You finished your vocational nursing program. Now comes the part most new graduates underestimate: the BVNPT application process. Understanding the sequence of steps, the agencies involved, and the typical timeline helps you move through the process without unnecessary delays.
In California, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credential is issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). After completing a BVNPT-approved program, you must apply for your license, complete a background check, and pass the NCLEX-PN before you can practice as an LVN. This guide covers each of those steps in order.
One note before you start: in California and Texas, the entry-level nursing credential is Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). In other states, this credential is called Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). When you see job postings or licensing information for California, look for LVN.
Step 1: Confirm Your Program Has Filed for BVNPT Approval
Before you can apply for your license, your nursing school must confirm to the BVNPT that you completed the approved program. This happens through a process where the school submits verification of your graduation directly to the board. You cannot apply for your license until this happens.
Ask your school’s registrar or administrative office: when will they notify BVNPT of your graduation, and what is the process you need to follow next. Some schools submit graduation data in batches; others file individually. Knowing the timeline helps you start your application without waiting longer than necessary.
Step 2: Submit Your Application to the BVNPT
You apply for your LVN license directly through the BVNPT. Applications can be submitted online or by mail. At the time of application, you will need to pay the application fee and provide your personal information, education history, and any required disclosures including prior criminal history or prior license applications.
The BVNPT processes applications in the order they are received. Submitting your application promptly after graduation avoids adding unnecessary time to an already multi-step process. The BVNPT can be reached at (916) 263-7800 or at www.bvnpt.ca.gov for current fee information and application forms.
Step 3: Complete Your LiveScan Fingerprinting
All LVN applicants in California must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check run through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is done through California’s LiveScan electronic fingerprinting system.
You go to an authorized LiveScan service provider in person. Many police stations, sheriff’s offices, UPS stores, and private services offer this. You bring the LiveScan request form you receive from the BVNPT application process, and the provider transmits your fingerprints electronically to the DOJ and FBI. There is a fee for the LiveScan service, paid at the time of submission.
Results from the DOJ and FBI go directly to the BVNPT. You do not receive them. The BVNPT will contact you only if there is an issue.
Step 4: Submit Your Official Transcripts
The BVNPT requires official transcripts from your nursing program confirming completion of all required coursework. These typically come directly from your school to the BVNPT. If you completed any prerequisite courses at a community college or university, those transcripts may also be required.
Check with your nursing program about what they submit to the BVNPT on your behalf versus what you need to arrange separately. Missing transcripts are one of the most common reasons for delays in the application process.
Step 5: Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once the BVNPT receives and approves your application, background check, and transcripts, they forward your information to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which administers the NCLEX-PN.
NCSBN will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT is the permission slip that allows you to schedule your NCLEX-PN exam. Your ATT has an expiration date, typically 90 days from the date of issue. You must schedule and take your exam before the ATT expires, or you will need to request a new one.
Step 6: Schedule and Sit for the NCLEX-PN
With your ATT in hand, you schedule your NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers the exam on behalf of NCSBN. The exam is available at Pearson VUE testing centers across California. You pay the NCLEX-PN exam fee (approximately $200 at the time of this writing) directly to Pearson VUE when scheduling.
The NCLEX-PN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The exam adjusts the difficulty of questions based on how you are performing, and it stops once it has enough data to determine with statistical confidence whether you have passed or failed. The minimum number of questions is 85; the maximum is 150.
You typically receive unofficial results through Pearson VUE’s Quick Results service within 48 hours of completing the exam. Official results go to the BVNPT directly from NCSBN.
Step 7: Receive Your California LVN License
After passing the NCLEX-PN, the BVNPT issues your California LVN license. You receive your license number and can begin practicing as a licensed vocational nurse in California. Your license appears in the BVNPT’s public license search, which employers use to verify your credentials.
California LVN licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education (CE) credits, with specific requirements around CE content in certain areas. The BVNPT sends renewal reminders but it is your responsibility to renew before expiration.
How CDI Prepares Students for This Process
Career Development Institute’s BVNPT-approved Vocational Nurse program in Los Angeles has guided students through this licensing process for over 20 years. CDI’s program includes NCLEX-PN preparation throughout the curriculum, and the administrative team helps graduates understand what comes next after completing the program.
CDI’s curriculum includes content delivered using the computerized adaptive testing (CAT) approach that mirrors how the actual NCLEX-PN functions, so graduates are not caught off guard by the exam format. The more than 1,500 combined program hours of classroom and clinical training ensure graduates have the clinical knowledge base to answer the scenario-based questions the NCLEX-PN requires.
If you want to learn more about CDI’s program and how it prepares students for licensure, visit our Vocational Nurse program page or contact us about enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the BVNPT licensing process take in California?
Timeline varies based on application volume and how quickly you complete each step. From graduation to receiving your ATT, plan for 6 to 12 weeks in a typical scenario. Background check processing through the DOJ and FBI can take 4 to 8 weeks. Submitting your application promptly after graduation and completing LiveScan quickly are the two biggest factors within your control.
Can I work as an LVN while waiting for my license?
No. You cannot work as an LVN in California until you have passed the NCLEX-PN and received your BVNPT license. Working as a vocational nurse without a license is practicing without a license, which carries legal consequences. Some healthcare employers hire new graduates in non-nursing roles while they wait for licensure, but that is a separate job classification.
What happens if my Authorization to Test (ATT) expires?
If you do not schedule and complete your NCLEX-PN before your ATT expires, you need to contact the BVNPT to request a new ATT. This adds time and may require paying additional fees. If your authorization expires due to circumstances outside your control, contact the BVNPT directly at (916) 263-7800 to explain the situation and ask about options.
Do I need to disclose prior criminal history on my BVNPT application?
Yes. The BVNPT application asks about prior criminal history. Failure to disclose is a more serious problem than the underlying issue itself, as it constitutes dishonesty in a licensing application. Each case is evaluated individually by the BVNPT. If you have prior history, attorneys who specialize in professional licensing matters can advise you on how to proceed before you apply.
How do I renew my California LVN license?
California LVN licenses renew every two years. You must complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours per renewal period, with certain mandated content areas specified by BVNPT regulations. Renewal can be completed online through the BVNPT website. Keep track of your CE certificates, as the BVNPT may audit renewal claims.
Career Development Institute has been training vocational nurses in Los Angeles for over 20 years through a BVNPT-approved program that prepares students for both the clinical work and the licensing process. If you are ready to take the first step, contact us to learn about enrollment in our Vocational Nurse program.
