New Hampshire
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
New Hampshire Nursing CEU Overview
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire does not require specific mandatory topics. Nurses have flexibility to choose CE courses that align with their practice area and professional development goals.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has approximately 20,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 1.4 million. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon is the state's only academic medical center and largest employer. New Hampshire's aging population and growing southern region create ongoing demand for nursing professionals.
New Hampshire requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. New Hampshire does not mandate specific course topics, allowing nurses to choose education relevant to their practice areas. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in New Hampshire
Dartmouth-Hitchcock
The academic medical center serves as a regional referral center for northern New England.
Southern NH Hospitals
The growing southern region near Boston has multiple hospitals serving commuter communities.
Long-term Care
New Hampshire's older population creates demand for skilled nursing and home health services.
New Hampshire License Renewal Tips
Complete 30 contact hours before your biennial renewal deadline.
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
Keep certificates for at least 5 years.
Consider geriatric CE given New Hampshire's aging population.
Nurse Licensure Compact in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows nurses to practice in other compact states, valuable for those who may work in Maine or provide telehealth services.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- All hours must relate to nursing practice.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- All hours must relate to nursing practice.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
New Hampshire requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Maine has no general CE requirement, while Massachusetts requires fewer (15 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, New Hampshire allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward New Hampshire requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how New Hampshire compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for New Hampshire nurses.
Read Guide →New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.