How many CE hours do nurses need in Arkansas?

Registered Nurses (RN) in Arkansas need 15 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.

What are the mandatory CE topics in Arkansas?

Arkansas does not have specific mandatory CE topic requirements beyond the total hour requirement.

What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in Arkansas?

Nursing licenses in Arkansas must be renewed every 2 years. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing oversees license renewals.

What license types does Arkansas regulate?

Arkansas regulates the following nursing license types: RN, APRN, LPN, CNA.

Arkansas RN License Renewal Requirements

Arkansas State Board of Nursing · 2-year renewal cycle · Last verified 2026-02-04

Quick Facts

Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years
Total CE Hours (RN)	15 contact hours
Renewal Fee (RN)	$100
Compact State (NLC)	Yes — NLC member
License Types	RN, APRN, LPN, CNA

Arkansas requires nurses to satisfy continuing education through one of three options every two years: 15 contact hours of practice-focused CE, a current national nursing certification, or completion of a college-level nursing course. Licenses expire on the last day of the nurse's birth month, and the renewal window opens 60 days before expiration. Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, allowing multistate license holders to practice across compact states. There is no grace period, and late renewals incur additional fees and CE requirements.

This data is verified against the Arkansas State Board of Nursing — last checked 2026-02-04. If anything looks off, let me know.

Read the full Arkansas RN License Renewal Guide

Step-by-step walkthrough, common mistakes, and tips for a smooth renewal

How to Renew Your Arkansas Nursing License

1Log in to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing online portal at healthy.arkansas.gov
2Select your license type and click Renew (available 60 days before expiration)
3Attest that you have completed one of the three CE compliance options
4Do not upload CE certificates unless notified of audit selection
5Pay the renewal fee ($100 for RN, $90 for LPN, $165 for APRN) by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover
6Submit the application before the last day of your birth month

Visit the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website for the official renewal portal.

CE Hours by License Type

hours / 2 years

Renewal fee: $100

APRN

hours / 2 years

Renewal fee: $165

LPN

hours / 2 years

Renewal fee: $90

CNA

hours / 2 years

Renewal fee: $0

CE Requirements

Category	Hours	Required	License Types	Description
Practice-Focused CE (Option 1)	15	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	15 contact hours of appropriately accredited practice-focused continuing education activities completed within the 24 months preceding renewal.
National Certification (Option 2)	0	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	Hold a current nationally recognized nursing certification or recertification as an alternative to CE hours.
College Course (Option 3)	0	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	Complete a minimum of one college credit hour course in nursing with a grade of C or better during the licensure period.

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: Last day of your birth month every two years
Grace Period: No grace period. Extensions of expiration dates are not permitted. A late fee and additional CE hours are required for post-expiration renewal. Practicing on an expired license is prohibited.
CE Completion Window: All CE must be completed during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal date
Record Retention: Keep CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Important Notes

• Arkansas offers three options to satisfy CE requirements: 15 contact hours, national certification, or a college course
• Licenses expire on the last day of the nurse's birth month every two years
• Renewal opens 60 days before the license expiration date
• Nurses no longer need to list individual courses — just attest to completion at renewal
• CE certificates should be kept for at least 4 years for potential audit
• Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

ANCCState Board of Nursing

CBCE Broker reporting is required in Arkansas

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $50
LPN: $50

Reinstatement Fees

RN: $150
LPN: $150

First-Time Licensee Exemption

First-time licensees are exempt for the first renewal cycle

CE Audit Information

State board may conduct random CE audits. Retain all CE certificates for at least 4 years.

Board Resources

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/

Sources

Last verified 2026-02-04·View official source →

Always confirm requirements directly with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before making decisions about your license renewal.

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How to Renew Your Arkansas Nursing License

1Log in to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing online portal at healthy.arkansas.gov

2Select your license type and click Renew (available 60 days before expiration)

3Attest that you have completed one of the three CE compliance options

4Do not upload CE certificates unless notified of audit selection

5Pay the renewal fee ($100 for RN, $90 for LPN, $165 for APRN) by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover

6Submit the application before the last day of your birth month

Visit the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website for the official renewal portal.

CE Requirements

Category	Hours	Required	License Types	Description
Practice-Focused CE (Option 1)	15	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	15 contact hours of appropriately accredited practice-focused continuing education activities completed within the 24 months preceding renewal.
National Certification (Option 2)	0	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	Hold a current nationally recognized nursing certification or recertification as an alternative to CE hours.
College Course (Option 3)	0	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA	Complete a minimum of one college credit hour course in nursing with a grade of C or better during the licensure period.

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: Last day of your birth month every two years
Grace Period: No grace period. Extensions of expiration dates are not permitted. A late fee and additional CE hours are required for post-expiration renewal. Practicing on an expired license is prohibited.
CE Completion Window: All CE must be completed during the 2-year period immediately preceding the renewal date
Record Retention: Keep CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Important Notes

• Arkansas offers three options to satisfy CE requirements: 15 contact hours, national certification, or a college course

• Licenses expire on the last day of the nurse's birth month every two years

• Renewal opens 60 days before the license expiration date

• Nurses no longer need to list individual courses — just attest to completion at renewal

• CE certificates should be kept for at least 4 years for potential audit

• Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state

• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.