Maryland requires 30 CE hours for all nursing license types, but offers flexible alternatives including 1,000 practice hours or a nursing degree within 5 years. Maryland also requires a one-time implicit bias and racism training attestation. Here's your complete guide.
Maryland RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) requires Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and APRNs to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle. Alternatively, nurses can meet the requirement through 1,000 practice hours within 5 years or a nursing degree from an approved program within 5 years.
Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What CE Hours Are Required?
For All License Types (30 hours):
- 30 contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle from approved providers
- All CE must be relevant to nursing practice
- 1 semester hour of college coursework = 15 contact hours (must be nursing-related, grade C or higher)
Alternative Pathways:
- Practice hours: 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the past 5 years
- Degree completion: A nursing degree from an approved program within the past 5 years
Implicit Bias & Racism Training:
- One-time requirement — attestation that you have completed implicit bias and racism training
- No specific CE hours are mandated for this, just the attestation
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Maryland Nursing License
- Know your deadline. Maryland nursing licenses expire on the 28th of your birth month, every 2 years (odd or even years based on your birth year).
- Complete your CE requirements. Finish 30 contact hours from approved providers (or meet an alternative pathway).
- Log in to the MBON Online Renewal Portal. Visit the Maryland Board of Nursing online portal to start your renewal.
- Complete the implicit bias attestation if applicable to your renewal period.
- Attest to meeting CE requirements. Affirm that you have completed the required 30 hours or met an alternative pathway.
- Answer disclosure questions. Respond to all questions about professional conduct.
- Pay the renewal fee. Current fees: $136 for RNs, $110 for LPNs, $210 for APRNs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking the implicit bias attestation. This is a one-time requirement, but failing to complete it during the applicable renewal period will block your renewal.
- Missing the 30-day grace period. Maryland offers only a 30-day late renewal window. After that, practicing on an expired license is prohibited and reinstatement becomes more complex.
- Not keeping CE records. Maryland may audit CE compliance. Keep documentation of all CE completions for at least 2 years after renewal.
- Claiming practice hours without documentation. If using the 1,000 practice hour alternative, ensure you have employment records to verify your hours if audited.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Start CE early in your cycle. Spread your 30 hours across the 2-year period rather than cramming before the deadline.
- Consider college coursework. One 3-credit college course equals 45 CE contact hours — more than enough for a full renewal cycle while advancing your education.
- Use practice hours strategically. If you work full-time (2,000+ hours/year), the practice hour alternative may be easier than completing CE courses.
- Track everything in one place. RenewRN tracks your CE hours, monitors your deadline, and sends reminders so you never miss a renewal.
Track Your Maryland CE Requirements with RenewRN
With 30 CE hours to track and Maryland's short 30-day grace period, staying organized is critical. RenewRN tracks your progress against state requirements, logs your completed courses, and sends reminders before your deadline.