State of Delaware
Delaware.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
30
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ 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.
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
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.
Renewal tips
01
Complete at least 30 contact hours before your renewal deadline.
02
Use nationally accredited CE providers to ensure your courses are accepted.
03
Keep certificates for at least 5 years for potential audit.
04
ChristianaCare and other major employers often provide CE opportunities for staff.
The 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.
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
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete at least 24 hours in clinical practice area.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 3h |
Abuse/Trafficking Recognition Required effective October 1, 2025 | 1h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- LPN requires 24 contact hours (not 30 like RN).
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Substance Abuse Required each renewal | 3h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology hours.
Additional requirements
In context. Delaware requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, 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.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Delaware Board of Nursing.
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