State of Iowa
Iowa.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 3 years
36
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topic
1
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Iowa requires registered nurses to complete 36 contact hours of continuing education every 3 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Nursing in Iowa.
Iowa has approximately 52,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 3.2 million. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City is the largest employer, serving as a regional referral center for the Midwest. Iowa has invested significantly in nursing education, with multiple programs across the state addressing workforce needs.
Iowa requires 36 contact hours of continuing education every three years (equivalent to 12 hours annually) for RN license renewal. Iowa also requires licensees to complete a dependent adult abuse and child abuse mandatory reporter training course. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common practice settings
University of Iowa Hospitals
The academic medical center serves as a regional referral center and provides extensive specialty care and education.
Rural Health Clinics
Iowa's agricultural communities rely on rural health clinics where nurses provide primary care services.
Long-term Care
Iowa has a higher-than-average population over 65, creating demand for skilled nursing facility care.
Renewal tips
01
Complete 36 contact hours over your 3-year renewal cycle.
02
Finish the mandatory reporter training for dependent adult and child abuse.
03
Track your CE hours carefully over the 3-year period.
04
Keep certificates for at least 5 years for potential audit.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Iowa
Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses in border communities near Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, or Missouri who may work in multiple states.
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
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
- Abuse education required each renewal.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
- Abuse education required each renewal.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
36
every 3 years
Renewal cycle
3
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Abuse Identification Child and dependent adult abuse identification and reporting | 2h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 3 years of initial certification
Notes
- 3-year renewal cycle.
Additional requirements
In context. Iowa requires 36 contact hours every 3 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Minnesota requires fewer (24 hours), while Wisconsin has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Iowa allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Iowa Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this