State of Georgia
Georgia.
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
¶ Georgia does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Georgia.
Georgia has approximately 130,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 11 million. Atlanta serves as the healthcare hub of the Southeast, home to Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, WellStar, and the CDC headquarters. The state faces significant nursing distribution challenges, with rural south Georgia experiencing persistent shortages.
Georgia does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and professional responsibility. This approach recognizes that many Georgia nurses work for employers that mandate ongoing education and that specialty certifications require CE maintenance.
Common practice settings
Emory Healthcare
The largest academic health system in Georgia offers nurses access to cutting-edge research and specialty practice.
Rural Critical Access Hospitals
South Georgia's rural hospitals face staffing challenges and often offer incentives to attract nurses.
CDC and Public Health
CDC headquarters in Atlanta employs nurses in epidemiology, research, and emergency preparedness roles.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
02
Maintain specialty certifications and their associated CE requirements.
03
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
04
Consider public health CE given Atlanta's role as a healthcare hub.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Georgia
Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows Georgia nurses to practice in other compact states, which is particularly useful for those working in border areas near Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Florida.
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
- Georgia does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
- Must meet competency requirements through practice.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
20
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Georgia LPNs require 20 contact hours per renewal cycle.
- Note: RNs do not have CE requirements in Georgia.
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. Georgia does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Florida requires 24 hours, while Alabama requires 24 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Georgia allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Georgia Board of Nursing.
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