StateLicensed

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements in Nebraska

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
—
Upfront cost
$323
Exam
NCLEX-PN
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit — Nebraska Board of Nursing

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Graduation from an approved nursing program, verified by official transcript., pass a criminal background check. A criminal background check through the Nebraska State Patrol (with fingerprinting) is required. No minimum age was stated on the application instructions reviewed. The $123 application fee is waived for young workers (ages 18-25), low-income applicants enrolled in state/federal public assistance, and certain military family members (background check fee is still owed even if the application fee is waived). dhhs.ne.gov intermittently fails DNS/connect for automated fetches; verified via archive snapshot 2025-10-31. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete training at a state-approved program. Applicants must submit an official transcript from their nursing program showing degree and graduation date; graduates of foreign nursing schools need an approved Credentials Evaluation Service review. Nebraska's application instructions do not publish a specific statewide clock-hour minimum for LPN program length on the pages reviewed. dhhs.ne.gov intermittently fails DNS/connect for automated fetches; verified via archive snapshot 2025-10-31. [1]

  3. 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 Nebraska's own application fee (see fees.application). [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit — Nebraska Board of Nursing with the $123 application fee. Typical processing time: Preliminary review of missing items: ~15 days after receipt. Criminal background check: ~4-6 weeks after fingerprints are submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol. Overall license decision: 8-10 weeks from receipt of a complete application. (dhhs.ne.gov intermittently fails DNS/connect for automated fetches; verified via archive snapshot 2025-10-31.). [1]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit — Nebraska Board of Nursing issues your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Nebraska.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [1] $123
License fee [1] None specified
Renewal fee [1] None specified
NCLEX-PN [2] $200
Prorated application fee (depending on when in the cycle the license is issued) [1] $30.75

DHHS's official RN/LPN examination application instructions (rev. 07.07.25) state the application fee is $123.00, or $30.75 if prorated depending on when the license is issued during the renewal cycle. There is no separate stand-alone 'license issuance' fee beyond this application fee. A criminal background check/fingerprinting fee is also required, payable separately to the Nebraska State Patrol; the exact current amount was not confirmed on an official DHHS page during this research session. The reviewed documents did not publish a distinct numeric renewal fee separate from the application-fee structure, so renewal is left null rather than guessed; see the renewal fact group for the cycle and continuing-education requirements. dhhs.ne.gov intermittently fails DNS/connect for automated fetches; verified via archive snapshot 2025-10-31.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 20 continuing education hours required per cycle.

LPN licenses expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year (RN licenses expire in even-numbered years). To renew, LPNs must meet a continued-competency requirement: typically at least 500 hours of practice in the past 5 years AND at least 20 contact hours of continuing education in the past 2 years (alternative pathways exist for recent graduates, refresher-course completers, and those with current national specialty certification). dhhs.ne.gov intermittently fails DNS/connect for automated fetches; verified via archive snapshot 2026-04-18.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: NLC.

Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state; the NLC covers both RNs and LPNs. NCSBN's official NLC implementation table lists Nebraska as implemented January 19, 2018. Nurses residing in another compact state may only apply for a Nebraska license if they have firm plans to move to Nebraska; otherwise they should obtain a multistate license through their home compact state.

6 state-approved training providers in Nebraska — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $123
  • $200
Total$323

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to become an LPN in Nebraska?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, pass a Nebraska State Patrol criminal background check, and pass the NCLEX-PN.

How much does it cost to apply for an LPN license in Nebraska?

$123 for the application (or a prorated $30.75 depending on timing in the license cycle), plus a separate background-check/fingerprinting fee and the $200 NCLEX-PN fee paid to Pearson VUE.

How often do I renew my Nebraska LPN license, and how many CE hours are required?

Every two years; LPN licenses expire October 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal typically requires 500 hours of practice in the past 5 years plus 20 contact hours of continuing education in the past 2 years.

Is Nebraska part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes. Nebraska implemented the NLC on January 19, 2018, so a Nebraska LPN holding a multistate license may practice in other NLC member states, subject to each state's practice laws.

How long does it take to get an LPN license approved in Nebraska?

About 8-10 weeks from receipt of a complete application, including 4-6 weeks specifically for the criminal background check.

Sources

  1. [1] dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/ExaminationRNLPN.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] nclex.com/fees-payment.page — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Nurse-Licensing-Renewal-and-Continuing-Education.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] ncsbn.org/public-files/NLC_Map.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10