State Specific CE Requirements
RNs and LPNs - Revised July 15, 2020
Alabama
RNs: Must earn 24 contact hours every 2 years. 12 contact hours allowed through independent study.
LPNs: Must earn 24 contact hours every 2 years. 12 contact hours allowed through independent study.
Four (4) contact hours of provided by the Alabama Board of Nursing related to Board functions, the Nurse Practice Act, regulations, professional conduct, and accountability is required for the first license renewal. RN licenses are valid from January 1 of each odd-numbered year and expires December 31 of each even-numbered year.
Alaska
RNs: Two of the following three are required for license renewal:
30 contact hours, OR 30 hours professional nursing activities, OR 320 hours nursing employment.
LPNs: Two of the following three are required for license renewal:
30 contact hours, OR 30 hours professional nursing activities, OR 320 hours nursing employment.
Arizona
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Arkansas
RNs: 15 contact hours every two years, or certification or recertification during the renewal period by a national certifying body, or completion of a recognized academic course in nursing or a related field.
LPNs: 15 contact hours every two years, or certification or recertification during the renewal period by a national certifying body, or completion of a recognized academic course in nursing or a related field.
California
RNs: All RNs in the State of California who wish to maintain an active license are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education for license renewal.
LVNs: LVNs must complete 30 contact hours of Continuing Education every two years in order to renew their license with an active status.
Colorado
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Connecticut
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing Division of Health Systems Regulation
Delaware
RNs: Required to complete 30 contact hours every 2 years.
LPNs: Required to complete 24 contact hours every 2 years.Three (3) of the 30 hours must be in the area of substance abuse.
District of Columbia
RNs: 24 contact hours every two years, 3 of which must be in HIV/AIDS and are required to complete 2 hours of instruction in cultural competency focusing on patients who identify as LGBTQ.
LPNs: Complete 18 hour of CONTINUING EDUCATION. LPN CE Compliance Options: (1) Contact Hour Option: Provide Course Completion Certificates (2) Academic Option: Provide transcript that indicates completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in nursing or relevant to the practice of nursing. (3) Teaching Option: Provide acceptance letter/email as evidence of having developed or taught a CE course or educational offering approved by the Board or a Board-approved accrediting body. (4) Author or Editor Option: Provide acceptance letter from publishers, as evidence that you are an authored or edited a book, chapter or published peer reviewed periodical.3.0 contact hours on HIV/AIDS is required, beginning with the 2016 renewal.
Florida
RNs: are now in a 24-month renewal cycle and must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education during each renewal period. One (1) contact hour is required for each calendar month of the licensure cycle, including two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence CE is now a 2-hour requirement every third renewal. There is a NEW 2-HOUR CE course requirement for the Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace that becomes effective August 1, 2017, then every other biennium thereafter. Registered Nursing Group 1 will be the first group required to have the new CE for the renewal period ending April 30, 2018.
LPNs: are now in a 24-month renewal cycle and must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education during each renewal period. One (1) contact hour is required for each calendar month of the licensure cycle, including two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence CE is now a 2-hour requirement every third renewal. For example, if you renew your license on January 31, 2007, you are required to complete the Domestic Violence CE before the January 31, 2011 renewal.
Click here to view our courses that were designed specifically for Florida.Florida Board of Nursing
Georgia
RNs: 30 hours every 2 years
LPNs: 30 hours every 2 yearsSee state website for additional renewal options.
Guam
RNs: 30 hours every 2 years on 9-30 (odd numbered years)
LPNs: 30 hours every 2 years on 9-30 (odd numbered years).
Hawaii
RNs: Beginning July 1, 2017, for every 2 year renewal period RNs must complete one of the following: 30 contact hours of continuing education, completion of a board approved refresher course, completion of a minimum of two semester credits of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice from an accredited nursing program.
LPNs: Beginning July 1, 2017, for every 2 year renewal period LPNs must complete one of the following: 30 contact hours of continuing education, completion of a board approved refresher course, completion of a minimum of two semester credits of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice from an accredited nursing program.For more options see the Hawaii Board of Nursing Professional and Vocational Licensing.
