State of Virginia
Virginia.
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
¶ Virginia does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Virginia.
Virginia has approximately 115,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 8.6 million. Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington DC creates a highly competitive market, while the Hampton Roads area has military and naval healthcare facilities. Major health systems include Inova, Sentara, and VCU Health.
Virginia requires varying CE based on practice status. Active licensees need 15-30 contact hours depending on their status and specialty. Virginia mandates training in specific topics including substance use disorders and cultural competency. The state accepts CE from nationally accredited providers.
Common practice settings
Northern Virginia
Proximity to DC creates demand for nurses in hospitals, federal facilities, and private practices.
Military Facilities
Multiple military installations and VA hospitals employ civilian nurses.
Hampton Roads
Naval Station Norfolk and surrounding area has significant healthcare needs.
Renewal tips
01
Determine your specific CE requirement based on your license category.
02
Complete mandatory topic training as required.
03
Use nationally accredited providers.
04
Keep certificates for at least 5 years.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Virginia
Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is particularly valuable for nurses in the DC metro area who may work across state lines in Maryland 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
- Virginia does not require general CE.
- Must meet one of several competency requirements.
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
- Virginia does not require general CE.
- Must meet one of several competency requirements.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
0
none required
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology 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
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8h |
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
In context. Virginia does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Maryland also has no general CE requirement, while West Virginia requires 12 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Virginia allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Virginia Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this