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Nurse CE Requirements by State

Nurse CE Requirements by State

Understanding your state’s Continuing Education (CE) requirements is crucial for maintaining your nursing license. Whether you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN, called a Licensed Vocational Nurse or LVN in California and Texas), each state has its own CE standards, and staying compliant ensures you can continue practicing. In this guide, we walk through the CE requirements for every state as each state board of nursing publishes them in October 2026, including compact license information, to help you stay on top of your professional obligations. Many boards no longer ask for a flat number of hours: they accept practice hours, a national certification or an academic course instead, and several add short mandatory topics. Always confirm the details with your board before you renew.

CE Requirements for RNs and LPNs by State:

  1. Alabama

    • RNs: 24 CE hours every 2 years
    • LPNs: 24 CE hours every 2 years

  2. Alaska

    • RNs: Continuing competency rather than a flat hour count: in the 2 years before renewal, complete two of three activities (30 contact hours of CE or a current national certification; 30 hours of professional activities; 320 hours of nursing practice), or a refresher course, 6 academic nursing credits or the NCLEX
    • LPNs: Same two-of-three rule as RNs

  3. Arizona

    • RNs: CE not required, but practice hours are mandatory
    • LPNs: CE not required, but practice hours are mandatory

  4. Arkansas

    • RNs: 15 contact hours every 2 years, or a current national certification, or one college nursing course passed with a C or better
    • LPNs: 15 contact hours every 2 years, or a current national certification, or one college nursing course passed with a C or better

  5. California

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years, plus a one-time 1-hour implicit bias course within the first 2 years after initial licensure
    • LVNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years (none for the first renewal)

  6. Colorado

    • RNs: CE not required to renew; a refresher course is required only to reinstate, reactivate or endorse a license after 2 years without active practice
    • LPNs: CE not required to renew; same refresher rule as RNs

  7. Connecticut

    • RNs: No CE hour total; 2 contact hours on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression and grief, and on suicide prevention, once every 6 years
    • LPNs: Same 2 contact hours every 6 years

  8. Delaware

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years, plus an attestation of 1,000 practice hours in the past 5 years or 400 in the past 2
    • LPNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years, plus the same practice attestation

  9. Florida

    • RNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 hours each of medical error prevention, Florida laws and rules and human trafficking, 2 hours on recognizing impairment every other renewal, plus 2 hours on domestic violence every third renewal and a one-time 1-hour HIV/AIDS course
    • LPNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years with the same mandatory topics

  10. Georgia

    • RNs: 30 CE hours every 2 years, or a current national certification, an accredited academic nursing program, 500 practice hours with employer-verified competency, or another Board-approved activity
    • LPNs: 20 CE hours every 2 years, or an accredited academic program in registered nursing

  11. Hawaii

    • RNs: One learning activity every 2 years: 30 contact hours of CE, or an alternative such as a refresher course, 2 semester credits, 120 preceptor hours, a research project, a publication or a nurse residency; a current national certification exempts you
    • LPNs: Same one-activity rule as RNs

  12. Idaho

    • RNs: CE not required; no practice hours are required to renew (competence evidence applies only to reinstatement)
    • LPNs: CE not required; no practice hours are required to renew

  13. Illinois

    • RNs: 20 CE hours every 2 years, including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention, 1 hour of implicit bias awareness and, for nurses who treat adults 26 and older, 1 hour on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; the first renewal is exempt
    • LPNs: 20 CE hours every 2 years with the same included topics; the first renewal is exempt

  14. Indiana

    • RNs: CE not required
    • LPNs: CE not required

  15. Iowa

    • RNs: 36 contact hours every 3 years, plus the state’s mandatory reporter course if you work with children or dependent adults
    • LPNs: 36 contact hours every 3 years, plus the mandatory reporter course if applicable

  16. Kansas

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years (not required for a first renewal within 30 months of the licensing exam)
    • LPNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years (same first-renewal exemption)

  17. Kentucky

    • RNs: 14 contact hours every year (the CE year runs November 1 to October 31), or an alternative such as 7 hours plus an employer evaluation, a current national certification, an academic nursing course or 120 preceptor hours; plus one-time courses, including 1 hour on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia due by October 31, 2027 for nurses licensed as of July 15, 2024
    • LPNs: 14 contact hours every year, with the same alternatives and one-time courses