Hawaii Board of Nursing Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Idaho
In order to renew, a licensee shall complete or comply with at least two of any of the learning activities listed below within the two year renewal period. a. Practice: i. Current nursing specialty certification as defined in Section 402; ii. One hundred (100) hours of practice or simulation practice b. Education, Continuing Education, E-learning, and In-service: i. Fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education; ii. Completion of a minimum of one (1) semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education; iii. Completion of a Board-recognized refresher course; See additional options on Idaho BON websiteNew Continuing Competency Requirements (effective with the 2018 renewal) In order to renew, a licensee shall complete or comply with at least two (2) of any of the learning activities listed in the RN requirements within the two (2) year renewal period.
Illinois
RNs: Required to complete 20 contact hours every two years.
LPNs: Required to complete 20 contact hours every two years.
Indiana
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Iowa
RNs and LPNs: For renewal of a three year license, the requirement is 36 contact hours; For renewal of a license that has been issued for less than three years, the requirement is 24 contact hours. For reactivation from an inactive status, the requirement is 12 contact hours that are not more than 12 months old at the time the credit is submitted for reactivation For renewal of a license that has been issued for less than three years, the requirement is 24 contact hours or 2.4 CEUs. It is also required that RNs and LPNs who regularly examine, attend, counsel or treat dependent adults or children in Iowa complete training related to the identification and reporting of child/dependent adult abuse. The licensee is required to complete at least two hours of training every five years.
RNs and LPNs: For renewal of a three year license, the requirement is 36 contact hours; For renewal of a license that has been issued for less than three years, the requirement is 24 contact hours. For reactivation from an inactive status, the requirement is 12 contact hours that are not more than 12 months old at the time the credit is submitted for reactivation For renewal of a license that has been issued for less than three years, the requirement is 24 contact hours or 2.4 CEUs. It is also required that RNs and LPNs who regularly examine, attend, counsel or treat dependent adults or children in Iowa complete training related to the identification and reporting of child/dependent adult abuse. The licensee is required to complete at least two hours of training every five years.For renewal of a license that has been issued for less than three years, the requirement is 24 contact hours or 2.4 CEUs.
Kansas
RNs: complete 30 contact hours every 2 years. There is no maximum on the number of independent study hours that can be obtained.
LPNs: complete 30 contact hours every 2 years. There is no maximum on the number of independent study hours that can be obtained.
Kentucky
RNs: must have proof of earning 14 approved contact hours or one of the other competency options stated by the Kentucky BON (see website link). Other required courses: Course: Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, also known as "Shaken Baby Syndrome." 1.5 hours. This is a one-time CE requirement covering the recognition and prevention of pediatric abusive head trauma. Nurses licensed as of July 15, 2010 have until December 31, 2013 to complete the course. Nurses licensed after that date have three years from the date of licensure to complete the course. Course: HIV/AIDs- All nurses are required to earn two contact hours of approved HIV/AIDS CE within the appropriate ten-year period.
LPNs: must have proof of earning 14 approved contact hours or one of the other competency options stated by the Kentucky BON (see website link).
Click here to view our courses that were designed specifically for Kentucky.Kentucky Board of Nursing
Louisiana
RNs and LPNs: The annual continuing education requirement is based on employment: 5 contact hours (full-time nursing practice), 10 contact hours (part-time nursing practice), or 15 contact hours (not employed or worked less than 160 hours).RNs and LPNs: The annual continuing education requirement is based on employment: 5 contact hours (full-time nursing practice), 10 contact hours (part-time nursing practice), or 15 contact hours (not employed or worked less than 160 hours).
RNs: RNs with employer verified nursing practice of 1,600 hours or more for the current year (10 full months at 40 hours per week), a minimum of 5 contact hours of nursing CEs are required each year to renew. For an RN with employer verified nursing practice for the year was 159 hours or less - or - the nurse was either unemployed or self-employed for the current year, a minimum of 15 contact hours is required. For RNs whose employer verified nursing practice was between 160 hours to 1,599 hours for the current calendar year, the RN will need a minimum of 10 contact hours to qualify for annual renewal.
