California Nursing CE Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing continuing education for California nursing license renewal — required hours, mandatory topics, deadlines, and where to take your CEUs online.

30 hrs
RN CE hours
per 2 years
2 years
Renewal cycle
Per state board
0
Mandatory topics
every renewal
No
CE Broker reporting
Self-document

Note: Courses must come from a BRN-approved provider (CEP number) — most ANCC-accredited courses qualify. Nurses in their first two years after initial licensure are exempt from the 30 hours (except the implicit bias course).

Check Your Nursing CE Compliance

Find out exactly how many continuing education hours you need to renew your license — including any state-mandated topics like opioids, domestic violence, or implicit bias.

Showing CE requirements for California.

Mandatory CE Topics in California

In addition to the total contact-hour requirement, California requires every renewing nurse to complete coursework on these specific topics. Most ANCC-accredited bundles cover them as part of a state-specific package.

Implicit bias

1 hour · one-time requirement

One-time, within the first two years of initial licensure (new licensees only); cannot be waived. AB 1407.

When Is My California Renewal Deadline?

California renewal deadlines follow this pattern: End of your birth month. Use the calculator above to estimate your specific deadline based on your last renewal date. The state board issues a courtesy renewal notice, but the legal responsibility for renewing on time is yours.

Practicing nursing on an expired license is a violation of state law. If your renewal lapses, contact the California Board of Nursing immediately to learn about late-renewal or reinstatement options.

Find a California-approved CE provider

CE Ready does not currently ship a California CEU package. Look for an ANCC-accredited provider, or check the California Board of Nursing for approved providers.

Looking for the full California licensure picture?

California Nursing License Requirements →

CE Requirements in Other States

ArizonaNo fixed hrs · 4 yearsArkansas15 hrs · 2 yearsColoradoNo fixed hrs · 2 yearsConnecticutNo fixed hrs · 1 year

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my nursing license in California?
California requires 30 contact hours per 2 years renewal cycle for RNs.
What are the mandatory CE topics for California nurses?
California requires 1 mandatory topic: Implicit bias (1 hr, one-time).
Does California use CE Broker?
No. California does not use CE Broker. Keep your certificates of completion for at least 2 years in case your board audits your renewal.
When is the nursing license renewal deadline in California?
California licenses expire at the end of your birth month on a 2 years cycle. Use the calculator above with your last renewal date to see your estimated deadline.

Sources

  • California Board of Nursing, CE rules, accessed 2026.
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), accreditation criteria, 2026.
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