How many CE hours do nurses need in Alaska?

Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours. Continuing education is one of several ways to meet the continuing-competency requirement. Nurses who choose the CE option typically complete 30 contact hours every 2 years.

What are the mandatory CE topics in Alaska?

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

What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in Alaska?

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

What is the RN renewal fee in Alaska?

The RN renewal fee in Alaska is $200. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the Alaska Board of Nursing portal before submitting.

When are nursing licenses due for renewal in Alaska?

Alaska renewal deadline: November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN).

Is Alaska part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

No. Alaska is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold an Alaska-issued license to practice there.

Does Alaska require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?

No. Alaska does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.

What license types does Alaska regulate?

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

How many CE hours do LPNs need in Alaska?

Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours for LPNs. Continuing education is one of several ways to meet the continuing-competency requirement; LPNs who choose the CE option typically complete 30 contact hours every 2 years.

What does APRN renewal require in Alaska?

Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours for APRNs; CE is one of several competency options (30 contact hours if you choose the CE pathway). The APRN renewal fee is $100. Renewal deadlines in Alaska differ by license type: November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN). Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

Field guide · License renewal

Alaska RN License Renewal Requirements

Name: Alaska Nursing License Renewal
Creator: RenewRN

Verified 2026-10-19

Alaska Board of Nursing · 2-year renewal cycle

Last reviewed against the board source October 19, 2026 · How RenewRN verifies its data

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As of 2026, Alaska RNs renew every 2 years by meeting one of several board-approved competency options; the CE option is 30 contact hours. The RN renewal fee is $200.

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Quick Facts

Renewal cycle	Every 2 years
Renewal deadline	November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN)
Total CE hours (RN)	No fixed mandate (30 hrs if you choose the CE option)
Renewal fee (RN)	$200
Compact state (NLC)	No · what if I move to a compact state?
License types	RN, APRN, LPN
Typical pay	See Alaska nurse salaries

Alaska requires nurses to meet a flexible continuing competency standard by completing two of three options every two years: 30 contact hours of CE (or a current national nursing certification), 320 hours of compensated nursing employment, or 30 hours of professional volunteer activities. A refresher course, six academic credits toward a nursing degree, or passing the NCLEX in the cycle also qualifies. RN and APRN licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years, while LPN licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses must hold an Alaska-specific license to practice in the state. The renewal fee is $200 for RNs and LPNs; APRNs pay $100 for the APRN license in addition to renewing their RN license.

Verified against the Alaska Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-10-19. Found something off? Let me know.

Alaska CE Audit Response Guide

Response deadline, retention rules, board address, and the rejections that get nurses dinged.

Read the full Alaska RN License Renewal Guide

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

How to Renew Your Alaska Nursing License

1Log in to the MY LICENSE self-service portal through ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov/BoardofNursing
2Select your nursing license and start the renewal
3Attest to completing two of the three continuing competency options (or a refresher course, six academic credits, or an NCLEX pass)
4APRNs with DEA registration: attest to 2 hours of pain management and opioid CE and PDMP registration
5Provide documentation of CE hours, nursing employment, or professional activities if audited
6Pay the renewal fee ($200 for RN/LPN; APRNs pay $100 for the APRN license in addition to the RN renewal)
7Submit the application before November 30 of the renewal year (LPN: September 30)

Visit the Alaska Board of Nursing website for the official renewal portal.

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How to Submit Your CE in Alaska

You attest to your CE when you renew and keep your certificates; you only submit documents if the board audits you.

At renewal the RN does NOT submit CE certificates. On the renewal application (online via MY LICENSE or the paper form 08-4121), the nurse completes PART III "Statement of Compliance" by checking one of five categories, most commonly Category 1, selecting TWO of three activities (320 hours nursing employment / 30 CE contact hours / 30 hours professional nursing activities) completed during the two-year window, then signs, certifying the application is true. No certificates, transcripts, or CE Broker reporting are attached or uploaded at renewal. The board encourages the MY LICENSE online renewal, where "in most cases your license will be renewed immediately"; paper applications must be mailed (faxed or emailed applications are not accepted). Proof is only produced if the nurse is randomly audited, in which case copies of certificates or other acceptable proof go directly to the Division within 30 days; records must be kept at least four years.

