StateLicensed

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements in Texas

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
—
Upfront cost
$275
Exam
NCLEX-PN
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Texas Board of Nursing (BON)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Graduation from a Texas BON-approved LVN/vocational nursing program (or an equivalent out-of-state/international program meeting BON standards)., pass a criminal background check. The Texas BON does not publish a statewide minimum age for LVN licensure on its own site (individual approved programs may set their own admission age policy); left as null rather than guessed. A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI criminal background check (fingerprint-based) is required of all applicants. A 2-hour online Nursing Jurisprudence Examination covering the Texas Nursing Practice Act and Board rules must also be passed before permanent licensure. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete training at a state-approved program. Texas requires graduation from a BON-approved vocational/practical nursing (LVN) program before an applicant can register for the NCLEX-PN, but the Board's own licensure and education pages do not publish a single statewide clock-hour minimum for LVN programs; each BON-approved program sets its own curriculum length and hours within Board standards. Left as null rather than guessed. [1]

  3. 3

    NCLEX-PN

    Pass the NCLEX-PN (fee: $200). The $200 Pearson VUE registration fee is separate from and in addition to the Texas BON's own application fee. Texas also requires a 2-hour online Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE) before permanent licensure; the NJE fee is bundled into the BON's own application fee, not into this $200 figure. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Texas Board of Nursing (BON) with the $75 application fee. Typical processing time: Board staff review an examination or endorsement application for an Authorization to Test (ATT) or temporary license within 15 business days of receiving the last required item; a permanent license is issued within 15 business days after the Board receives passing NCLEX results.. [1]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Texas Board of Nursing (BON) issues your Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for Texas.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $75
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $45
NCLEX-PN [2] $200
Licensure by endorsement (out-of-state applicants; NJE fee included) [3] $150

The $75 examination-route application fee (Chapter 223 Rule 223.1: $50 examination fee + up to $25 Nursing Jurisprudence Examination fee) covers processing and initial license issuance, so there is no separate 'license' fee beyond it. Renewal fee of $45 applies to LVNs every two years (RN renewal is a different, higher amount). The $200 NCLEX-PN fee (see exams) is paid directly to Pearson VUE, not to the BON.

Renewal & continuing education

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

LVN licenses renew every two years (biennium) for a $45 fee. Renewal requires 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) per two-year cycle.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Texas has been an implemented NLC member since January 19, 2018 (per nursecompact.com's official member-state list), so LVNs with an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Texas without a separate Texas license, and Texas residents may hold a Texas multistate LVN license valid in other compact states. For nurses not using compact privileges, Texas also offers its own Endorsement pathway (Board Rule 217.5) for LPN/LVN or RN graduates who have practiced in another state within the prior four years; the endorsement application fee (NJE included) is $150.

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

Cost calculator

  • $75
  • $200
Total$275

Frequently asked questions

Is an LPN called something different in Texas?

Yes. Texas licenses this role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) rather than LPN, though it is the same national scope of practice (NCLEX-PN based) recognized in other states.

Who administers the LVN licensing exam in Texas?

The NCLEX-PN, administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of NCSBN, for a $200 registration fee paid directly to Pearson VUE. Texas also requires its own 2-hour online Nursing Jurisprudence Examination before permanent licensure.

How much does it cost to apply for an LVN license in Texas?

The Texas Board of Nursing's application fee for first-time examination applicants is $75 (includes the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination fee); nurses applying by endorsement from another state pay $150.

How often do I need to renew my Texas LVN license?

Every two years, for a $45 renewal fee, along with 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education.

Does Texas participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes. Texas has been an implemented NLC member since January 19, 2018, so a Texas multistate LVN license is valid to practice in other compact states, and LVNs with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in Texas.

Sources

  1. [1] bon.texas.gov/licensure_examination.asp.html — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] nclex.com/fees-payment.page — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] bon.texas.gov/forms_fees.asp.html — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] bon.texas.gov/education_types_definitions.asp.html — accessed 2026-07-10
  5. [5] bon.texas.gov/licensure_endorsement.asp.html — accessed 2026-07-10