Application Fee
$80.00Verified by KY Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Kentucky, including $80.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a high school graduate or equivalency and successfully completed a program that is a minimum of nine (9) months with theory and instruction in practical nursing from a state board approved school of practical nursing
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
A person must hold a Kentucky current, active licensed practical nurse (LPN) license to be employed or practice as an LPN in Kentucky.
- 7
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS To obtain an application, contact the regulatory agency.
- 8
The examination is a comprehensive, multiple choice, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) using Computerized Adaptive Testing.
- 9
The NCLEX fee is $88.00, as of April 1994.
- 10
Should you fail the examination, contact the regulatory agency for retake procedures.
- 11
GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION There are no age, residency, or work experience (after completion of the prelicensure program) requirements for licensure.
Exam and processing details
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) using Computerized Adaptive Testing
Continuing education and program notes
- CERTIFICATION There are no age, residency, or work experience (after completion of the prelicensure program) requirements for licensure
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| The NCLEX fee | $88.00 |
| Initial license fee | $80.00 |
| Active license renewal fee | $65.00 |
| while inactive renewal fee | $45.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
$80.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$35,520 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (GENERAL INFORMATION for LICENSURE or CERTIFICATION There are no age, residency, or work experience (after completion of the prelicensure...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) using Computerized Adaptive Testing.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS To obtain an application, contact the regulatory agency.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (The NCLEX fee: $88.00; Initial license fee: $80.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $35,520, Security Guardss in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $38,370. Kentucky ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$35,520Hourly estimate
$17.087% below national median
Difference: -$2,850
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $48,620 |
| #2 | Washington | $48,010 |
| #3 | Colorado | $46,080 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $46,020 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $44,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Security Guards licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $35,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Indiana | $37,560 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Ohio | $36,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $37,220 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $43,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $36,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $40,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $38,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5022719759
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $40,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $37,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $60,230 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $82,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Security Guardss in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Security Guards licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Kentucky is $35,520. Salaries range from $28,680 (10th percentile) to $48,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $35,520.
How many Security Guardss work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 13,500 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://kbn.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.