California Occupational License

License Title:
    Licensed Vocational Nurse
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Licensing Agency:
     Department of Consumer Affairs
     Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
     Licensing

Licensing Agency Contact Information:
     Address: 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento,  CA  95833

     Phone Number: (916) 263-7800
     Fax Number: (916) 263-7855

     E-mail Address: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov
     Internet Address: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov

License Requirements, Fees, and Examination Information:
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) are entry-level health care practitioners who utilize manual and technical skills acquired by means of a course in an accredited school of vocational nursing or its equivalent, practiced under the direction of a physician or registered professional nurse.

Fees: Application: $150
Examination (NCLEX-PNĀ®): $200
Fingerprint processing: $51
License: $150
Renewal: $155
Interim Permit: $40

Examination Frequency: Year-round; Monday through Saturday.

Exam Locations: 23 locations in California; multiple locations nationwide.

Experience Requirement: One of the following: 1) Graduation from a vocational nursing school in California accredited by the Board; 2) Graduation from an equivalent vocational nursing school out-of-state; 3) Completion of an armed forces course of study and training and 12 months experience; 4) Completion of a prescribed pharmacology course and 51 months paid work experience.

Average Time to Process Application: 6-8 weeks.

Renewal Period: Biennially (every second year one month after the birthdate).

Special License Requirements: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have completed an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade or the equivalent as determined by the Board.

An interim permit may be issued pending the results of the first licensing examination.

Authority: Business and Professions Code, Section 2840 et seq.
Occupations To Which This License Applies:
Occupation TitleSOC Code
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 292061