New Jersey
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
New Jersey Nursing CEU Overview
New Jersey 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.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Opioid Prescribing. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the New Jersey Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in New Jersey
New Jersey has approximately 125,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 9.3 million. The state has numerous hospitals and health systems including RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Atlantic Health System. New Jersey's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates competitive labor markets for nursing talent.
New Jersey requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. New Jersey mandates at least one hour of training in the pharmacy law section of prescriptive authority for APRNs. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common Practice Settings in New Jersey
Large Health Systems
RWJBarnabas and Hackensack Meridian operate numerous hospitals throughout the state.
Pharmaceutical Industry
New Jersey's pharmaceutical companies employ nurses in research, education, and clinical trial roles.
Shore Communities
Coastal areas see seasonal population increases requiring flexible healthcare staffing.
New Jersey License Renewal Tips
Complete 30 contact hours before your biennial renewal.
APRNs must complete pharmacy law training.
Use nationally accredited CE providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
Nurse Licensure Compact in New Jersey
New Jersey is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses who may work across state lines in nearby Pennsylvania or Delaware.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must complete opioid education each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 6 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology CE.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 6 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology CE.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 6 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology CE.
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
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 6 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Opioid Prescribing Opioid education required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 6 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need additional pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
New Jersey requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, New York requires fewer (4 hours), while Pennsylvania has similar requirements (30 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, New Jersey 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 Jersey requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how New Jersey compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →New Jersey Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the New Jersey Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.