The initial license is based on the Louisiana Practical Nurse Exam
Observe the following license-per-exam rule per the Louisiana Administrative Code and the Louisiana Revised Bylaws:
An applicant may be permitted to earn the first degree NCLEX-PN license up to four times within two years from the date of eligibility, but no later than three years after completion of a practical nursing program. If the applicant fails the exam within the allotted number of attempts or before the due date, the applicant for an exam license must repeat and successfully complete the entire practical nursing program without pre-service prior to retaking the practical nursing exam.
A person applying for a license upon request:
- will have good moral character
- is a permanent resident or citizen of the United States
- must successfully complete the training at a recognized nursing school
- must meet the eligibility requirements (see additional requirements below)
- The exam can be taken up to four times within two years of acquiring the qualification, but no later than within three years of completing the practical nursing training
- to resume and successfully complete all of the practical nursing training without prior credit if the fourth attempt fails or more than three years have elapsed since completion of the practical nursing training before the repetition of the practical nursing examination
Legal notice: Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Title 37, Chapter 11. Nurses, Part II. Nursing practitioners, §970.
Administrative Code Reference: Louisiana Administrative Code Title 46, Occupational and Occupational Standards Part XLVII. Nurses, Subsection 1. Practical Nurses. Chapter 17. §1703.
The Louisiana State Board of Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE) now offers a secure nursing portal through which first-time license applicants can complete the following tasks:
- Apply for the first attempt at the exam (LPN Initial by Exam)
- apply for a re-examination (LPN Initial by Exam – Retest)
- Get official NCLEX-PN scores and an initial license
- request a name change
- Change address, phone number, email address
Application requirements
All candidates applying for a license based on the exam must create an account withnurse portal. PleaseClick hereCare Portal information and instructions.
credentials
APPS:
- Completion of a practical nursing program does not guarantee eligibility to participate in the NCLEX-PN®for a license.
- Any initial license application received before July 1, 2019 qualifies for a state license in Louisiana. A single state license authorizes a practicing nurse to practice only in the recognized state. If a single-state license is issued, Licensee may request conversion from a single-state license to a multi-state license.
- Eligibility cannot be determined until all required documentation and fees have been received.
- Applicants must apply for a license and pay by credit, debit or prepaid card through the care portal.
- The license application is valid for one year after review and payment or after an approved trial attempt, whichever comes first. Each test attempt requires a new application, payment, and registration with Pearson VUE.
- The applicant is responsible for notifying the LSBPNE of any changes to their name, postal address and email addressnurse portal.
- All registration fees are non-refundable (without exception).
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTIONS:
- Only official (signed, sealed) transcripts submitted by the educational institution where the PN program was completed will be accepted.
- Certificates submitted by the applicant will not be accepted.
- The PN syllabus must be approved by the LSBPNE, including its content and the number of hours completed.
VERIFICATION OF A CRIMINAL:
Louisiana (single or multi-state) license applicants require a state and FBI criminal investigation (CBC) investigation. Application instructions and CBC forms can be found athttps://www.lsbpne.com/forms/criminal-background-check/
According to La.R.S. 37:35 Applicants are cautioned that the Louisiana Board of Practical Nurse Examiners may use applicants' beliefs as a basis for rejecting a license application. According to La.R.S. 37:2950 The Committee considers the following factors in determining whether to grant a license to an applicant with one or more convictions: (1) the nature and seriousness of the violation(s); (2) the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities for which the license, permit or certification is required; (3) time elapsed since conviction; (4) facts relating to the circumstances of the offence(s), including any aggravating or mitigating circumstances or social circumstances related to the commission of the offence(s); and (5) evidence of rehabilitation or treatment received by the individual since conviction. License applicants have the right to submit an application for a determination of eligibility prior to submitting an application under La. RS 37:33 before the general license terms are met.
ELIGIBLE EXPIRY DATE:
Once a candidate has passed the admissions exam, a timeframe for eligibility is established. Candidate must pass and pass the NCLEX-PN on no more than four attempts prior to the eligibility due date. Eligible applicants will be notified of the due date via the Nurse Portal Message Center.
PEARSON VUE REGISTRATION:
- All eligible license applicants must register with Pearson VUE and make a US$200 credit, debit or prepaid card payment to Pearson VUE.
