.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
- [2] nclex.com/fees-payment.page — accessed 2026-07-10
- [3] ncsbn.org/public-files/NLC_Map.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10