Requirements for LPN Licensure Renewal

• All states have LPN license renewal requirements of some kind. Assembly/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  A licensed practical nurse (LPN) goes through a lot of training and education to become a health care worker. Once the LPN has passed the licensing examination given by a state nursing board, she is required to renew the nursing license every two years in most states. Certain requirements must be met before the LPN can renew her nursing license.

Continuing Competency Requirements

• All LPNs are registered in the state where they work and are sent a license renewal application before their current license expires. Some states require the LPN to show evidence of continuing competency in order to renew his license.

  Mississippi, for example, provides for three ways an LPN can meet this continuing competency requirement. The LPN can complete a nursing board-approved orientation program and provide a copy of that certification to the state licensing board. He can complete 20 hours of contact educational work in nursing, accredited by an approved agency, within two years. Or he can take continuing education classes that amount to a minimum of three semester hours within the two-year nursing license period.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Once an LPN receives her license, she is generally required to pursue continuing education in order to renew her license. College credits can be used to meet this requirement. Florida, for example, requires that a LPN take college courses in order to renew her nursing license. A minimum of 24 hours of continuing education must be completed within the two-year licensing period.

Criminal Background Check

• All state licensing boards require that each LPN undergo a criminal background check before first receiving his LPN license. Some states, such as Michigan, require that a criminal background check be conducted each time an LPN renews his license. The LPN must go to an approved fingerprint services vendor in Michigan with a fingerprint request form, photo identification and criminal background check fee. The fingerprint services vendor provides the LPN with a receipt that can be filed with the license renewal application as proof that the background check was completed.