State of Idaho
Idaho.
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
¶ Idaho does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Idaho.
Idaho has approximately 23,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 2 million. The state's healthcare industry is concentrated in Boise, where St. Luke's Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System are the largest employers. Rural Idaho faces significant nursing shortages, with many communities lacking adequate healthcare access.
Idaho does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state Board of Nursing allows employers and professional organizations to drive ongoing education requirements. Idaho nurses maintaining specialty certifications must meet those organizations' CE requirements.
Common practice settings
Boise Health Systems
St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus provide most specialized care in the state and offer internal CE programs.
Rural Health Clinics
Remote areas of Idaho rely on rural health clinics where nurses often work with expanded responsibilities.
Critical Access Hospitals
Many small Idaho communities have critical access hospitals serving as the primary healthcare resource.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not mandated, most employers expect ongoing professional development.
02
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
03
Consider telehealth training given the importance of virtual care in rural Idaho.
04
Document education for your professional portfolio and future applications.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Idaho
Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses in border communities near Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, or Nevada who may work across state lines.
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
- Idaho does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
- Must have practiced 200 hours in past 5 years OR complete refresher.
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
- Idaho does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
- Must have practiced 200 hours in past 5 years OR complete refresher.
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. Idaho does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Washington requires 8 hours, while Oregon also has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Idaho allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Idaho Board of Nursing.
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