Arizona
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Arizona Nursing CEU Overview
Arizona does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
Arizona has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
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 in Arizona
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.
Arizona License Renewal Tips
Although general CE is not mandated, employers often require ongoing education.
Maintain documentation of any continuing education you complete voluntarily.
Specialty certifications may have their own CE requirements separate from state licensure.
Consider telehealth training as Arizona has expanded virtual care regulations.
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.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Arizona does not require continuing education for RN license renewal.
- Must complete Fingerprint Clearance Card renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Arizona does not require continuing education for LPN license renewal.
- Must complete Fingerprint Clearance Card renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- Must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Arizona does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, 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.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Arizona requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Arizona compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Arizona State Board of Nursing
(602) 771-7800
1740 W Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Arizona Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.