- 2 ways to register:
- www.pearsonvue.com/nclex (preferred)
- by Phone 866-496-2539
- The registration confirmation will be sent to you by e-mail. like youNOOnce you have received confirmation, call the NCLEX Candidate Services DivisionFORnew registration.
TEST AUTHORIZATION (ATT) AND NCLEX-PN® SCHEDULE
- After the exam determines your eligibility for a license, LSBPNE staff will notify Pearson VUE of your acceptance of the test.You must be registered with PearsonVUE to do this.
- Pearson VUE will send you a Trial Authorization (ATT) email. This email is required to set a test date.
- Test date availability is determined by PearsonVUE. There are several testing centers in Louisiana and across the country. The test results will be forwarded to the nursing authority of your choice.
- Visit the Pearson VUE website to ensure you are familiar with the testing rules and requirements. RememberALL registration fees are NON-refundable.
NCLEX-PN® results
- LSBPNE will send yoursKNECHTResults via the Nurses Portal Message Center. Expect results 7-10 days after the test date.
- UNOFFICIALLYResults are available 48 hours after the test date via Pearson VUE Quick Results. Pearson VUE charges a fee of $7.95 to access Quick Results viahttp://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/.
- NLCEX-PN® results CANNOT be obtained by calling the LSBPNE office.
LICENSE
- Paper licenses are no longer issued by the LSBPNE. You will receive a notification of your license with the terms and conditions and the license number via the Nurse Portal Message Center. Your employer can check your license status through the NURSYS website.https://www.nursys.com/.
- ALL LPN licenses will expire on January 31stulEVERY year and must be renewed. Visitlsbpne.comfor updates on the license renewal process.
REUSE
- There is a limit to the number of attempts and time frame within which an applicant is eligible for an initial test based license.
- If an applicant fails the exam and wishes to reapply for a license after the exam, they must submit:
- Application via the care portal; Select LPN Initial by Exam-Retest;
- the applicable registration fee using a credit, debit or prepaid card through the Care Portal;
- any additional documents.
- If a candidate qualifies for re-examination, they must re-register and pay a $200 fee to Pearson VUE. New registration and payment requiredattest attempt.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NCLEX Louisiana? ›
A minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions are administered. At minimum, 60 questions will be scored and 15 questions will be practice questions. The test taker will not know which are scored and which are not. You will have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the exam.
What's the easiest state to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
State | Com pact? | Time Frame for Permanent Licensure |
---|---|---|
Louisiana | | 4 - 6 weeks |
Maine | | 8 - 10 weeks |
Maryland | | 10 weeks |
Massachusetts | *** | 4 - 5 weeks |
Official Examination results are released to the candidate within three weeks after testing. It is the candidate's responsibility to maintain current contact information in the Nurse Portal (e-mail and mailing address). **NCLEX-RN results are not provided by telephone.
Does 75 questions on NCLEX mean you passed? ›Yes, you can pass the NCLEX-RN by answering only 75 questions. Keep in mind, the number of questions you answer may be a sign you passed, but it is not a definite sign. If your questions got progressively more challenging until the test stopped, this is one of the good signs you passed NCLEX in 2023.
How many of the 75 questions do you have to get right to pass the NCLEX? ›To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 85 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 85 questions or items.
What state has highest RN salary? ›- 1. California. With an average salary of $124,000 annually, the Golden State takes the prize for being the highest-paying state for registered nurses. ...
- Hawaii. ...
- Oregon. ...
- District of Columbia. ...
- Alaska. ...
- Massachusetts. ...
- Washington. ...
- New York.
None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
What state has the lowest RN salary? ›The lowest-paying states are South Dakota ($60,540), Alabama ($61,920), Mississippi ($63,130), Iowa ($64,990), and Arkansas ($65,810).
How many times can you fail the NCLEX in Louisiana? ›An applicant must take and pass the NCLEX-PN prior to the eligibility expiration date without exceeding four attempts.
Can I work in Texas with a Louisiana nursing license? ›
Louisiana is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows a registered nurse licensed in a Compact state to practice across state lines in another Compact state without having to obtain a license in the other state.
How much is a Louisiana nursing license? ›$239.25 - application for full licensure with a 90 day temporary endorsement permit. This total includes: $100.00 application fee; $100.00 temporary permit fee; and $39.25 CBC processing fee. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid electronically through the Nurse Portal.
