STANDARDS, LAWS AND CONTINUING
EDUCATION OF NURSING LICENSURE STUDY
GUIDE EXAM 2025
How Licensure Protects Consumers
Ensures only properly trained nurses enter the profession,
Prevents unlicensed individuals from practicing as nurses,
Provides a process for disciplinary action against unsafe
nurses, Sets legal standards that all nurses must follow.
Licensure
The legal process by which a government authority grants
permission to individuals to practice a profession after
meeting specific qualifications.
Importance of Licensure
Protects the Public - Ensures nurses meet established
standards of practice.
State Boards of Nursing (BONs)
Establish and enforce nursing licensure laws.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Develops the NCLEX exam to assess nursing competency.
, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse
(LVN)
Provides basic nursing care under RN supervision.
Requires completion of a state-approved LPN/LVN program
and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Responsible for comprehensive patient care and critical
decision-making.
Methods of obtaining an RN license
Diploma Program (Hospital-based training).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Includes Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists
(CNS), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and Nurse Midwives
(CNM).
Requirements for APRN
A Master's (MSN) or Doctoral (DNP) degree in an advanced
practice specialty.
Standards of Licensure
Completion of an Approved Nursing Program - All
candidates must graduate from a state-accredited nursing
program.
EDUCATION OF NURSING LICENSURE STUDY
GUIDE EXAM 2025
How Licensure Protects Consumers
Ensures only properly trained nurses enter the profession,
Prevents unlicensed individuals from practicing as nurses,
Provides a process for disciplinary action against unsafe
nurses, Sets legal standards that all nurses must follow.
Licensure
The legal process by which a government authority grants
permission to individuals to practice a profession after
meeting specific qualifications.
Importance of Licensure
Protects the Public - Ensures nurses meet established
standards of practice.
State Boards of Nursing (BONs)
Establish and enforce nursing licensure laws.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Develops the NCLEX exam to assess nursing competency.
, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse
(LVN)
Provides basic nursing care under RN supervision.
Requires completion of a state-approved LPN/LVN program
and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Responsible for comprehensive patient care and critical
decision-making.
Methods of obtaining an RN license
Diploma Program (Hospital-based training).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Includes Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialists
(CNS), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), and Nurse Midwives
(CNM).
Requirements for APRN
A Master's (MSN) or Doctoral (DNP) degree in an advanced
practice specialty.
Standards of Licensure
Completion of an Approved Nursing Program - All
candidates must graduate from a state-accredited nursing
program.
