Delaware
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Delaware Nursing CEU Overview
Delaware 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.
Delaware does not require specific mandatory topics. Nurses have flexibility to choose CE courses that align with their practice area and professional development goals.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Delaware Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Delaware
Delaware has approximately 16,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 1 million. The state's small size means that ChristianaCare, headquartered in Wilmington, employs a significant portion of the nursing workforce. Delaware's location between Philadelphia and Baltimore provides nurses access to major medical centers in neighboring states.
Delaware requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. The state accepts courses approved by recognized national nursing accrediting bodies. Delaware's CE requirements help ensure nurses maintain competency in a state where many patients also receive care at major medical centers in Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Common Practice Settings in Delaware
ChristianaCare Health System
The largest healthcare provider in Delaware operates multiple hospitals and clinics, employing thousands of nurses.
Veterans Affairs
The Wilmington VA Medical Center serves veterans throughout Delaware and nearby states.
Beach Communities
Rehoboth Beach and other coastal areas see seasonal population surges requiring flexible nursing staffing.
Delaware License Renewal Tips
Complete at least 30 contact hours before your renewal deadline.
Use nationally accredited CE providers to ensure your courses are accepted.
Keep certificates for at least 5 years for potential audit.
ChristianaCare and other major employers often provide CE opportunities for staff.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Delaware
Delaware is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Delaware nurses to practice in other compact states and is valuable for those commuting to nearby Maryland or working in the greater Philadelphia region.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete at least 24 hours in clinical practice area.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 3 | Each renewal |
Abuse/Trafficking Recognition Required effective October 1, 2025 | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- LPN requires 24 contact hours (not 30 like RN).
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 3 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
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 For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
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 For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
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 For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
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 For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Delaware requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Maryland has no general CE requirement, while Pennsylvania has similar requirements (30 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Delaware allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Delaware requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Delaware compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Delaware Board of Nursing
(302) 744-4500
861 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 203, Dover, DE 19904
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Delaware Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.