Maine
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Maryland
RNs: CE not required; but an approved refresher course is needed.
LPNs: CE not required.
Massachusetts
RNs: Required to complete 15 contact hours every 2 years.
LPNs: Required to complete 15 contact hours every 2 years.
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Division of Professional Licensure
Michigan
All Michigan licensed nurses must complete 25 hours of board approved continuing education, with at least one hour in pain and symptom management, within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of their license.All Michigan LPNs have same requirements as RNs.
NEW REQUIREMENT: Beginning with the 2017 renewal cycle all Licensees must complete a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking. This requirement must be completed prior to the 2019 renewal cycle. Require one hour in pain and symptom management.
Michigan Department of Community Health Bureau Of Health Professions Michigan Board Of Nursing
Minnesota
RNs: complete 24 contact hours every 2 years.
LPNs: complete 12 contact hours every 2 years.
Mississippi
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Missouri
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Montana
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Nevada
RNs and LPNs: Complete 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education in the previous 24 months, and must have completed the state-required bioterrorism course. For relicensure, RNs and LPNs must have completed 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education in the previous 24 months, and must have completed the state-required bioterrorism course.One-time mandatory Bio-Terrorism course of 4 hours.
Nebraska
RNs and LPNs: Must be 20 contact hours within the last renewal period. Must be related to the practice of nursing. At least 10 of the 20 hours must be formally peer reviewed* and approved continuing education. Up to 4 hours may be CPR or BLS courses.
*Courses approved by another board of nursing are considered "Peer Reviewed". All AAACEUs courses are approved by the California Board of Nursing, Florida Board of Nursing, Delaware Board of Nursing. See approvals and accreditations: https://www.aaaceus.com/certifications.asp
Renewal requirements for RNs and LPNs: Must be 20 contact hours within the last renewal period. Must be related to the practice of nursing. At least 10 of the 20 hours must be formally peer reviewed and approved continuing education. Up to 4 hours may be CPR or BLS coursesNo more than 4 hours are CPR or BLS classes.
New Hampshire
RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours in 2 years immediately preceding license application including workshops, conferences, lectures or other education offerings designed to enhance nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills. There is no limit to the number of contact hours that can be completed through independent study.
RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours in 2 years immediately preceding license application including workshops, conferences, lectures or other education offerings designed to enhance nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills. There is no limit to the number of contact hours that can be completed through independent study.
New Jersey
RNs: Continuing Education requirements for New Jersey: 30 contact hours every two years.
LPNs: Continuing Education requirements for New Jersey: 30 contact hours every two years.
Mandatory one-hour tissue organ donation course required.
New Mexico
RNs: Required to complete 30 hours of approved CE within the 24 months immediately preceding expiration of license.
LPNs: Required to complete 30 hours of approved CE within the 24 months immediately preceding expiration of license.
New York
RNs are required to complete 3 contact hours infection control every 4 years; 2 contact hours child abuse (one time requirement for initial license); Programs must be from an approved provider.
LPNs are required to complete 3 contact hours infection control every 4 years; Program must be from an approved provider.2 hour child abuse course, 3 hour infectious control for healthcare professionals.
Division of Professional Licensing Services NY State Education Department Nurse
North Carolina
RNs: For reistatement or relicensure, a plans for continued competence and completion of one of the following is required.
National certification or re-certification by a national credentialing body recognized by the Board
30 contact hours of continued education
Completion of a Board approved refresher course
Completion of a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
15 contact hours of continued education and completion of a nursing project as principal investigator or co-investigator to include statement of problem, project objectives, methods, date of completion and summary of findings
15 contact hours of continued education and authoring or co-authoring a nursing related article, paper, book or book chapter
15 contact hours of continued education and developing and conducting a nursing continuing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours, including program brochure or course syllabi, objectives, date and location of presentation, and approximate number of attendees
15 contact hours of continued education and 640 hours of active practice within previous 2 yearsLPNs: For reistatement or relicensure, a plans for continued competence and completion of one of the following is required.
