StateLicensed

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements in Wyoming

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
—
Upfront cost
$330
Exam
NCLEX-PN
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Graduation from a WSBN board-approved (or comparable out-of-state board-approved) LPN pre-licensure nursing education program, pass a criminal background check. WSBN Chapter 2 (Licensure/Certification Requirements) does not specify a minimum age for LPN licensure. All initial exam and endorsement applicants must submit fingerprint cards for a Criminal Background Check (CBC) processed through DCI/FBI; there are no automatic disqualifiers, but all convictions (excluding traffic violations) must be disclosed on the application. [3]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete training at a state-approved program. WSBN Chapter 6 (Standards for Nursing Education Programs) sets curriculum, faculty, and clinical-experience standards for practical nursing programs but does not codify a fixed minimum clock-hour requirement for LPN programs, so hours is recorded as null rather than estimated. Applicants must graduate from a WSBN board-approved (or comparable out-of-state board-approved) LPN pre-licensure program. [1]

  3. 3

    NCLEX-PN

    Pass the NCLEX-PN (fee: $200). National $200 NCLEX registration fee paid directly to Pearson VUE/NCSBN, separate from WSBN's own $130 state application fee. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) with the $130 application fee. Typical processing time: Approximately 45-60 days from when WSBN receives a complete application; the fingerprint-based DCI background check alone takes about 15-30 days.. [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) issues your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Wyoming.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] $130
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $90
NCLEX-PN [2] $200
DCI criminal background check [3] $60
Temporary permit (exam or endorsement applicants) [3] $25
Licensure by endorsement (LPN) [3] $120

Per WSBN Rules Chapter 5: Fees (effective 05/26/2026), Licensure by Examination for LPN is $130, plus a separate $60 DCI background-check fee (both nonrefundable; card payments add a 2.4% processing fee). No separate 'license issuance' fee distinct from the application/exam fee is itemized, so license is recorded as null. Applicants already licensed elsewhere instead pay the $120 Licensure by Endorsement fee (listed under other).

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

LPN licenses renew biennially in even-numbered years; the renewal window runs October 1 through December 31. The renewal fee is $90. Wyoming does not mandate a single fixed CE-hour count for LPN renewal -- competency can instead be demonstrated via 400 hours of active practice, 40 hours of continuing education, retaking the NCLEX, a refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree, so ceHours is recorded as null rather than one fixed number.

Reciprocity

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

Wyoming implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact effective January 19, 2018, per the NLC Commission's official state implementation-date list. LPNs already licensed in another state may alternatively apply for Wyoming licensure by endorsement ($120 fee) rather than relying on compact privileges.

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

Cost calculator

  • $130
  • $200
Total$330

Frequently asked questions

Does Wyoming require a set number of LPN training hours?

No fixed hour count is published. WSBN's Chapter 6 rules set curriculum, faculty, and clinical-experience standards instead, and applicants must graduate from a board-approved LPN pre-licensure program.

What exam is required and what does it cost?

The NCLEX-PN, administered by Pearson VUE, for a $200 national fee. This is separate from WSBN's own $130 application fee and $60 DCI background-check fee.

How often do I renew my Wyoming LPN license, and are CE hours required?

LPN licenses renew every even year for a $90 fee. Wyoming doesn't mandate a fixed CE-hour count -- competency can also be shown through active practice hours, a refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree.

Is Wyoming part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes, effective January 19, 2018. An LPN holding a Wyoming multistate license can practice in other compact member states without applying for a separate license.

How long does WSBN take to process an LPN application?

About 45-60 days once a complete application is received; the fingerprint-based DCI background check portion alone takes roughly 15-30 days.

Sources

  1. [1] wsbn.wyo.gov/education — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] nclex.com/register.page — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] wsbn.wyo.gov/licensing — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] wsbn.wyo.gov/renewal — accessed 2026-07-10
  5. [5] nursecompact.com/files/NLC_Map.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10