Can I pass NCLEX with 145 questions? ›Answering all 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN alone does not mean you failed the exam. However, with each correct answer you provide, the test should give you a question that becomes increasingly more difficult than the previous one.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times? ›In Florida, Hawaii, and Michigan, candidates who fail the exam three times are required to take and successfully complete state-approved remedial course(s) before they can re-take the exam for the fourth time.
Can you get NCLEX results in 24 hours? ›The NCLEX Quick Results are computer generated and available approximately forty-eight hours business hours after testing. Although results are not generated on non-business days, you may access them on any day after the first two business days.
What does it mean if you get all 145 questions on NCLEX? ›Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.
How will I know if I passed the NCLEX? ›The only way you will receive your official results is through your nursing regulatory body. This takes place approximately six weeks after you take the NCLEX. Some things to note: If you have not received your results after six weeks, contact your nursing regulatory body.
Can you fail the NCLEX in 82 questions? ›Since the minimum number of questions you'll take on the NCLEX is 75, and the maximum is 145, this could happen at any point between those 2 numbers. Theoretically, the computer could know from your first 75 questions that you failed and stop giving you more, or it could know that you passed.
How many questions can you miss on a 75 question test to get a 70? ›A score of 70 out of 75 on a test, assignment or class is a 93.33% percentage grade. 5 questions were wrong or points missed.
What are considered higher level questions on NCLEX? ›Each category of questions requires an increasing level of critical thinking skills. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.
What type of RN makes the most? ›
What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
What city pays nurses the most? ›Modesto, California. Topping our list of the 25 Highest Paying Cities for Nurses, Modesto, California, offers the perfect combination of excellent pay and relatively low cost of living.
What is the largest employer for RN? ›Industry | Employment (1) | Percent of industry employment |
---|---|---|
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,724,510 | 30.85 |
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 63,460 | 23.43 |
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 39,080 | 16.86 |
Outpatient Care Centers | 152,120 | 14.87 |
New Hampshire boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., over 14% higher than the national average. In 2022, five of the state's eight bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs reported first-time pass rates above 90%, including a 100% rate for Plymouth State University.
Is nursing school harder than NCLEX? ›Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate? ›2 and Dec. 9, 2022. Last year, 63.88 percent of registered nursing students passed the NCLEX, down from 64.79 percent in 2021 and 68.92 percent in 2020. Florida has had the lowest NCLEX pass rates in the country since 2017, according to The Tampa Bay Times.
What state pays school nurses most? ›The highest-paid school nurses work in California and Hawaii where the cost of living is respectively 50 percent higher and 77 percent higher than it is throughout the U.S. as a whole.
Can a RN negotiate salary? ›It is possible to negotiate a higher salary as a new nurse. There is no rule book that says you can't. No one will scold you or punish you if you negotiate. As a matter of fact, according to the 2019 Job Seeker Nation Survey report from Jobvite, your potential employer expects it.
Where is the best paying place for RN? ›The average Registered Nurse salary varies significantly from city to city. San Jose, CA and the surrounding area has average RN salaries of $155,230. This makes San Jose the highest-paying city for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the BLS). In the United States, the average salary for RNs is $82,750.
What are the three pass fail rules for NCLEX? ›There are three pass/fail rules for the NCLEX examinations: the Run-Out-Of-Time rule, the Maximum-Length Exam Rule and the 95-Percent Confidence Interval Rule.
How many questions can you get wrong on NCLEX and still pass? ›
Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX 4 times in Louisiana? ›test-takers have six attempts to pass in total. Louisiana: Nursing students can take the NCLEX exam up to four times within two years of graduating from nursing school. After this time, they'll need to re-enroll in a nursing program before testing again.
What states are not in compact? ›- Alaska.
- American Samoa.
- California.
- Connecticut.
- District of Columbia.
- Hawaii.
- Mariana Islands.
- Minnesota.
To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN, you must hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) or the State ...
What are the requirements to be a RN in Louisiana? ›Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Have graduated from an approved practical nursing program and have had instruction in IV therapy. Download Curriculum Requirements. Obtain a Louisiana State Police and FBI criminal background check.
What is a RN salary in Louisiana? ›$47,063 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $67,289 is the 75th percentile.
