Connecticut has one of the lightest continuing education requirements for RNs in the country — just 2 contact hours once every 6 years on specific mental health topics. However, nursing licenses must be renewed annually, making it important to stay on top of your deadline. Here's your complete guide.
Connecticut RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing requires actively practicing RNs and LPNs to complete just 2 contact hours once every 6 years on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression and grief, plus suicide prevention training. APRNs, however, must complete 50 CE hours every 2 years.
Connecticut is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so you must hold a Connecticut-specific license to practice nursing in the state.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs:
- 2 contact hours once every 6 years on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression, grief, and suicide prevention training (required for nurses renewing after January 1, 2022)
- Annual renewal — Connecticut is one of the few states that requires yearly license renewal
- Renewal fee: $110
For LPNs:
- Same 2-hour CE requirement once every 6 years as RNs
- Renewal fee: $70
For APRNs:
- 50 CE hours every 2 years (for APRNs licensed after October 1, 2014)
- At least 2 hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and military service members (included in the 50-hour total)
- Renewal fee: $130
Important Renewal Dates
Connecticut nursing licenses are tied to your birthday and renewed annually:
- Deadline: Last day of your birth month each year
- Renewal notice: You should receive a renewal notification approximately 60 days before expiration
- Grace period: 90 days following license expiration. You may continue to practice during this period while renewing. On the 91st day, the license becomes void and reinstatement is required ($180 for RN, $150 for LPN, $200 for APRN).
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Connecticut Nursing License
- Log in to the Connecticut eLicense portal. Visit elicense.ct.gov to access your renewal application.
- Select your nursing license and click Renew. Choose RN, LPN, or APRN.
- Attest to CE compliance. Confirm that you have completed the required continuing education (2 hours for RN/LPN if it's your 6-year cycle, or 50 hours for APRN).
- Update your contact information if anything has changed since your last renewal.
- Pay the renewal fee. $110 for RN, $70 for LPN, or $130 for APRN.
- Submit before the last day of your birth month. Take advantage of the 90-day grace period only if absolutely necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting it's annual renewal. Most states renew every 2 years. Connecticut requires annual renewal, which means you need to renew every single year by your birth month deadline.
- Losing track of the 6-year CE cycle. The 2-hour CE requirement is only due once every 6 years, making it easy to forget which year you need to complete it. Track your next due date carefully.
- Relying too heavily on the 90-day grace period. While Connecticut offers a generous grace period, it's best to renew on time. On day 91, your license becomes void and reinstatement fees are significantly higher.
- APRNs underestimating the 50-hour requirement. The APRN CE requirement is substantially more than RN/LPN. Make sure to plan ahead and include the required 2 hours on veterans' mental health.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Set an annual reminder. Because Connecticut renews yearly, make it a habit to renew in the same month every year. Calendar reminders at 60 and 30 days before your birth month help.
- Complete your 6-year CE early. Don't wait until your CE is due to take the 2-hour course on mental health screening and suicide prevention. Get it done early and you'll have one less thing to worry about.
- Budget for the annual fee. At $110 per year for RNs, the annual cost adds up. Factor it into your professional development budget.
- Automate your tracking. RenewRN can send you annual reminders before your birthday-based deadline and track your 6-year CE cycle, so you always know when your next CE is due.
Track Your Connecticut License with RenewRN
Annual renewal means annual deadlines. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires every year, tracks your 6-year CE cycle, and keeps all your credentials organized in one dashboard.