Where it happens: MY LICENSE (Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing self-service portal)

professionallicense.alaska.gov/MYLICENSE

If Alaska audits your CE

Selection: "Licensees are randomly selected by computer and may be randomly selected as often as the computer program chooses", a percentage of renewal applications is audited. Notification: "If your license is randomly selected for audit, a letter will be sent with instructions to submit documentation as proof you satisfied the continuing competency requirements as stated on this renewal form" (nur4121.pdf). Deadline: per 12 AAC 02.960, "Within 30 days of the date on the notification, the licensee shall submit to the department documentation that verifies the licensee's completion of the continuing competency activities claimed on the statement submitted with the application for license renewal"; the department may grant additional time for good cause. Documentation must show the licensee's name, credits awarded, activity description, dates, and the provider's name and internet/mailing address so the department can verify attendance. The regulation says documents are submitted "to the department" per the audit letter's instructions, no portal-upload mechanism is specified in the regulation or renewal packet. Retention: "You must save your documents for at least four years so you can respond to audits" (nur4121.pdf); per 12 AAC 02.960 retention runs until four years after completion or, if audited, until the department confirms the audit is complete. "Licensees unable to comply with the audit are subject to disciplinary license action."

Verified 2026-07-03 against commerce.alaska.gov · law.cornell.edu · commerce.alaska.gov. Always confirm with the board before relying on it.

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CE Hours by License Type

Alaska ranks #8 of 51 for RN renewal burden, one of the heaviest in the country.See the CE Burden Index

Type	CE hours	Renewal fee
RN	30 / 2 yrs (CE option)	$200
APRN	30 / 2 yrs (CE option)	$100
LPN	30 / 2 yrs (CE option)	$200

CE deadline calculator Check if a course counts Compare all states

APRN renewal in Alaska. Renewal deadlines here differ by license type; see Important Deadlines below. The board is only one clock: your national certification and any DEA registration renew on their own cycles. Full Alaska APRN renewal guide

CE Requirements

Category	Hours	Required	Types	Description
Continuing Competency (Two of Three Options)	30	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	Nurses must complete two of the following three options every two years (12 AAC 44.600): (1) 30 contact hours of approved continuing education, or current certification by a national nursing certification body; (2) 320 hours of compensated nursing employment; or (3) 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities or volunteer work. Alternatively, completing a Board-approved refresher course, completing at least six academic credits toward a nursing degree or certificate, or passing the NCLEX during the cycle also satisfies the requirement (12 AAC 44.640). Because of these options, CE hours are never strictly mandatory.
Contact Hours Option	30	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	30 contact hours of continuing education in the two years before renewal, or current certification by a national nursing certification body (12 AAC 44.610). At least 20 of the 30 hours must come from programs accredited by ANCC, ACCME, ACPE ("P"-designated courses), a nurse practitioner certifying body, or a nurse anesthetist certifying body, or from a sponsor approved by the Alaska Board. No more than 10 hours may be in-service education from a licensed health care facility.
Nursing Employment Option	0	Optional	RNLPN	320 hours of compensated employment as an RN or LPN during the renewal period, counting as one of the two required options.
Professional Activities Option	30	Optional	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	30 hours of participation in uncompensated professional activities during the renewal period.
APRN Pain Management / Opioid CE	2	Conditional	APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	APRNs who hold a DEA registration and controlled-substance prescriptive authority must attest to at least 2 hours of CE in pain management and opioid use and addiction during the licensing cycle, and to registration with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (12 AAC 44.470(5); AS 08.68.276). APRN renewal also requires current national certification for each role and population focus and a current Alaska RN license (12 AAC 44.470).

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Alaska CNA renewal is handled by the state nurse-aide registry, not the Board of Nursing, and follows a work-hours / in-service model rather than the CE above. Check your state nurse-aide registry for CNA requirements.

