Texas
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Texas Nursing CEU Overview
Texas requires registered nurses to complete 20 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 Texas Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Nursing Jurisprudence, Human Trafficking Prevention, Geriatric Care. 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 Texas Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Texas
Texas has approximately 360,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 30 million, making it the second-largest nursing workforce in the nation. Major medical centers include Texas Medical Center in Houston (the largest medical complex in the world), UT Southwestern in Dallas, and numerous health systems across the state. Texas's rapid population growth creates ongoing demand for nursing professionals.
Texas requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN license renewal. Texas requires nurses who treat patients under 18 to complete 2 hours of CE related to pediatric human trafficking. The state accepts CE from providers approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and national accrediting bodies.
Common Practice Settings in Texas
Texas Medical Center
Houston's massive medical complex includes MD Anderson, Texas Children's, and numerous other facilities.
Metro Health Systems
Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other metros have multiple competing health systems.
Border Communities
South Texas communities along the border serve diverse populations including many Spanish speakers.
Texas License Renewal Tips
Complete 20 contact hours before your biennial renewal.
If you treat patients under 18, complete pediatric human trafficking training.
Use Texas Board-approved or nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Texas
Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Given Texas's size, this primarily benefits nurses in border areas near Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Human Trafficking Prevention Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Geriatric Care Care of elderly patients | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Must pass jurisprudence exam one time.
- Hours must be from approved providers.
- Human trafficking prevention required each renewal.
- 2 hours geriatric care required each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Human Trafficking Prevention Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Geriatric Care Care of elderly patients | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Human Trafficking Prevention Required each renewal | 1 | Each renewal |
Geriatric Care Care of elderly patients | 2 | Each renewal |
Opioid/Controlled Substances For prescribers | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need controlled substance CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Opioid/Controlled Substances For prescribers | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need controlled substance CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Opioid/Controlled Substances For prescribers | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need controlled substance CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Opioid/Controlled Substances For prescribers | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need controlled substance CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
20
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Jurisprudence Texas nursing laws - one time exam | 2 | One-time |
Opioid/Controlled Substances For prescribers | 2 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need controlled substance CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Texas requires 20 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, New Mexico requires more (30 hours), while Oklahoma requires more (24 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Texas allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Texas requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Texas compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Texas Board of Nursing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Texas Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.