State of Arizona
Arizona.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, none required
0
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Arizona does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Arizona.
Arizona has over 95,000 licensed registered nurses serving a rapidly growing population that exceeded 7.4 million in 2024. The Phoenix metropolitan area is home to major health systems including Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Dignity Health, while Tucson serves as a regional healthcare hub for southern Arizona. The state has experienced significant population growth, creating ongoing demand for nursing professionals.
Arizona does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. Instead, the state relies on initial education standards and employer-based competency requirements. Nurses renewing by endorsement or after a lapse must demonstrate current competency. This approach gives Arizona nurses flexibility in choosing professional development activities relevant to their practice areas.
Common practice settings
Large Health Systems
Banner Health operates 30 hospitals in Arizona and is one of the state's largest employers, offering extensive internal education programs.
Retirement Communities
Arizona's large retiree population supports numerous senior living and skilled nursing facilities requiring gerontological expertise.
Border Health
Nurses in southern Arizona communities often encounter patients from Mexico, requiring cultural competency and sometimes Spanish language skills.
Renewal tips
01
Although general CE is not mandated, employers often require ongoing education.
02
Maintain documentation of any continuing education you complete voluntarily.
03
Specialty certifications may have their own CE requirements separate from state licensure.
04
Consider telehealth training as Arizona has expanded virtual care regulations.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Arizona
Arizona is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across state lines. This is particularly valuable given Arizona's proximity to California (which is not a compact state) and its popularity with travel nurses seeking assignments in the Southwest.
Read the compact license guide→The requirements, by license
Every license type,side by side.
Hours, cycles, mandatory topics, exemptions. Switch between RN, LPN, APRN and the four advanced-practice specialties.
License
RN
Registered nurse.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
4
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
Notes
- Arizona does not require continuing education for RN license renewal.
- Must complete Fingerprint Clearance Card renewal.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
4
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
Notes
- Arizona does not require continuing education for LPN license renewal.
- Must complete Fingerprint Clearance Card renewal.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for APRN renewal.
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for NP renewal.
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNS renewal.
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNM renewal.
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CRNA renewal.
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
In context. Arizona does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, California requires 30 hours, while Nevada requires 30 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Arizona allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this