Find free Alaska CE. Verified courses, accredited or state-approved, with free certificates. Browse free Alaska nursing CE courses

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN)
Grace Period: No grace period. A license not renewed by November 30 lapses on December 1 and the Board's renewal form says it is illegal to work on a lapsed license. A lapsed license cannot simply be renewed online: you file a notarized paper reinstatement application (form 08-4067) with continuing competency completed in the two years before applying and license verifications from any other state where you were licensed while lapsed. Fees are tiered by lapse length: $200 within 60 days (license fee only), $300 from 60 days to one year ($200 plus a $100 penalty), $375 past one year (adds a $75 fingerprint processing fee and a fingerprint card). Lapsed a year or more also requires 320 hours of nursing employment in the last five years or a refresher course. A six-month temporary permit may be issued while the application is processed, and competency used to reinstate cannot be reused for your next renewal.
Record Retention: Keep CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit by the Alaska Board of Nursing

Missed your Alaska renewal deadline?

No grace period. A license not renewed by November 30 lapses on December 1 and the Board's renewal form says it is illegal to work on a lapsed license. A lapsed license cannot simply be renewed online: you file a notarized paper reinstatement application (form 08-4067) with continuing competency completed in the two years before applying and license verifications from any other state where you were licensed while lapsed. Fees are tiered by lapse length: $200 within 60 days (license fee only), $300 from 60 days to one year ($200 plus a $100 penalty), $375 past one year (adds a $75 fingerprint processing fee and a fingerprint card). Lapsed a year or more also requires 320 hours of nursing employment in the last five years or a refresher course. A six-month temporary permit may be issued while the application is processed, and competency used to reinstate cannot be reused for your next renewal.

What to do if your Alaska license lapsed

Important Notes

• Alaska uses a flexible continuing competency system: nurses must meet two of three options (CE hours, employment, or professional activities)
• RN and APRN licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years
• At least 20 of the 30 CE hours must come from ANCC, ACCME, ACPE (P-designated), NP or CRNA certifying-body accredited programs, or a sponsor approved by the Alaska Board; no more than 10 hours may be facility in-service education (12 AAC 44.610)
• Alaska is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the Alaska Board of Nursing.
• Nurse aides renew with 24 contact hours of CE per certification period (12 for a first renewal if certified at least a year; none if certified under a year) plus at least 160 hours of paid nurse aide work (12 AAC 44.825, 44.815).
• Verified October 19, 2026 against the Board's RN renewal form for the December 1, 2026 to November 30, 2028 cycle (nur4121, rev. 08/25/2026), the LPN renewal form (nur4120), the reinstatement instructions (nur4067, nur4867) and 12 AAC 44 and 12 AAC 02 on akleg.gov: expires November 30, 2026; two of three competency options, or a refresher course, six academic credits or an NCLEX pass in the cycle; $200 renewal ($100 for licenses first issued on or after December 1, 2025).

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

ANCCACCMEACPE (P-designated courses)Nurse practitioner certifying bodiesNurse anesthetist certifying bodiesSponsors approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $100 late renewal penalty if lapsed more than 60 days, charged as part of reinstatement (12 AAC 02.280(9); 12 AAC 44.317)
LPN: $100 late renewal penalty if lapsed more than 60 days, charged as part of reinstatement (12 AAC 02.280(9); 12 AAC 44.317)

Reinstatement Fees

RN: Tiered by lapse length: $200 within 60 days of lapse (license fee only); $300 if lapsed 60 days to 1 year ($200 license fee plus $100 penalty); $375 if lapsed more than 1 year (adds a $75 fingerprint processing fee)
LPN: Tiered by lapse length: $200 within 60 days of lapse (license fee only); $300 if lapsed 60 days to 1 year ($200 license fee plus $100 penalty); $375 if lapsed more than 1 year (adds a $75 fingerprint processing fee)
APRN: $100 APRN license fee, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee if lapsed over one year (APRN reinstatement form nur4867); the RN license must also be current
FNP: $100 APRN license fee, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee if lapsed over one year (APRN reinstatement form nur4867); the RN license must also be current
CRNA: $100 APRN license fee, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee if lapsed over one year (APRN reinstatement form nur4867); the RN license must also be current
CNM: $100 APRN license fee, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee if lapsed over one year (APRN reinstatement form nur4867); the RN license must also be current
PMHNP: $100 APRN license fee, plus a $100 nonrefundable application fee if lapsed over one year (APRN reinstatement form nur4867); the RN license must also be current

Already lapsed? The Alaska re-entry guide covers refresher rules, costs by lapse length, and the path back.