  18. Louisiana

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years, or 900 practice hours in the same 2 years
    • LPNs: CE not required; LPN licenses renew every year between November 1 and January 31

  19. Maine

    • RNs: CE not required
    • LPNs: CE not required

  20. Maryland

    • RNs: No fixed CE hours, but to renew an active license you need 1,000 practice hours in the past 5 years, a nursing degree in the past 5 years, or 30 CEUs in the past 2 years (otherwise a Board-approved refresher or preceptorship), plus an implicit bias training attestation from the first renewal after April 1, 2026
    • LPNs: Same rule as RNs

  21. Massachusetts

    • RNs: 15 contact hours every 2 years
    • LPNs: 15 contact hours every 2 years

  22. Michigan

    • RNs: 25 CE hours every 2 years, including at least 2 hours of pain and symptom management, plus 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the cycle and a one-time human trafficking course
    • LPNs: 25 CE hours every 2 years with the same requirements

  23. Minnesota

    • RNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years
    • LPNs: 12 contact hours every 2 years

  24. Mississippi

    • RNs: CE not required to renew; a nurse out of practice for more than 5 years needs 20 contact hours from the past 2 years
    • LPNs: CE not required to renew; same 5-year rule

  25. Missouri

    • RNs: CE not required
    • LPNs: CE not required

  26. Montana

    • RNs: CE not required (the 24-hour requirement was repealed on November 18, 2023; nurses must still maintain competence in their area of practice)
    • LPNs: CE not required (same repeal)

  27. Nebraska

    • RNs: 20 contact hours in the past 2 years plus 500 practice hours in the past 5 years, or an alternative (graduation within the past 5 years, a refresher course, a current national certification or a competency portfolio); no CE for nurses licensed in the past 24 months
    • LPNs: Same options as RNs

  28. Nevada

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 4 hours of cultural competency every cycle and a one-time 4-hour bioterrorism course
    • LPNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years with the same included courses

  29. New Hampshire

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years; a current national certification may be used instead
    • LPNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years; a current national certification may be used instead

  30. New Jersey

    • RNs: 30 CE hours every 2 years
    • LPNs: 30 CE hours every 2 years

  31. New Mexico

    • RNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years; a current national certification in your specialty may be used instead
    • LPNs: 30 contact hours every 2 years

  32. New York

    • RNs: No CE hour total; infection control and barrier precautions coursework every 4 years, and a one-time child abuse identification and reporting course at initial licensure
    • LPNs: No CE hour total; infection control coursework every 4 years

  33. North Carolina

    • RNs: CE not required, but competency is required
    • LPNs: CE not required, but competency is required

  34. North Dakota

    • RNs: 12 contact hours every 2 years, plus 400 practice hours in the past 4 years
    • LPNs: 12 contact hours every 2 years, plus 400 practice hours in the past 4 years

  35. Ohio

    • RNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years, including at least 1 hour on Ohio nursing law and rules (none for the first renewal after licensure by examination)
    • LPNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years, including at least 1 hour on Ohio nursing law and rules

  36. Oklahoma

    • RNs: One of five options in the 2 years before expiration: 24 contact hours of CE, 520 practice hours, a current nursing specialty certification, a Board-approved refresher course, or 6 academic credit hours in nursing
    • LPNs: Same five options as RNs

  37. Oregon

    • RNs: No CE hour total until January 1, 2028 (20 CE hours every 2 years from then); today, 1 hour of pain management education every 36 months and 2 hours of cultural competency every 48 months; practice hours are no longer required since January 1, 2026
    • LPNs: Same requirements as RNs

  38. Pennsylvania

    • RNs: 30 CE hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting
    • LPNs: No general CE requirement; 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting at each renewal

  39. Rhode Island

    • RNs: 10 CE hours every 2 years
    • LPNs: 10 CE hours every 2 years

  40. South Carolina

    • RNs: One of four options every 2 years: 30 contact hours of CE, a current national certification, an academic nursing program, or employer-verified competency
    • LPNs: Same four options as RNs

  41. South Dakota

    • RNs: CE not required; to renew on active status you need 140 hours of nursing practice in any 12-month period during the past 6 years (otherwise 480 hours over 6 years or a refresher course)
    • LPNs: CE not required; same practice rule as RNs

