Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
KY · Internationally educated nurses
Kentucky RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Kentucky Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
VisaScreen may be uploaded. Without VisaScreen, accepted options include TruMerit CES; ECE Credential Evaluation Assessment; IEE Kentucky Nursing Licensure Report; Josef Silny document-by-document evaluation; and TEC Nursing Credential Analysis.
English requirement
Without VisaScreen, complete an approved English proficiency test with the passing score shown on the Board page. Multistate applicants educated in a program not taught in English or whose native language is not English must satisfy the uniform NLC English rule.
SSN requirement
A valid U.S. SSN is required for multistate licensure. The reviewed international examination page does not clearly state a single-state no-SSN alternative.
Background check
State and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO is required.
Education review
An approved credential report or VisaScreen is reviewed for foreign education. The Board accepts specified provider-specific report products.
Application sequence
How to apply in Kentucky
- 1
Create a Nurse Portal account, apply, and pay the fee.
- 2
Pass the Kentucky jurisprudence exam with at least 80%.
- 3
Complete IdentoGO state and federal background checks.
- 4
Submit VisaScreen or an accepted credential report plus English proficiency.
- 5
Register with Pearson VUE and take NCLEX after eligibility/ATT.
Documents to prepare
- VisaScreen or accepted provider-specific credential report
- English test result when required
- IdentoGO background check
- Jurisprudence completion
- Identity/name and disciplinary documents if applicable
Verify before paying
- • Initial examination applications are valid one year unless voided earlier after two unsuccessful NCLEX attempts within that period.
- • Provider names and accepted product types are unusually specific; order the Kentucky product, not a generic evaluation.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Kentucky Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.