National certification or re-certification by a national credentialing body recognized by the Board
30 contact hours of continued education
Completion of a Board approved refresher course
Completion of a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
15 contact hours of continued education and completion of a nursing project as principal investigator or co-investigator to include statement of problem, project objectives, methods, date of completion and summary of findings
15 contact hours of continued education and authoring or co-authoring a nursing related article, paper, book or book chapter
15 contact hours of continued education and developing and conducting a nursing continuing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours, including program brochure or course syllabi, objectives, date and location of presentation, and approximate number of attendees
15 contact hours of continued education and 640 hours of active practice within previous 2 years.
North Dakota
For RN license renewal, the nurse must meet the continued competence requirements. Included in this requirement is the completion of 12 contact hours of continuing education. All CE required for license renewal may be obtained online.
For LPN license renewal, the nurse must meet the continued competence requirements. Included in this requirement is the completion of 12 contact hours of continuing education. All CE required for license renewal may be obtained online.See additional competency cycle options on state website.
Ohio
RNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years. At least one contact hour must be related to Chapters 4723,1-23 of the Ohio nurse practice code and rules.
LPNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years. At least one contact hour must be related to Chapters 4723,1-23 of the Ohio nurse practice code and rules.At least 1 contact hour must be related to Chapters 4723, 1-23 of the Ohio Nurse Practice Code - First time renewals exempt from continuing education.
Oklahoma
RNs and LPNs: Must complete one of the following options within every 2 year renewal period. 1) verify 520 hours of employment a year, or 2) complete 24 hours of continuing education, or 3) verify current certification in a nursing specialty area, or 4) complete a board approved refresher course, or 5) complete 6 academic semester credits hours of coursework at the current level of licensure or higher.
Oregon
RNs: One-time requirement for seven hours of pain management-related CE. One hour must be a course to be provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission.The remaining six hours can be your choice of pain management topics. Once this requirement is fulfilled, there is no additional CE requirements for renewal.
LPNs: One-time requirement for seven hours of pain management-related CE. One hour must be a course to be provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission.The remaining six hours can be your choice of pain management topics. Once this requirement is fulfilled, there is no additional CE requirements for renewal.Only CEU Requirement (a 1-time requirement): 7 hours of Pain Management Continuing Ed. 1 of the 7 hours must be a 1 hour courses provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission.
Pennsylvania
RNs: 30 contact hours every two years for RNs. Beginning in 2014 RNs must complete 2 hours of approved child abuse and recognition and report training every renewal (Act 31). See state website for additional information. RNs renew either April 30 or October 30 odd and even years.
LPNs: Complete 2 hours of approved child abuse and recognition and report training every renewal (Act 31).
Rhode Island
RNs: Complete 10 contact hours every 2 years. Online courses are acceptable.
LPNs: Complete 10 contact hours every 2 years. Online courses are acceptable.
South Carolina
RNs: Completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board - Maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board - Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board - Verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board
LPNs: Completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board - Maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board - Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board - Verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the BoardSee state website for additional renewal options.
The State Board of Nursing for South Carolina: South Carolina State Board of Nursing
South Dakota
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Tennessee
Continuing Education for relicensure is not mandatory in Tennessee. However, mandatory continuing competency is required in Tennessee. In order to maintain continued competence, the board requires the nurse to have practiced in nursing in the last five (5) years and additionally, the Board sets out standards of competence and requirements to maintain competence.Continuing Education for relicensure is not mandatory in Tennessee. However, mandatory continuing competency is required in Tennessee. In order to maintain continued competence, the board requires the nurse to have practiced in nursing in the last five (5) years and additionally, the Board sets out standards of competence and requirements to maintain competence.See state website for competency requirements.
Texas
RNs: Complete 20 contact hours every two years. There is also a targeted 1-time, 2-contact hour CE requirement for any RN practicing in an emergency room setting for Forensic Evidence Collection
LPNs: Complete 20 contact hours every two years. There is also a targeted 1-time, 2-contact hour CE requirement for any LPN practicing in an emergency room setting for Forensic Evidence CollectionSee state website for specific requirements.
