| State |
Nursing CE Requirement for RN |
CEs for LPN |
| ALABAMA |
24 contact hours every 2 years for RNs. 12 contact hours allowed through independent study. |
24 contact hours every 2 years for both LPNs. 12 contact hours allowed through independent study. |
| 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 |
CE not required. |
No CE 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: 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. |
| CALIFORNIA |
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. |
LPNs must complete 30 contact hours of Continuing Education every two years in order to renew their license with an active status |
| COLORADO |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| CONNECTICUT |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| DELAWARE |
RNs are required to complete 30 contact hours every 2 years. |
LPNs are required to complete 24 contact hours every 2 years. |
| DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA |
24 contact hours every 2 years. |
No CE Required. |
| FLORIDA |
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. |
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. |
| GEORGIA |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| HAWAII |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| IDAHO |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| ILLINOIS |
RNs are required to complete 20 contact hours every two years. |
LPNs are required to complete 20 contact hours every two years. |
| INDIANA |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| IOWA |
RNs: 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. |
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. |
| KANSAS |
RNs are required to complete 30 contact hours every 2 years. There is no maximum on the number of independent study hours that can be obtained. |
LPNs are required to complete 30 contact hours every 2 years. There is no maximum on the number of independent study hours that can be obtained. |
| KENTUCKY |
Must have proof of 14 approved contact hours; OR A national certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role (in effect during the entire period or initially earned during the period); OR Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, coinvestigator, or project director. Must be qualitative or quantitative in nature, utilize research methodology, and include a summary of the findings; OR Publication of a nursing related article; OR A professional nursing education presentation that is developed by the presenter, presented to nurses or other health professionals, and evidenced by a program brochure, course syllabi, or a letter from the offering provider identifying the licensee’s participation as the presenter of the offering; OR Participation as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee undergoing orientation (must be for at least 120 hours, have a one-to-one relationship with student or employee, may precept more than one student during the 120 hours, and preceptorship shall be evidenced by written documentation from the educational institution or preceptor’s supervisor); OR Proof of earning 7 approved contact hours, PLUS a nursing employment evaluation that is satisfactory for continued employment (must be signed by supervisor with the name, address, and phone number of the employer included), and cover at least 6 months of the earning period. Certain college courses may be used to meet the CE requirements. Nursing courses, designated by a nursing course number, and courses in physical and social sciences such as Psychology, Biology, and Sociology will count toward CE hours. |
Must have proof of 14 approved contact hours; OR A national certification or recertification related to the nurse’s practice role (in effect during the entire period or initially earned during the period); OR Completion of a nursing research project as principal investigator, coinvestigator, or project director. Must be qualitative or quantitative in nature, utilize research methodology, and include a summary of the findings; OR Publication of a nursing related article; OR A professional nursing education presentation that is developed by the presenter, presented to nurses or other health professionals, and evidenced by a program brochure, course syllabi, or a letter from the offering provider identifying the licensee’s participation as the presenter of the offering; OR Participation as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee undergoing orientation (must be for at least 120 hours, have a one-to-one relationship with student or employee, may precept more than one student during the 120 hours, and preceptorship shall be evidenced by written documentation from the educational institution or preceptor’s supervisor); OR Proof of earning 7 approved contact hours, PLUS a nursing employment evaluation that is satisfactory for continued employment (must be signed by supervisor with the name, address, and phone number of the employer included), and cover at least 6 months of the earning period. Certain college courses may be used to meet the CE requirements. Nursing courses, designated by a nursing course number, and courses in physical and social sciences such as Psychology, Biology, and Sociology will count toward CE hours. |
| LOUISIANA |
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). |
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). |
| MAINE |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| MARYLAND |
No CE required, but an approved refresher course is needed. |
No CE Required. |
| MASSACHUSETTS |
RNs are required to complete 15 contact hours every 2 years. |
LPNs are required to complete 15 contact hours every 2 years. |
| 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 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. |
| MINNESOTA |
RNs must complete 24 contact hours every 2 years. |
LPNs must complete 12 contact hours every 2 years. |
| MISSISSIPPI |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| MISSOURI |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| MONTANA |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| NEBRASKA |
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 |
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 |
| NEVADA |
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. |
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. |
| NEW HAMPSHIRE |
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. |
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 |
Continuing Education requirements for New Jersey: 30 contact hours every two years for RNs |
Continuing Education requirements for New Jersey: 30 contact hours every two years for LPNs |
| NEW MEXICO |
RNs are required to complete 30 hours of approved CE within the 24 months immediately preceding expiration of license. |
LPNs are 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. |
| NORTH CAROLINA |
RNs and LPNs: 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
|
RNs and LPNs: 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. |
| OHIO |
RN relicensure requirement: 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. |
LPN relicensure requirement: 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. |
| OKLAHOMA |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| OREGON |
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. |
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. |
| PENNSYLVANIA |
30 contact hours every two years for RNs. |
No CE Required. |
| RHODE ISLAND |
RNs are required to complete 10 contact hours every 2 years. Online courses are acceptable. |
LPNs are required to complete 10 contact hours every 2 years. Online courses are acceptable. |
| SOUTH CAROLINA |
Demonstration of competency for renewal of an active RN or LPN license biennially requires documented evidence of at least one of the following requirements during the licensure period:
1. Completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board;
2. Maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board;
3. Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board; or
4. Verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board |
Demonstration of competency for renewal of an active RN or LPN license biennially requires documented evidence of at least one of the following requirements during the licensure period:
1. Completion of thirty contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board;
2. Maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board;
3. Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board; or
4. Verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board |
| SOUTH DAKOTA |
CE not required. |
No CE 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. |
| TEXAS |
RNs are required to 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 are require to 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 Collection |
| UTAH |
Renewal of an RN license requires one of the following every 2 years: 30 contact hours, OR 200 practice hours and 15 contact hours, OR 400 practice hours. |
Renewal of an LPN license requires one of the following every 2 years: 30 contact hours, OR 200 practice hours and 15 contact hours, OR 400 practice hours. |
| VERMONT |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| VIRGINIA |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| WASHINGTON |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| WEST VIRGINIA |
Completion of the 12 contact hours of CE required for RN 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 are required to 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. |
| WISCONSIN |
CE not required. |
No CE Required. |
| WYOMING |
Requirement for RN 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 |
Requirement for LPN 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 |
