California
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
California Nursing CEU Overview
California requires registered nurses to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The California Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Implicit Bias. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the California Board of Registered Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in California
California has the largest nursing workforce in the nation with over 450,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 39 million. The state is home to major academic medical centers including UCLA Health, UCSF Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, and Stanford Health Care. California was the first state to implement mandatory nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, fundamentally shaping nursing practice standards nationwide.
California requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. The state mandates specific courses in implicit bias (at least once), and requires certain nurses to complete training in geriatric care, pain management, and the use of restraints. California's BRN has strict requirements about CE provider approval and course content standards.
Common Practice Settings in California
Academic Medical Centers
World-renowned teaching hospitals offer nurses exposure to cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities, with robust internal CE programs.
Kaiser Permanente
The largest integrated health system in California employs tens of thousands of nurses across its hospitals and clinics.
Correctional Facilities
California's prison system is one of the largest employers of nurses in the state, offering unique practice opportunities.
California License Renewal Tips
Complete your implicit bias training requirement if you have not done so.
Verify that CE providers are approved by the California BRN before enrolling.
Keep CE certificates for at least 4 years after each renewal cycle.
Some California hospitals offer free CE to staff that counts toward renewal requirements.
Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Implicit Bias Required for initial renewal on or after January 1, 2023 | 2 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
- Keep certificates for 4 years.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
- Keep certificates for 4 years.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology If holding furnishing number | 0 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
Additional Requirements
NPs with furnishing must complete pharmacology CE
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology If holding furnishing number | 0 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology If holding furnishing number | 0 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology If holding furnishing number | 0 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology If holding furnishing number | 0 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 4 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Courses must be from BRN-approved provider.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
California requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Oregon has no general CE requirement, while Nevada has similar requirements (30 hours). California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses need a separate license to practice here.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward California requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how California compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →California Board of Registered Nursing
(916) 322-3350
1747 N Market Blvd, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the California Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.