Licensed Practical Nurse in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
Jobs (CA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in California
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California, individuals must complete a Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approved vocational nursing program, or meet equivalent education/experience or military requirements. After meeting the educational prerequisites, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and submit an application with the required fees to the BVNPT. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so out-of-state licensees must apply for endorsement and fulfill California's specific educational criteria.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist California requirements
| Licensing body | California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approved vocational nursing program, or an out-of-state program approved by that state's Board of Nursing, or equivalent education and/or experience (51 months of paid bedside nursing experience in an acute care facility and a 54-theory-hour pharmacology course), or military experience (12 months active duty bedside patient care and basic nursing instruction in the armed forces). All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Out-of-state applicants must meet California's specific coursework requirements. |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | California does not participate in NLC; endorsement is available, but examination may be required if education is not met.Reciprocal states: California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants licensed in another U.S. state, territory, or Canada must apply for licensure by endorsement and meet California's educational requirements. If educational requirements are not met, applicants must apply for licensure by examination. |
| Notes | Minimum age 17. Fingerprinting and background check required. First renewal exempt from CE hours. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. An additional $150 fee is assessed for delinquent renewals. An initial license fee of $300 is required after passing the exam. |
Source: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to California? See whether California recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleCalifornia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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