Vermont LPN Licensing Guide
- Compact State
- Participates in NURSYS
- Renewal every 2 years
Overview
The Vermont State Board of Nursing governs nurses working in Vermont, while the Secretary of State (SOS), Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), processes nurse licensure applications and renewals. The Vermont State BON and the OPR work together to provide oversight and enforcement of the nursing profession.
About
The Office of Professional Regulation no longer accepts paper applications. Applicants for a Vermont LPN license must apply online using OPR's Online Services Platform. On the online platform, nurses can apply for a Vermont nursing license, check the status of their application, request an official verification of an existing license, submit a Vermont LPN license renewal application, and submit continuing education requests.
Renewal
Renewals are due on or before March 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal applications open online 6 weeks before expiration. OPR emails three courtesy renewal notifications to the email address on file, with the first notification going out when renewal applications first become available. Licensees should log into their online accounts before these notices go out to ensure their information is current.
Applicants renewing their initial license may not have a full two years before they must renew based on when they received their license. An initial license issued 90 days or less from March 31 in an odd-numbered year won't be required to renew. The initial license remains active through the next full two-year licensure period. An initial license issued more than 90 days before an upcoming renewal date will be required to renew on this date.
Because Vermont just joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) on February 1, 2022, a licensed LPN renewing for the first time since the Vermont NLC became effective must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. They must also indicate whether they want a single-state or multistate Vermont nursing license. To complete a Vermont LPN license renewal and switch to a multistate license, LPNs must:
Complete the online renewal application
Pay the non-refundable renewal fee
Meet the required active practice hour requirement for paid compensation as a practical nurse
50 days (400 hours) in the last two years or
120 days (960 hours) within the last five years of the current licensing period
LPNs who don’t meet the active practice requirements must complete a Vermont nursing re-entry program
Complete an FBI Background Check
Print the Release Form
Complete mandatory fields
Have form notarized
Add a specialty indicating Multistate or Single-State License
Go to the online dashboard and click “Add Specialty”
Select multistate specialty if desired
Upload proof of Vermont residency
Upload the completed Release Form
Pay the non-refundable background check fee
Submit the specialty application
Once OPR receives the applicant’s specialty application with the completed Release Form, it emails the applicant a Fingerprint Authorization Form in 3 to 5 business days. Applicant must complete the required fingerprinting process. OPR will email applicants if they need further information and when applicants receive approval for their specialty.
It can take 4 to 6 weeks for the OPR to receive the results of a criminal background check and approve an applicant’s multistate specialty. If the applicant currently holds a Vermont LPN license and initiates the criminal background check process as part of their on-time renewal, they can continue to practice nursing while waiting for these results.
LPNs who applied for a Vermont nursing license after the Vermont NLC went into effect and/or have already completed their criminal background checks won’t need to repeat the process. To submit a regular Vermont LPN license renewal:
Enter user ID and password on OPR's Online Services Platform
Click Renew License and select the license to be renewed
Answer all questions on each page
Submit Vermont LPN license renewal payment
Wait until receiving a confirmation page indicating the LPN license has been renewed
Save the receipt emailed to the email address on file
Licensed LPNs who don't complete their renewal by midnight of the day their license expires will incur late fees. They may still renew by logging into their online account and clicking on Renew License but they must pay any late renewal penalties for their license to be renewed.
Continuing Education Requirements
The Vermont State Board of Nursing doesn't currently require any continuing education hours to apply for the biennial Vermont LPN license renewal. However, they must complete the required number of practice hours:
50 days (400 hours) every 2 years or
120 days (960 hours) within 5 years of the end of the current licensing period
Practice hours are subject to an audit. A certain percentage of licensees are chosen at random for an audit 30 days after each renewal period ends. Licensees chosen for an audit receive notification via email.
Requirements
Fingerprinting Requirements
Fingerprint-based criminal background checks (CBC) are now required of all Vermont nurses. OPR will be opening up this new requirement in phases for currently licensed LPNs. They will receive an email with information on the timing and process. Single-state LPNs will see the CBC requirement open no later than their renewal in early 2023. Currently licensed LPNs who have initiated the CBC process as part of their on-time renewal may continue to practice while awaiting CBC results.
New Vermont nurse licensure applicants must follow the OPR process to complete fingerprinting requirements as part of the application process. The Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) is the statewide repository for fingerprints. The State Identification Bureau (SIB) is part of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). All fingerprints are searched for previous records in the SIB AFIS and the FBI IAFIS databases. VCIC won't accept fingerprint cards from OPR.OPR Fingerprinting Process
Complete the VCIC FBI National Record Check Release Form supplied within the online application. Applicants must upload their completed forms by logging into their online account and selecting “Update License/Application." Once OPR receives their release form, it sends applicants a signed authorization form they must complete and bring to their fingerprinting appointment.
