Every CE requirement verified against official state nursing board sources. How RenewRN verifies the data →
Every CE requirement verified against official state nursing board sources. How RenewRN verifies the data →
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · 2-year renewal cycle · Last verified 2026-02-05
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Total CE Hours (RN) | 30 contact hours |
| Renewal Fee (RN) | $190 |
| Compact State (NLC) | No |
| License Types | RN, LVN, APRN, CNA |
California requires Registered Nurses (RN) to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle. All CE must come from BRN-approved providers. First-time renewers within 2 years of their initial NCLEX are exempt from the 30-hour requirement but must complete a 1-hour implicit bias course. California is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so nurses must hold a California-specific license to practice in the state.
This data is verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) — last checked 2026-02-05. If anything looks off, let me know.
Read the full California RN License Renewal Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough, common mistakes, and tips for a smooth renewal
Visit the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website for the official renewal portal.
RN
30
hours / 2 years
Renewal fee: $190
LVN
30
hours / 2 years
Renewal fee: $305
APRN
30
hours / 2 years
Renewal fee: $190
CNA
48
hours / 2 years
Renewal fee: $35
| Category | Hours | Required | License Types | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General CE | 30 | Required | RNLVNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA | Total continuing education contact hours required for biennial renewal |
| Implicit Bias | 1 | Optional | RNLVNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNPCNA | 1 hour of implicit bias training required at first renewal after initial licensure (one-time, included in total) |
| NP Gerontology | 6 | Optional | APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP | 6 hours in gerontology/dementia/care of older patients required for NPs whose patient population is 25%+ age 65+ (included in 30 total, effective Jan 1, 2025) |
| NP Schedule II Controlled Substances | 3 | Optional | APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP | 3-hour Schedule II controlled substances course required for NPs with furnishing authority for Schedule II drugs (included in 30 total) |
Approved CE Providers
Late Renewal Fees
Reinstatement Fees
First-Time Licensee Exemption
New licensees are exempt from CE for the first 2 years
CE Audit Information
California BRN conducts random audits. Retain CE certificates for 4 years.
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
https://www.rn.ca.govAlways confirm requirements directly with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) before making decisions about your license renewal.
CE hours, mandatory topics, renewal reminders — everything you need to stay compliant in California. Setup takes 60 seconds.