State of Wisconsin
Wisconsin.
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
¶ Wisconsin does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal, one of the few states without mandatory CE for registered nurses.
Nursing in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has approximately 90,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.9 million. Major health systems include UW Health, Advocate Aurora Health, and Froedtert Health. Wisconsin's strong manufacturing sector also creates demand for occupational health nurses in industrial settings.
Wisconsin does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and employer-based competency. This approach gives Wisconsin nurses flexibility to pursue education relevant to their specific practice areas.
Common practice settings
UW Health
The academic health system in Madison provides specialty care and research opportunities.
Milwaukee Health Systems
Froedtert and Aurora operate major facilities in the Milwaukee area.
Rural Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin communities face healthcare access challenges.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
02
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
03
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
04
Consider manufacturing health topics if working in industrial settings.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, or Illinois.
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
- Wisconsin 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
- Wisconsin does not require continuing education for LPN renewal.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
16
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
16
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
16
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
16
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
16
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 16h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
In context. Wisconsin does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Michigan requires 25 hours, while Minnesota requires 24 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Wisconsin allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
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