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: $220 Examination (NCLEX-PN®): $200 Fingerprint processing: $49 License: $220 Renewal: $225 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.
