State of Colorado
Colorado.
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
¶ Colorado does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Colorado.
Colorado has approximately 85,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.9 million. The state's healthcare landscape includes major systems like UCHealth, SCL Health, and Centura Health, with significant concentration in the Denver metropolitan area. Colorado's growing population and expanding healthcare industry have created strong demand for nursing professionals, particularly in specialty areas.
Colorado does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state Board of Nursing relies on initial licensure standards and employer-based competency assessments. This approach gives Colorado nurses flexibility to pursue education relevant to their specific practice areas without state-mandated requirements.
Common practice settings
Mountain Resort Communities
Ski resort areas like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge have hospitals and clinics that see seasonal surges in trauma and emergency cases.
Military and VA Facilities
Multiple military installations and VA facilities in Colorado employ civilian nurses and offer unique practice opportunities.
Behavioral Health
Colorado has expanded mental health services significantly, creating opportunities for psychiatric nursing practice.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not required, most employers expect ongoing professional development.
02
Specialty certifications have their own CE requirements you must maintain.
03
Document any education you complete for your professional portfolio.
04
Consider altitude-related health education if practicing in mountain communities.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Colorado
Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses residing in Colorado can obtain a multistate license, which is particularly useful for those working in border areas near Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, or New Mexico.
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
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
Notes
- Colorado does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
Notes
- Colorado does not require continuing education for LPN 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. Colorado does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Wyoming also has no general CE requirement, while Nebraska requires 20 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Colorado allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Colorado Board of Nursing.
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