Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.
Jobs (DE)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Delaware, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Delaware Board of Nursing, and a state license is required. Applicants must also undergo state and federal criminal background checks via digital fingerprinting. Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice, though those establishing residency in Delaware must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 24 continuing education hours, with 3 hours specifically in substance abuse, and attestation of recent practice hours.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Delaware. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Delaware requirements
| Licensing body | Delaware Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $181 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Delaware is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for endorsement if practice requirements are met.Reciprocal states: Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Delaware. Those moving to Delaware from another compact state must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days of establishing residency. LPNs licensed in a non-compact state can apply for licensure by endorsement if they meet practice requirements (graduation from a board-approved program within the past two years with at least 400 clinical hours, or 1,000 hours of practice over the past five years, or 400 hours over the past two years, or completion of a board-approved refresher program). |
| Notes | Renewal is every two years on February 28 of even-numbered years. A criminal background check (state and federal) is required for initial licensure and involves digital fingerprinting through IdentoGO. Some LPN programs in Delaware have a minimum age requirement of 18 or 20 years old. Applicants must also attest to practicing a minimum of 1,000 hours in the past five years or 400 hours in the past two years for renewal. 3 of the 24 CE hours must be in substance abuse. Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. |
Source: Delaware Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Delaware? See whether Delaware 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_circleDelaware license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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