Utah
RNs: One of the following every 2 years: 30 contact hours, OR 200 practice hours and 15 contact hours, OR 400 practice hours.
LPNs: One of the following every 2 years: 30 contact hours, OR 200 practice hours and 15 contact hours, OR 400 practice hours.vvSee state website for additional renewal options.
Utah State Board of Nursing Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Vermont
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Virginia
To renew an active nursing license, a licensee shall complete at least one of the following learning activities or courses: 1. Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization, as defined in 18VAC90-19-10; 2. Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice, offered by a regionally accredited college or university; 3. A board-approved refresher course in nursing; 4. Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study; 5. Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle; 6. Teaching or developing a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit, a 15-week course, or specialty certification; 7. Teaching or developing nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours; 8. Fifteen contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse; or 9. Thirty contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing.Same as RNSee state website for additional renewal options.
Washington
RNs and LPNs: Keep documentation showing at least 531 hours of active practice and 45 clock hours of continuing education within a three year cycle. The first cycle starts on your first birthday after initial licensure. You must attest every three years to reflect you have met the requirements for both practice and continuing education. Do not send documentation to the Nursing Commission in support of the attestations unless notified of an audit via your renewal notice.
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission adopted rules in WAC 246-840-200 through 260 for an independent continuing competency program effective January 2011 and recently updated effective January 2016.Registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are required to keep documentation showing at least 531 hours of active practice and 45 clock hours of continuing education within a three year cycle. The first cycle starts on your first birthday after initial licensure. You must attest every three years to reflect you have met the requirements for both practice and continuing education. Do not send documentation to the Nursing Commission in support of the attestations unless notified of an audit via your renewal notice. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission adopted rules in WAC 246-840-200 through 260 for an independent continuing competency program effective January 2011 and recently updated effective January 2016.License renewals will continue to be annual.
The Nursing Commission sends a courtesy renewal notice to RNs and LPNs 90 days prior to license expiration. The renewal notice will indicate the continuing competency due date. Notice: You will see the attestation on your renewal notice when your renewal cycle ends. It is your responsibility to inform the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission of any change in address, email, and telephone number, whether renewing or not.
West Virginia
RNs: Relicensure may be accomplished by: 1. Completing 12 contact hours of CE from an approved CE provider; or 2. Completing 6 contact hours of CE from an approved CE provider which may include 2 contact hours of self-study and one of the following completed during the reporting period: A. National certification initially earned or in effect the entire reporting period; B. Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, co-investigator or project director; C. Published a nursing related article in a national nursing or healthcare journal; D. Developed and presented a professional nursing education presentation; E. Participated as a clinical preceptor for at least one student or one new employee undergoing orientation and have one hundred-twenty hours of one-on-one relationship as a clinical preceptor during the reporting period; F. Evidence of satisfactory evaluation of employment that covers at least six months of the reporting period; or G. Completion of an approved nursing refresher or re-entry course.
LPNs: Complete 24 contact hours of continuing education and engage in 400 clock hours of LPN practice in each 2 year reporting period. Reporting occurs on the even years. There is also a 1-time 2-contact hour requirement for end of life care including pain management.
Click here to view our courses that were designed specifically for West Virginia.West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
Wisconsin
RNs: CE not required.
LPNs: CE not required.
Wyoming
RNs: Relicensure: 20 contact hours in the last 2 years OR Combination of Nursing practice and contact hours OR Minimum 1600 hours in Nursing practice in the last 5 years OR Minimum 500 hours in Nursing practice in the last 2 years OR Passing NCLEX within the last 5 years OR National certification in specialty area in last 5 years OR Completion of a refresher/orientation program in the last 5 years.
LPNs: Relicensure: 20 contact hours in the last 2 years OR Combination of Nursing practice and contact hours OR Minimum 1600 hours in Nursing practice in the last 5 years OR Minimum 500 hours in Nursing practice in the last 2 years OR Passing NCLEX within the last 5 years OR National certification in specialty area in last 5 years OR Completion of a refresher/orientation program in the last 5 yearsSee state website for additional renewal options.