How many CE hours do nurses need in California?

Registered Nurses (RN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.

What are the mandatory CE topics in California?

California has no blanket mandatory CE topics beyond the total hour requirement, but some apply conditionally: Implicit Bias (see the requirements table for who and when).

What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in California?

Nursing licenses in California must be renewed every 2 years. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) oversees license renewals.

What is the RN renewal fee in California?

The RN renewal fee in California is $190. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) portal before submitting.

When are nursing licenses due for renewal in California?

California nursing licenses are due last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years.

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

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

Does California require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?

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

What license types does California regulate?

California regulates the following nursing license types: RN, LVN, APRN.

How many CE hours do LVNs need in California?

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LVN renewal fee is $305.

What does APRN renewal require in California?

APRNs in California complete 30 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $340 (RN $190 + NP/CRNA/CNM/CNS certificate $150); NPs/CNMs with furnishing authority add $168 furnishing renewal + $30 biennial CURES fee. Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

California RN License Renewal Requirements

Name: California Nursing License Renewal
Creator: RenewRN

Verified 2026-06-22

California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · 2-year renewal cycle

Verified by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · Last reviewed June 22, 2026 · 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.

Get an alert if California changes a rule

We watch the Californiaboard so you don't have to. One email, only when a CE or license rule actually changes. Not a newsletter, rare by nature, unsubscribe anytime.

Free. We only use your email for California rule alerts, and never sell it.

Quick Facts

Renewal cycle	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

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 2026-06-22. 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

How to Renew Your California Nursing License

1Log in to the California BRN BreEZe online system at rn.ca.gov
2Complete all 30 required CE hours from BRN-approved providers
3Certify completion of continuing education requirements
4Pay the renewal fee online
5Print your renewed license from the BreEZe portal

Visit the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website for the official renewal portal.

Free PDF

Get the California RN renewal checklist

A one-page, board-verified checklist: every CE requirement, mandatory topic, fee, deadline, and renewal step for California. Enter your email and it downloads instantly. No account needed.

Free-CE picks every Friday + monthly digest. No spam; unsubscribe anytime.

Want it tracked against your own license with reminders before each deadline? Create a free account

CE Hours by License Type

California ranks #9 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	$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

CE deadline calculator Check if a course counts

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

CE Requirements

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 ANCC-accredited and state-approved courses. No affiliate links, no upsells. Browse free courses

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: Last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years
Grace Period: 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.)
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 California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

Important Notes

• RNs are regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
• LVNs are regulated by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
• California does not have a separate APRN license; NPs hold an RN license plus an NP certificate, both under the BRN
• CE courses must be from a BRN-approved provider for RNs or a BVNPT-approved provider for LVNs
• First-time renewers (within 2 years of initial NCLEX) are exempt from the 30-hour requirement except for the 1-hour implicit bias course
• DEA-registered NPs must complete a one-time 8-hour course on treating opioid/substance use disorders
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the appropriate California board.

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

BRN Approved ProvidersANCCAACN

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $280 (delinquent renewal; $90 over the $190 timely fee)
LVN: $25

Reinstatement Fees

RN: $350 (renewal delinquent 8+ years; shorter lapses renew delinquent for $280)
LVN: $125

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

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.

Frequently asked questions about California nursing renewal

How many CE hours do nurses need in California?: Registered Nurses (RN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.
What are the mandatory CE topics in California?: California has no blanket mandatory CE topics beyond the total hour requirement, but some apply conditionally: Implicit Bias (see the requirements table for who and when).
What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in California?: Nursing licenses in California must be renewed every 2 years. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) oversees license renewals.
What is the RN renewal fee in California?: The RN renewal fee in California is $190. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) portal before submitting.
When are nursing licenses due for renewal in California?: California nursing licenses are due last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years.
Is California part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?: No. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold a California-issued license to practice there.
Does California require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?: No. California does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.
What license types does California regulate?: California regulates the following nursing license types: RN, LVN, APRN.
How many CE hours do LVNs need in California?: Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LVN renewal fee is $305.
What does APRN renewal require in California?: APRNs in California complete 30 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $340 (RN $190 + NP/CRNA/CNM/CNS certificate $150); NPs/CNMs with furnishing authority add $168 furnishing renewal + $30 biennial CURES fee. Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

Sources & Board Resources

California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

https://www.rn.ca.gov

Sources

Cite or embed this page

These 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” (June 2026), renewrn.net/states/california, verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Embed the California requirements on your site

Paste this where you want the requirement summary to appear:

<iframe src="https://www.renewrn.net/embed/states/california" width="100%" height="480"
  style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px" loading="lazy"
  title="California RN renewal requirements by RenewRN"></iframe>

Journalists & educators: for state-level detail, custom data cuts, or comment, contact support@renewrn.net.

