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 →
Field guide · License renewal
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · 2-year renewal cycle
Verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · Last reviewed · How RenewRN verifies its data
Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources
As of 2026, California RNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew. The RN renewal fee is $190.
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| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal deadline | Last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years |
| Total CE hours (RN) | 30 contact hours |
| Renewal fee (RN) | $190 |
| Compact state (NLC) | No · what if I move to a compact state? |
| License types | RN, LVN, APRN |
| Typical pay | See California nurse salaries |
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.
Verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), last checked 2026-07-24. Found something off? Let me know.
California CE Audit Response Guide
Response deadline, retention rules, board address, and the rejections that get nurses dinged.
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.
Turn these steps into a checklist you can track.
RenewRN Pro turns California's renewal steps into an interactive checklist you check off one by one, with your progress saved so nothing gets missed at the deadline.
Track your renewal steps with ProYou attest to your CE when you renew and keep your certificates; you only submit documents if the board audits you.
The nurse renews online through BreEZe (the board FAQ states online via BreEZe is the ONLY way to renew). During the BreEZe renewal application there is a CE Information step where the nurse clicks "Add" and keys in each course's details from their CE certificates until 30 hours are entered, this is self-reported data entry, not an upload. An Attachments screen then allows uploading CEU certificates, but the board's own guide says upload is "not needed if you entered your course(s) at the CE Information tab." Legally, proof is furnished by attestation: per 16 CCR 1451(c) the licensee signs a statement under penalty of perjury indicating compliance and agreeing to supply supporting documents on request (the final BreEZe "Attestation - Read and click YES" step). Certificates/grade-slips must be kept for four years and submitted to the Board only if requested (audit).
Where it happens: BreEZe Online Services
www.breeze.ca.govSelection is random: the board's CE page states "Random audits of registered nurses are conducted regularly" and "All RNs are subject to random audits of CE compliance" (rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml). The regulation obligates the nurse to "submit such certificates or gradeslips to the Board when requested" and to keep them four years (16 CCR 1451(e), 1456(b)(7)). The board does NOT publish audit mechanics on its site, no page states how notification arrives (letter vs BreEZe message), the document-submission channel, or a standard response deadline; the response date is set in the individual audit notice. The board directs audit questions to the Continuing Education Program at (916) 322-3350.
Verified 2026-07-03 against rn.ca.gov · rn.ca.gov · rn.ca.gov · rn.ca.gov. Always confirm with the board before relying on it.
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| Type | CE hours | Renewal fee |
|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 / 2 yrs | $190 |
| LVN | 30 / 2 yrs | $305 |
| APRN | 30 / 2 yrs | $340 (RN $190 + NP/CRNA/CNM/CNS certificate $150); NPs/CNMs with furnishing authority add $168 furnishing renewal + $30 biennial CURES fee |
APRN renewal in California. The board is only one clock: your national certification and any DEA registration renew on their own cycles. Full California APRN renewal guide
| Category | Hours | Required | Types | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General CE | 30 | Required | RNLVNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP | Total continuing education contact hours required for biennial renewal |
| Implicit Bias | 1 | Conditional | RNLVNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP | 1 hour of implicit bias training required at first renewal after initial licensure (one-time, included in total) |
| NP Gerontology | 6 | Conditional | 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 | Conditional | APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP | 3-hour Schedule II controlled substances course required for NPs with furnishing authority for Schedule II drugs (included in 30 total) |
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): California 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 California CE. Verified, accredited and state-approved courses. No upsells. Browse free California nursing CE courses
Missed your California renewal deadline?
No grace period. The license is delinquent the day after expiration. (BPC §121 only lets you keep working if the renewal was submitted on time.)
What to do if your California license lapsedApproved CE Providers
Late Renewal Fees
Reinstatement Fees
Already lapsed? The California re-entry guide covers refresher rules, costs by lapse length, and the path back.
Applies to new RN licensure by examination. Verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
First-Time Licensee Exemption
First-time renewers (within 2 years of initial NCLEX) are exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement, except for the one-time 1-hour implicit bias course, which is still required at first renewal.
CE Audit Information
California BRN conducts random audits.
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
https://www.rn.ca.govThese California renewal figures are free to cite, quote, or republish with attribution and a link (CC BY 4.0). Suggested citation:
RenewRN, “California Nursing License Renewal Requirements” (July 2026), renewrn.net/states/california, verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
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