Getting your first Alaska RN license

Background check: Fingerprint-based criminal background check required. Applicants must submit an original FD-258 fingerprint card that the Board sends to the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the FBI to perform a criminal background check under AS 12.62.400.
Application fee: $200 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Under 12 AAC 44.320, an applicant who has not failed (or failed to appear for) the NCLEX-RN may receive a nonrenewable temporary permit valid for six months or until NCLEX results are received, whichever occurs first.

Applies to new RN licensure by examination. Verified against the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Full guide: how to get your first Alaska RN license

First-Time Licensee Exemption

Only for licenses issued late in the cycle. For the 2026 renewal, an RN license first issued on or after December 1, 2025 (LPN: on or after October 1, 2025) does not need continuing competency activities for this renewal only, and pays a prorated $100 fee (renewal forms nur4121 and nur4120). A license issued in the first year of the renewal period must meet the full competency requirement before its first renewal (12 AAC 44.650).

CE Audit Information

The Alaska Board of Nursing randomly audits a percentage of licensees for continuing competency; selected nurses verify within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions about Alaska nursing renewal

How many CE hours do nurses need in Alaska?: Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours. Continuing education is one of several ways to meet the continuing-competency requirement. Nurses who choose the CE option typically complete 30 contact hours every 2 years.
What are the mandatory CE topics in Alaska?: Alaska does not have specific mandatory CE topic requirements beyond the total hour requirement.
What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in Alaska?: Nursing licenses in Alaska must be renewed every 2 years. The Alaska Board of Nursing oversees license renewals.
What is the RN renewal fee in Alaska?: The RN renewal fee in Alaska is $200. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the Alaska Board of Nursing portal before submitting.
When are nursing licenses due for renewal in Alaska?: Alaska renewal deadline: November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN).
Is Alaska part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?: No. Alaska is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold an Alaska-issued license to practice there.
Does Alaska require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?: No. Alaska does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.
What license types does Alaska regulate?: Alaska regulates the following nursing license types: RN, APRN, LPN.
How many CE hours do LPNs need in Alaska?: Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours for LPNs. Continuing education is one of several ways to meet the continuing-competency requirement; LPNs who choose the CE option typically complete 30 contact hours every 2 years.
What does APRN renewal require in Alaska?: Alaska does not mandate a fixed number of CE hours for APRNs; CE is one of several competency options (30 contact hours if you choose the CE pathway). The APRN renewal fee is $100. Renewal deadlines in Alaska differ by license type: November 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); September 30 of even-numbered years (LPN). Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.
What happens if you miss the license renewal deadline in Alaska?: No grace period. A license not renewed by November 30 lapses on December 1 and the Board's renewal form says it is illegal to work on a lapsed license. A lapsed license cannot simply be renewed online: you file a notarized paper reinstatement application (form 08-4067) with continuing competency completed in the two years before applying and license verifications from any other state where you were licensed while lapsed. Fees are tiered by lapse length: $200 within 60 days (license fee only), $300 from 60 days to one year ($200 plus a $100 penalty), $375 past one year (adds a $75 fingerprint processing fee and a fingerprint card). Lapsed a year or more also requires 320 hours of nursing employment in the last five years or a refresher course. A six-month temporary permit may be issued while the application is processed, and competency used to reinstate cannot be reused for your next renewal. The RN late-renewal fee is $100 late renewal penalty if lapsed more than 60 days, charged as part of reinstatement (12 AAC 02.280(9); 12 AAC 44.317). If your license has lapsed, do not practice until your renewal is processed; confirm your status with the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Sources & Board Resources

Alaska Board of Nursing

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing.aspx

Sources

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Type

CE hours

Renewal fee

30 / 2 yrs (CE option)

$200

APRN

30 / 2 yrs (CE option)

$100

LPN

30 / 2 yrs (CE option)

$200

Alaska RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your Alaska Nursing License

How to Submit Your CE in Alaska

If Alaska audits your CE

Get the Alaska RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Getting your first Alaska RN license

Frequently asked questions about Alaska nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your Alaska renewal

More for Alaska nurses

Alaska RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your Alaska Nursing License

How to Submit Your CE in Alaska

If Alaska audits your CE

Get the Alaska RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Getting your first Alaska RN license

Frequently asked questions about Alaska nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your Alaska renewal

More for Alaska nurses