Address:
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia  31217-3858

Phone Number:
478-207-2440

Fax Number:
478-207-1633

Web Address:
www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/lpn

2) How do I become a licensed practical nurse?

·     You must graduate from a practical nursing program approved by the Georgia Board of Examiners of LPN’s, or, a nursing education program approved by another state Board of Nursing whose course and content requirements are equal to or greater than those required of approved Georgia programs.   

·     You must pass the NCLEX-PN examination.  For more information on the examination, please visit www.ncsbn.org .

      PLEASE NOTE: If you do not pass the NCLEX-PN exam on your first attempt, there is a forty-five (45) day waiting period before you may be authorized to sit for the exam a subsequent time. Please refer to Board Rule 400-2-.05 Examination and Re-Examination. Amended.

·      You must not be otherwise ineligible for licensure under the law.

3) I hold a current license in another state. Am I eligible for licensure in Georgia?

Yes. If the state where you are currently licensed has licensure requirements that are substantially equal to or greater than Georgia requirements and you are not otherwise ineligible for licensure, you are eligible for licensure in Georgia.

You cannot use your out of state license to practice in Georgia. You must hold a valid license issued by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses in order to practice in Georgia.

4) How can I become licensed in Georgia if I have a license in another state?

You must submit the completed Application for Licensure by Endorsement, fee (money order/personal check) and meet the following requirements:

·         You are 18 years of age or older;

·         You have graduated from high school or received a General Education Diploma or a recognized equivalent;

·         You have completed/graduated a board approved practical nursing program or Army 68WM6 (previously 91C or 91WM6 program);

·         You successfully passed the NCLEX-PN;

·         You have submitted verification of license of current state of licensure;

·         You have submitted verification of license in original state of licensure;

·         You have submitted verification of employment as an LPN within 5 years immediately preceding the date of your application;

·         Please refer to Board Rule 400-2-.04 Interstate Endorsement Licensure for more information.

5) What if I did not graduate from an approved practical nursing program, am I eligible for licensure in Georgia?

No. If you did graduate from a nursing program, your nursing education program must be substantially equal to or greater than the program requirements of the approved Georgia practical nursing programs, and, you must meet all other requirements for licensure.

6) When will I receive my license?

Once your application is complete, and all of the supporting documents have been received, your application file will be reviewed by an application specialist.  You will then receive a license if you meet the requirements.  If you are not eligible for a license, you will receive a letter indicating the status of your application. 

7) How will I know if I have been issued a license?

There are several ways to determine if you have been issued a license.  First, the board office will mail you a “pocket card” of your license once it has been issued.  Second, this site has a database of all licensees and you can search the database to see if you are, in fact, licensed.  Lastly, you may call the office and we will search the database for you to determine if you are licensed.

8) Can I receive a provisional or temporary license to practice in Georgia?

No.  The Georgia Board of LPN does not issue temporary licenses.

9) How can I change my address?

Address changes may be updated on line at www.sos.state.ga.us/plb, or, submitted in writing (addressed to the Ga. LPN Board) by US Mail or by fax (478-207-1633 Fax).  Please include your license number and a telephone number in case there are any questions.

10) How can I change my name?

Please submit a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.  A copy of your driver’s license or social security card is not acceptable.  Please include your license number and the appropriate fee.  You should receive a new pocket card after fifteen (15) working days.

11) I lost my pocket card, how can I receive a duplicate?

Submit a written request to the board for a duplicate card. Include your name, address, license number and the appropriate fee of $25.00 (payable to the Ga. LPN Board).

12) Once I am licensed, do I have to participate in Continuing Education?

No. The Georgia Board of LPN does not require continuing education.

13) What can I do as a LPN?

The board does not have a list of approved activities for Licensed Practical Nurses.  You are encouraged to review the legal definition of practical nursing under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 43-26-32(7) and the curriculum requirements for practical nursing programs under Rule 400-3-.07.

14) Does my license expire?

All practical nursing licenses expire March 31 of odd years. You may renew on-line at: www.sos.state.ga.us/plb, or call the Board offices at (478) 207-2440 and request a mail-in renewal application be sent to you by US Mail.