Providing Fingerprints in Vermont
Make an appointment at a Vermont Identification Center or a local law enforcement agency to have fingerprints taken
Bring the completed, signed authorization form to the appointment
Most Vermont Identification Centers submit this form to VCIC with the applicant's fingerprints. If the agency taking fingerprints requires the applicant to mail their fingerprint card, the applicant must bring a large envelope to seal the fingerprint cards in before leaving the Identification Center or law enforcement agency. Applicants aren't allowed to leave without sealing the fingerprint cards in an envelope.
Mail completed fingerprint cards and signed authorization form to Vermont Crime Information Center, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671
Once VCIC receives an applicant's fingerprints and signed authorization form, it can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer for VCIC to receive the results and forward them to OPR for processing. It can OPR additional time to process an applicant's background check results once they're received from VCIC.
Providing Fingerprints While Outside of Vermont
Contact a local law enforcement agency to inquire if they offer fingerprinting services
Ensure all required documents are filled out completely
Have fingerprints printed on a standard FD-258 Applicant Fingerprint Card
If the law enforcement agency doesn't provide these cards, applicants may download a template from the FBI website
Bring a large envelope to seal fingerprint cards in before leaving the agency taking the fingerprints
Fingerprint cards completed by agencies outside of Vermont must be submitted in an envelope sealed by the agency taking the fingerprints
Mail completed fingerprint cards and signed authorization forms to Vermont Crime Information Center, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671
Once VCIC receives an applicant's fingerprints and signed authorization form, it can take 4 to 6 weeks, or longer, for VCIC to receive the results and forward them to OPR for processing. It can OPR additional time to process an applicant's background check results once they're received from VCIC.
Contact Information
Vermont State Board of NursingSOS Office of Professional Regulation89 Main Street, 3rd FloorMontpelier, VT 05620-3402Contact Form / [email protected](802) 828-1505
Multistate
The Governor of Vermont signed the Vermont Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on into law on June 7, 2021, and the Vermont NLC became effective February 1, 2022. The NLC enables LPNs whose primary state of residence (PSOR) is Vermont to apply for a multistate license that they can use to practice nursing in any other Compact State without any further licensure required. It also allows LPNs licensed in other Compact States with multistate privileges to practice in Vermont without any further action required.
Nurses who currently hold an active Vermont nursing license wanting to apply for a Compact License must log into their online profile, add the compact specialty to their license and meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License. To be eligible for a Vermont-issued multistate license, LPNs must:
Provide proof of residency in the State of Vermont
Hold or obtain an unencumbered Vermont single-state license
Possess a valid United States Social Security Number
Submit a fingerprint-supported criminal background check
Pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
Achieve a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a similar English proficiency assessment if the nursing program completed was conducted in any language besides English
Not have any felony convictions
Not have any misdemeanor convictions for offenses related to nursing, determined on a case-by-case basis
Not be enrolled in an alternative program
Agree to self-disclose participation in an alternative-program
To add the multistate specialty to an active Vermont LPN license, nurses must complete these additional steps at their next on-time renewal:
Complete an FBI Background Check
Print the Release Form
Complete mandatory fields
Have form notarized
Add a specialty indicating Multistate or Single-State License
Go to the online dashboard and click “Add Specialty”
Select multistate specialty
Upload proof of Vermont residency
Upload the completed Release Form
Pay the non-refundable background check fee
Submit the specialty application
Once OPR receives the applicant’s specialty application with the completed Release Form, it emails the applicant a Fingerprint Authorization Form in 3 to 5 business days. Applicants must complete the required fingerprinting process. OPR will email applicants if they need further information and when applicants receive approval for their specialty.
It can take 4 to 6 weeks, or longer, for the OPR to receive the results of the criminal background check and approve an applicant’s specialty. LPNs can continue practicing under their active single-state license in Vermont until they receive the results of their specialty request.
Licensure by Endorsement
Applicants who are already licensed in good standing in another state or jurisdiction in which the standards and qualifications are substantially equivalent to Vermont's may apply for licensure by endorsement.
