State of Maryland
Maryland.
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
¶ Maryland does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Maryland.
Maryland has approximately 90,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 6.2 million. The Baltimore-Washington corridor is home to world-renowned medical centers including Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and multiple NIH-affiliated facilities. Maryland's proximity to DC creates a highly competitive nursing labor market.
Maryland does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards, specialty certification maintenance, and employer-based competency. Maryland's large academic medical center presence means most employers provide substantial ongoing education opportunities.
Common practice settings
Johns Hopkins
One of the world's leading academic medical centers offers nurses access to cutting-edge practice and research.
NIH and Federal Facilities
The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and other federal facilities employ nurses in research and clinical roles.
Community Hospitals
Regional hospitals throughout Maryland serve local communities and often provide CE opportunities.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
02
Maintain specialty certifications and their associated CE requirements.
03
Federal employers may have additional training requirements.
04
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Maryland
Maryland is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses in the DC metropolitan area who may work across state lines in Virginia or DC.
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
- Maryland does not require continuing education for RN renewal.
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
- Maryland does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
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. Maryland does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Pennsylvania requires 30 hours, while Delaware requires 30 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Maryland allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Maryland Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this