Question 1

Is RenewRN really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The free plan includes license tracking for 1 state, up to 5 CE entries, and 90-day renewal reminders. The core experience is always free — the stuff that keeps you compliant shouldn't cost money.

Question 2

Which states do you support?

Accepted Answer

We support nurses in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. — with state-specific CE requirements, renewal deadlines, and fee information for every state.

Question 3

What license types can I track?

Accepted Answer

RenewRN supports Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. We also support NP subspecialties including FNP, CRNA, CNM, and PMHNP.

Question 4

How do renewal reminders work?

Accepted Answer

We send both email and in-app notifications at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires — so you always have time to act.

Question 5

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption to protect your data. Your information is never shared with third parties.

Question 6

Can I track multiple licenses?

Accepted Answer

The free plan lets you track 1 nursing license with full CE tracking and reminders. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited license tracking — especially useful for travel nurses who hold licenses in multiple states.

Question 7

What happens if my nursing license expires?

Accepted Answer

Practicing with an expired license is illegal in all 50 states and can result in disciplinary action, fines, or criminal charges. Most states offer a grace period or late renewal window, but you may need to pay additional fees and complete extra CE hours. Some states require a full reinstatement application after extended lapses. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before expiration so you never miss a deadline.

Question 8

Can I transfer CE hours between states?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the state. Many states accept CE from nationally accredited providers (like ANCC or AANP), but some require state board-approved courses only. If you hold licenses in multiple states, check each state's requirements — RenewRN shows you exactly what each state accepts.

Question 9

How should I prepare for a CE audit?

Accepted Answer

Keep certificates of completion for all CE courses, including provider name, date, hours, and topic. Most states require you to retain records for at least 4 years. RenewRN stores your CE certificates digitally so you're always audit-ready.

Question 10

What's the difference between contact hours and CEUs?

Accepted Answer

One CEU (Continuing Education Unit) equals 10 contact hours. Most state boards express requirements in contact hours. For example, if your state requires 30 contact hours, that's equivalent to 3 CEUs. RenewRN tracks your progress in contact hours to match your state's requirements.

Question 11

What is CE Broker?

Accepted Answer

CE Broker is a third-party CE tracking system required by some states (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington D.C.). If your state uses CE Broker, you must report your CE hours through their system in addition to tracking them. RenewRN helps you stay organized so reporting to CE Broker is straightforward.

Question 12

Can I carry over extra CE hours to the next renewal cycle?

Accepted Answer

Most states do not allow CE hour carryover — hours must be earned within the current renewal period. A few states permit limited carryover. Check your state's specific rules on RenewRN to see if carryover applies to you.

Question 13

Are first-time licensees exempt from CE requirements?

Accepted Answer

Many states grant a partial or full CE exemption for first-time licensees during their initial renewal cycle. The exemption period varies — some states waive CE entirely for the first cycle, while others require a prorated amount. Check your state page on RenewRN for specific first-time exemption details.

Question 14

Does employer-provided training count toward CE requirements?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the provider and your state. In-service training offered by your employer may count if it's provided by an accredited CE provider and covers approved topics. Some states accept a limited number of employer-provided hours. Always verify that the training meets your state board's accreditation requirements.

Question 15

How do I reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

Accepted Answer

Reinstatement requirements vary by state and how long your license has been lapsed. Common requirements include completing additional CE hours, passing a refresher course or competency exam, paying reinstatement fees, and submitting a new application. Some states require supervised practice hours. Check your state's board of nursing for specific reinstatement procedures.

Question 16

How much does it cost to reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

Accepted Answer

Reinstatement costs vary by state, but most nurses pay $200–$500+ in fees alone. Beyond fees, many states require additional CE hours, refresher courses, or supervised practice. The process can take weeks to months. RenewRN’s free reminders help you avoid reinstatement entirely.

Question 17

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Accepted Answer

The NLC allows nurses to hold one multistate license that lets them practice in all compact member states. Currently, over 40 states participate in the NLC. You must meet uniform licensure requirements and declare a primary state of residence. RenewRN tracks compact state status so you know which states honor your multistate license.

Question 18

What mandatory CE topics are required?

Accepted Answer

Many states mandate specific CE topics such as opioid prescribing, implicit bias, human trafficking awareness, suicide prevention, or cultural competency. Requirements vary significantly by state. Visit your state's page on RenewRN to see exactly which mandatory topics apply to your license.

Question 19

Can I complete all my CE hours online?

Accepted Answer

Most states accept online CE courses, and many nurses complete 100% of their requirements online. However, some states require a portion of CE to include hands-on skills verification or live interaction. Check your state's requirements on RenewRN to confirm online CE eligibility.

Question 20

How far in advance should I start my CE hours?

Accepted Answer

We recommend starting CE courses at least 6 months before your renewal deadline. This gives you plenty of time to complete requirements without rushing, take advantage of courses that interest you, and handle any issues with course accreditation or certificate processing. RenewRN's smart reminders help you stay on pace throughout your renewal cycle.

Question 21

What are common mistakes during a CE audit?

Accepted Answer

The most common audit mistakes include missing or incomplete certificates, courses from non-accredited providers, CE hours completed outside the renewal period, not meeting mandatory topic requirements, and incomplete record-keeping. RenewRN helps you avoid these pitfalls by tracking accreditation, deadlines, and mandatory topics automatically.

Questions Nurses Ask the Most

The Basics

What's at Stake

The CE Stuff

Don't see your question?

Questions Nurses Ask the Most

The Basics

What's at Stake

The CE Stuff

Don't see your question?

Questions Nurses Ask the Most

The Basics

Is RenewRN really free?

Is my information secure?

Which states do you support?

What license types can I track?

How do renewal reminders work?

Can I track multiple licenses?

What's at Stake

What happens if my nursing license expires?

How do I reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

How much does it cost to reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

The CE Stuff

Can I transfer CE hours between states?

How should I prepare for a CE audit?

What’s the difference between contact hours and CEUs?

What is CE Broker?

Can I carry over extra CE hours to the next renewal cycle?

Are first-time licensees exempt from CE requirements?

Does employer-provided training count toward CE requirements?

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

What mandatory CE topics are required?

Can I complete all my CE hours online?

How far in advance should I start my CE hours?

What are common mistakes during a CE audit?

Don't see your question?

Questions Nurses Ask the Most

The Basics

Is RenewRN really free?

Is my information secure?

Which states do you support?

What license types can I track?

How do renewal reminders work?

Can I track multiple licenses?

What's at Stake

What happens if my nursing license expires?

How do I reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

How much does it cost to reinstate a lapsed nursing license?

The CE Stuff

Can I transfer CE hours between states?

How should I prepare for a CE audit?

What’s the difference between contact hours and CEUs?

What is CE Broker?

Can I carry over extra CE hours to the next renewal cycle?

Are first-time licensees exempt from CE requirements?

Does employer-provided training count toward CE requirements?

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

What mandatory CE topics are required?

Can I complete all my CE hours online?

How far in advance should I start my CE hours?

What are common mistakes during a CE audit?

Don't see your question?