Review the Statutes and Rules governing the nursing profession
Register for an online account or login to an existing account
Click "Apply for Individual License"
Complete the online application
Pay the non-refundable application fee with a debit card, credit card or ACH transaction from a checking or savings account
Submit verification of licensure for original nursing license and nursing license from most recent state of nursing employment
Request verifications through the NURSYS website for states that participate in this online verification database
Contact the State Board of Nursing to request the completion of a Verification of Licensure form be sent to OPR for those states that don't participate in Nursys
OPR notifies applicants through email if it requires any additional items to process their applications. Applicants may check the status of their applications through their online account at any time. Allow 3 to 5 business days for processing. Once an application has met all requirements, OPR will issue the applicant's license.
Licensure by Exam
Graduate nurses must apply for Vermont nursing licensure by exam. All applicants must provide evidence of completion of an approved practical nursing education program and an official transcript if educated outside of Vermont.
Review the Statutes and Rules governing the nursing profession
Register for an online account or login to an existing account
Click "Apply for Individual License"
Complete the online application
Pay the non-refundable application fee with a debit card, credit card or ACH transaction from a checking or savings account
Submit the Verification of Education for Practical Nurse form completed and placed in a sealed envelope by the nursing education school
The school may send the completed, signed, and dated form affixed with the school’s official stamp or seal directly to the Vermont Board of Nursing
The school may give the completed, signed, and dated form affixed with the school’s official stamp or seal to the applicant who attaches the unopened envelope to their application
Out-of-state nursing schools also must include official transcripts in this envelope
Nursing programs in Vermont don’t have to include official transcripts
Complete fingerprinting requirements for a criminal background check
Schedule NCLEX-PN with Pearson VUE and pay a $200 testing fee
Email the office to confirm NCLEX registration to become eligible to test
Allow 3 to 5 business days for processing. OPR notifies applicants when they’re approved to take the NCLEX and they may check the status of their application online at any time. Pearson VUE sends OPR notification of exam outcome. Applicants who pass receive their license upon notification. Applicants who don’t pass must submit an NCLEX-PN Retake Application with a non-refundable processing fee and re-register with Pearson VUE with another $200 testing fee to take the exam again.
Licensure for Foreign Educated Nurses
Candidates applying for a Vermont LPN license who acquired all or part of their nursing education and/or professional licensure in a country other than the United States must complete the same steps as a domestic-trained applicant. They must also have their qualifications evaluated by a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) that’s a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Contact one of OPR’s recommended vendors:
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
CGFNS or IERF will send the foreign-educated nurse licensure applicant’s completed CES report directly to the Vermont Board of Nursing. Applicants must obtain one or both of the following:
A detailed course-by-course translation and evaluation report of foreign transcripts to evaluate educational qualifications for licensure
Evaluation of other qualifications for professional licensure, including passage of a professional competency examination, a professional license, and/or supervised practice or work experience hours
Timing
Allow 3 to 5 business days for processing Vermont LPN licensure by endorsement applications.
The processing time of applications for a Vermont nursing license by exam varies. Allow 3 to 5 business days for processing the initial application and approving the applicant to sit for the NCLEX-PN. It can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer for the OPR to receive the results of the criminal background check. Once OPR receives these results, it may take further processing time to review these results. Permanent licensure can't occur until all items have been received and processed.
Temporary Nurse License
Vermont usually only offers a temporary nursing license when submitting a Practical Nurse Re-Entry Application for Temporary Permit as part of the re-entry program. Re-entry programs are intended to prepare LPNs who don't meet practice requirements for endorsement or for Vermont LPN license renewal to be eligible for licensure. Re-entry programs must be approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing.
Fees
All fees are non-refundable. Current Vermont LPN license fees and other related costs include:
Licensure by Exam: $75
Licensure by Endorsement: $150
Vermont LPN License Renewal: $175
Re-Entry Application for Temporary Permit: $25
Fingerprinting Service (Paid to Fingerprint Identification Center): up to $25
NCLEX-PN (Paid to Pearson VUE): $200 per attempt
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN in Vermont?
If you fail the NCLEX-PN in Vermont, you must submit an NCLEX-PN Retake Application with a non-refundable processing fee and re-register with Pearson VUE with another $200 testing fee to take the exam again.
Does LPN licensure renewal in Vermont require continuing education?
No LPN licensure renewal in Vermont does not require continuing education.
Is Vermont a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes Vermont is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Does Vermont require fingerprinting for a background check?
Yes Vermont requires fingerprinting for a background check.
How often do you need to renew your LPN license in Vermont?
You must renew your LPN license in Vermont every two years. Renewals are due on or before March 31 of odd-numbered years.