Last verified 2026-06-22·View official source →

Always confirm requirements directly with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) before making decisions about your license renewal.

Don't miss your California renewal

Create a free account to track your CE and get reminders before your deadline. Setup takes 60 seconds.

Get reminders on your actual California renewal date

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More for California nurses

California RN License Renewal Requirements

Verified 2026-06-22

California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · 2-year renewal cycle

Verified by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) · Last reviewed June 22, 2026 · 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.

Get an alert if California changes a rule

We watch the Californiaboard so you don't have to. One email, only when a CE or license rule actually changes. Not a newsletter, rare by nature, unsubscribe anytime.

Free. We only use your email for California rule alerts, and never sell it.

Quick Facts

Renewal cycle	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

Verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), last checked 2026-06-22. 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

How to Renew Your California Nursing License

1Log in to the California BRN BreEZe online system at rn.ca.gov
2Complete all 30 required CE hours from BRN-approved providers
3Certify completion of continuing education requirements
4Pay the renewal fee online
5Print your renewed license from the BreEZe portal

Visit the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website for the official renewal portal.

Free PDF

Get the California RN renewal checklist

A one-page, board-verified checklist: every CE requirement, mandatory topic, fee, deadline, and renewal step for California. Enter your email and it downloads instantly. No account needed.

Free-CE picks every Friday + monthly digest. No spam; unsubscribe anytime.

Want it tracked against your own license with reminders before each deadline? Create a free account

CE Hours by License Type

California ranks #9 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	$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

CE deadline calculator Check if a course counts

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

CE Requirements

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)

Find free California CE. Verified ANCC-accredited and state-approved courses. No affiliate links, no upsells. Browse free courses

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: Last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years
Grace Period: 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.)
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 California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

Important Notes

• RNs are regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
• LVNs are regulated by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
• California does not have a separate APRN license; NPs hold an RN license plus an NP certificate, both under the BRN
• CE courses must be from a BRN-approved provider for RNs or a BVNPT-approved provider for LVNs
• First-time renewers (within 2 years of initial NCLEX) are exempt from the 30-hour requirement except for the 1-hour implicit bias course
• DEA-registered NPs must complete a one-time 8-hour course on treating opioid/substance use disorders
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the appropriate California board.

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

BRN Approved ProvidersANCCAACN

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $280 (delinquent renewal; $90 over the $190 timely fee)
LVN: $25

Reinstatement Fees

RN: $350 (renewal delinquent 8+ years; shorter lapses renew delinquent for $280)
LVN: $125

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

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.

Frequently asked questions about California nursing renewal

How many CE hours do nurses need in California?: Registered Nurses (RN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.
What are the mandatory CE topics in California?: California has no blanket mandatory CE topics beyond the total hour requirement, but some apply conditionally: Implicit Bias (see the requirements table for who and when).
What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in California?: Nursing licenses in California must be renewed every 2 years. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) oversees license renewals.
What is the RN renewal fee in California?: The RN renewal fee in California is $190. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) portal before submitting.
When are nursing licenses due for renewal in California?: California nursing licenses are due last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years.
Is California part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?: No. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold a California-issued license to practice there.
Does California require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?: No. California does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.
What license types does California regulate?: California regulates the following nursing license types: RN, LVN, APRN.
How many CE hours do LVNs need in California?: Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in California need 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LVN renewal fee is $305.
What does APRN renewal require in California?: APRNs in California complete 30 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $340 (RN $190 + NP/CRNA/CNM/CNS certificate $150); NPs/CNMs with furnishing authority add $168 furnishing renewal + $30 biennial CURES fee. Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

Sources & Board Resources

California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

https://www.rn.ca.gov

Sources

Cite or embed this page

These 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” (June 2026), renewrn.net/states/california, verified against the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Embed the California requirements on your site

Paste this where you want the requirement summary to appear:

<iframe src="https://www.renewrn.net/embed/states/california" width="100%" height="480"
  style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px" loading="lazy"
  title="California RN renewal requirements by RenewRN"></iframe>

Journalists & educators: for state-level detail, custom data cuts, or comment, contact support@renewrn.net.

Last verified 2026-06-22·View official source →

Always confirm requirements directly with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) before making decisions about your license renewal.

Don't miss your California renewal

Create a free account to track your CE and get reminders before your deadline. Setup takes 60 seconds.

Get reminders on your actual California renewal date

Create a free account

Start free View All States

California RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your California Nursing License

Get the California RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Frequently asked questions about California nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your California renewal

More for California nurses

California RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your California Nursing License

Get the California RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Frequently asked questions about California nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your California renewal

More for California nurses