What is the hourly rate for a RN in Louisiana? ›Years of experience | Per hour |
---|---|
1 to 2 years | $39.36 |
3 to 5 years | $41.31 |
6 to 9 years | $42.80 |
More than 10 years | $47.85 |
Rather than using memorization skills, logic and critical thinking skills are required to succeed on this exam, making it more comprehensive and challenging. So, if you find yourself asking, "How hard is the NCLEX-RN? - The short answer is, it's very hard.
Is 90% chance of passing NCLEX good? ›Depending on the time of year tested and the year, the NCLEX pass rates for first- time, US-educated test takers are usually between 80-90% +/1. So ATI says they predict that 59.9% of students will pass the NCLEX (with a 90-100% probability) when usually around 90% pass.
Is it rare to fail NCLEX in 75 questions? ›While it is certainly possible to fail the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN evaluation in only 75 questions, this rarely happens because most nursing students are far more prepared than they believe they are.
Is NCLEX shutting off at 75 good? ›
When the NCLEX-RN shuts off at 75 questions, it means you either did very well or very poorly—enough so that the CAT model is 95% confident in your success or failure after only one-third of the possible 265 exam questions. Further, in a 75-question test only 60 questions are counted toward your passing score.
Is it OK to fail NCLEX first time? ›It is possible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) tests again if you fail the first time. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which administers these exams, allows test-takers to retake the exam up to 8 times per year.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in your life? ›Individuals who fail the NCLEX must wait 45 days between tests, which means they can take a maximum of eight tests per year. However, there's no limit to the number of retests overall.
How many times can you attempt the NCLEX? ›If you happen not to pass the exam, you can retake it after 45 days. And if you are wondering how often you can take the NCLEX, the NCSBN retake policy allows for a retake eight times a year, ensuring 45 exam-free days between each test.
Can you find out your NCLEX results the same day? ›Yes, NCLEX quick results are considered to be accurate. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers candidates the option to purchase their NCLEX quick results forty-eight business hours after taking the exam. The Quick Results provide candidates with their pass or fail status.
How many questions should I do a day to pass NCLEX? ›We recommend that you complete about 2,800 practice questions before your exam. If you are giving yourself a month to study, that means that you would be doing about 100 NCLEX practice questions per day.
How accurate is the NCLEX trick? ›How Reliable Is the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick? Like all hacks, the Pearson Vue NCLEX results trick may not always be 100% accurate. Some sources suggest good pop-ups, which indicate you passed the NCLEX, are more accurate than bad pop-ups which indicate an unsuccessful NCLEX attempt.
What does it mean if I got all 145 questions on NCLEX? ›Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.
What is the passing score for NCLEX? ›The NCLEX® scoring system uses a unit of measurement called logits to score questions and determine whether candidates pass or fail. Logits report the differences between the candidate's ability estimates and the question difficulty. The current passing standard of the NCLEX® is -0.18 logits.
How many questions can you miss on the NCLEX and still pass? ›Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.
What is the minimum questions to pass the NCLEX? ›
NCLEX-RN test-takers are required to answer at least 75 questions. A minimum of 85 questions must be completed by those taking the NCLEX-PN. The number of questions a test-taker might have to answer varies because of the way the test is designed.
How do I pass NCLEX after failing 2 times? ›- Step 1: Determine Why You Didn't Pass. ...
- Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Exam. ...
- Step 3: Schedule Study Time. ...
- Step 4: Take Test Preparation Courses. ...
- Step 5: Find a Study Partner or Study Group.
If a student got all 265 questions, that would mean they are really straddling the competency line. The NCLEX algorithm is complicated, but it's a very smart, adaptive test. After you get past 75 questions, once it determines whether you're above passing or below passing, it will shut off.
Does the last question on NCLEX matter? ›If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.
Do you need 50% on NCLEX to pass? ›The NCLEX is scored using dichotomous scoring, so you can either pass or fail the exam. Currently, to pass the NCLEX-RN, the standard is 0.00 logits–or answer questions correctly at least 50% of the time. The NCLEX-PN standard is -0.18 logits.
How do I know if I passed NCLEX? ›Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if you have passed the NCLEX is to wait for your official results. Although it does not always happen, the Pearson Vue trick can give you a good pop-up even if you failed the NCLEX exam.
What is the first time pass rate for the NCLEX? ›Pass rates continued to decline in 2022, with an average pass rate of 80.9% opens in a new tab or windowfor all first-time U.S.-educated candidates, and a rate of 66.6% for all candidates, based on a dataset that excludes the fourth quarter of the year.