RN vs LPN: Nursing License Differences, Requirements & Salary
Choosing between a Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license is one of the most important decisions in a nursing career. Both require state licensure and passing a national exam, but they differ significantly in education time, scope of practice, and earning potential.
RN vs LPN at a Glance
| Factor | LPN | RN |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 12 – 18 months (certificate/diploma) | 2 – 4 years (ADN or BSN) |
| National Exam | NCLEX-PN | NCLEX-RN |
| Median Salary | $54,620/year | $86,070/year |
| Total License Cost | $200 – $600 | $300 – $800 |
| Scope of Practice | Basic patient care, vitals, wound care | Full nursing assessment, medication, care plans |
| Career Advancement | Limited without further education | Specialization, NP, management |
LPN License Requirements
An LPN (called LVN — Licensed Vocational Nurse — in Texas and California) provides basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Education
- Program length: 12 to 18 months
- Credential: Certificate or diploma from an accredited nursing program
- Content: Anatomy, pharmacology, nutrition, clinical rotations
NCLEX-PN Exam
Every state requires passing the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and costs $200 to register.
- Format: Computer-adaptive test (75 to 150 questions)
- Pass rate: Approximately 83% for first-time U.S.-educated candidates
- Topics: Safe care, health promotion, physiological integrity
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
As of 2026, 38 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to practice across state lines with a single license. This is a significant advantage for LPNs who work in home health or travel nursing.
See LPN requirements for your state on our LPN state-by-state guide.
RN License Requirements
Registered Nurses have a broader scope of practice and more career pathways.
Education
Two main paths to RN licensure:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years at a community college
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years at a university
Many employers prefer or require a BSN. Some states are moving toward BSN-required legislation.
NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN is more comprehensive than the NCLEX-PN:
- Format: Computer-adaptive (75 to 145 questions)
- Registration fee: $200
- Pass rate: Approximately 88% for first-time BSN graduates
- Topics: Management of care, pharmacology, reduction of risk potential
State Application
After passing NCLEX-RN, you apply to your state board of nursing. Typical costs:
| Fee | Range |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 – $200 |
| Background check | $30 – $80 |
| Fingerprinting | $15 – $50 |
View RN requirements by state at our registered nurse guide.
Which States Pay the Most?
Top-Paying States for RNs
- California — $133,340/year
- Hawaii — $113,220/year
- Oregon — $106,610/year
Top-Paying States for LPNs
- California (LVN) — $67,490/year
- Washington — $65,950/year
- Massachusetts — $63,790/year
Compare salaries across all states: RN salaries | LPN salaries
LPN to RN Bridge Programs
Many LPNs advance their careers by completing an LPN-to-RN bridge program. These programs recognize prior LPN education and clinical experience, shortening the time to an ADN or BSN:
- LPN-to-ADN: 1 to 2 semesters
- LPN-to-BSN: 2 to 3 years
This is one of the most cost-effective career advancement paths in healthcare.
Criminal Background Considerations
Both RN and LPN licenses require background checks. Most state boards evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis, considering:
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Time elapsed since conviction
- Evidence of rehabilitation
A few states (like Indiana) have stricter standards that may prohibit licensure for certain convictions. Check your state’s specific policy on our state requirement pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LPN? Most LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete. After graduation, plan an additional 1 to 2 months for NCLEX-PN testing and state application processing.
Can an LPN become an RN? Yes. LPN-to-RN bridge programs are widely available and can shorten the RN education by 6 to 12 months depending on the program.
Is the NCLEX-RN harder than the NCLEX-PN? The NCLEX-RN covers a broader scope and has a higher difficulty level, but first-time pass rates are actually higher for RN candidates (88%) than PN candidates (83%), likely because BSN programs are more comprehensive.
Do RN and LPN licenses transfer between states? States in the Nurse Licensure Compact (38 states as of 2026) allow multi-state practice with a single license. For non-compact states, you must apply for licensure by endorsement.
What’s the salary difference between RN and LPN? RNs earn approximately $31,000 more per year on average ($86,070 vs $54,620 nationally). Over a 30-year career, that’s nearly $1 million more in lifetime earnings.
Data sourced from CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Verify current requirements with your state board of nursing.