  42. Tennessee

    • RNs: CE not required, but competency is required: keep evidence of two items from the Board’s list (an employer evaluation, a current national certification, 10 contact hours of CE and others) for each 2-year renewal
    • LPNs: Same two-item rule as RNs

  43. Texas

    • RNs: 20 contact hours every 2 years in your area of practice, or a Board-approved national nursing certification, plus targeted CE (2 hours of nursing jurisprudence and ethics every third renewal, and a human trafficking prevention course each renewal for nurses in direct patient care); CE is waived for an on-time first renewal
    • LVNs: Same requirements as RNs

  44. Utah

    • RNs: One of three options in the past 2 years: 400 practice hours, 200 practice hours plus 15 CE hours, or 30 CE hours; plus one suicide prevention training module
    • LPNs: Same three options as RNs, plus the suicide prevention module

  45. Vermont

    • RNs: One of four options: 400 hours of paid nursing practice in the past 2 years (or 960 in the past 5), 20 CE hours in the past 2 years, a current national certification, or a nursing or re-entry program in the past 5 years
    • LPNs: Same four options as RNs

  46. Virginia

    • RNs: CE not required as such, but one of nine competency options every 2 years, such as 30 contact hours of CE, 15 contact hours plus 640 practice hours, a current national certification, 3 academic nursing credits or a refresher course; the first renewal is exempt
    • LPNs: Same nine options as RNs

  47. Washington

    • RNs: 8 CE hours (including 2 hours of health equity training) and 96 practice hours in each 12-month renewal period, plus a one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment and management course
    • LPNs: Same requirements as RNs

  48. West Virginia

    • RNs: 12 contact hours every 2 years (newly licensed RNs instead complete 3 hours on safe prescribing and drug diversion within their first year)
    • LPNs: 24 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 hours on substance abuse and drug diversion and 2 hours on the mental health of veterans and their families, plus a one-time 2 hours on end-of-life care and pain management for nurses new to the state

  49. Wisconsin

    • RNs: CE not required
    • LPNs: CE not required

  50. Wyoming

    • RNs: One of five options in the past 2 years: 400 hours of nursing practice, 40 hours of CE, a Board-accepted refresher course, a nursing degree beyond your basic education, or passing the NCLEX
    • LPNs: Same five options as RNs

Why Are CEUs Important for Nurses?

CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are a critical part of maintaining your nursing license and staying up-to-date with the latest medical developments. They help you:

  • Maintain Licensure: Most states require nurses to complete a certain number of CE hours, or an equivalent competency activity, to renew their license.
  • Stay Current: Medical practices evolve, and CEUs keep you informed on the latest technologies, treatments, and best practices.
  • Advance Your Career: CEUs can help you qualify for promotions or new specialties.

In compact states, CE requirements apply to your primary state of residence, but they may vary if you relocate to another compact state. For more information on compact licenses and specific state requirements, you can check with your state board of nursing.

Compact State Licenses and CEUs

Nurses in compact states benefit from holding one multistate license that allows them to practice in any of the participating states. However, CE requirements still apply based on the nurse’s primary state of residence. This means you only need to meet the CEU requirements of your home state, even if you work in multiple compact states. If you move to a new state, be sure to check their rules for transferring your compact license and for meeting their CEU requirements.

How to Stay on Top of Your CE Requirements

  • Track Your CEUs: Keep a log of completed CEU courses and certifications to avoid scrambling during license renewal time.
  • Plan Ahead: Spread out your CEU courses over the renewal period, so you aren’t rushing at the last minute.
  • Choose Relevant Courses: Pick courses that help you develop skills relevant to your current or desired role.
  • Look for Free Options: Many online platforms offer free CEUs, helping you stay compliant without breaking the bank.

By staying informed and up-to-date with your state’s specific CE guidelines, you can keep your nursing license active and continue growing in your career. Whether you’re in a compact state or not, following these requirements ensures you can practice across multiple states and access new professional opportunities. To explore more about CEUs and how they can benefit you, check out our CEUs for Nurses guide.

Sources

Each state entry was read from the state board of nursing’s own site, or the state’s official rules publisher where the board’s pages point to the rule, on October 9, 2026. The Arizona, New Jersey, North Carolina and Rhode Island entries could not be re-read on that date and are carried from the previous edition of this guide.

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