How many CE hours do nurses need in District of Columbia?

Registered Nurses (RN) in District of Columbia need 24 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.

What are the mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia?

Mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia include: Public Health, LGBTQ Cultural Competency.

What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in District of Columbia?

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

What is the RN renewal fee in District of Columbia?

The RN renewal fee in District of Columbia is $195. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the District of Columbia Board of Nursing portal before submitting.

When are nursing licenses due for renewal in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia nursing licenses are due june 30 of even-numbered years (rn/aprn); june 30 of odd-numbered years (lpn).

Is District of Columbia part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

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

Does District of Columbia require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?

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

What license types does District of Columbia regulate?

District of Columbia regulates the following nursing license types: RN, APRN, LPN.

How many CE hours do LPNs need in District of Columbia?

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in District of Columbia need 18 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LPN renewal fee is $195.

What does APRN renewal require in District of Columbia?

APRNs in District of Columbia complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $118 (+ $130 controlled-substance registration where applicable, + $50 background check). District of Columbia also requires 15 hours of APRN Pharmacology per renewal cycle (see the requirements table for details on who it applies to). Renewal deadlines in District of Columbia differ by license type: June 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); June 30 of odd-numbered years (LPN). Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

District of Columbia RN License Renewal Requirements

Name: District of Columbia Nursing License Renewal
Creator: RenewRN

Verified 2026-06-22

District of Columbia Board of Nursing · 2-year renewal cycle

Verified by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing · Last reviewed June 22, 2026 · How RenewRN verifies its data

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

As of 2026, District of Columbia RNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew. The RN renewal fee is $195.

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Quick Facts

Renewal cycle	Every 2 years
Total CE hours (RN)	24 contact hours
Renewal fee (RN)	$195
Compact state (NLC)	No · what if I move to a compact state?
License types	RN, APRN, LPN
Typical pay	See nurse salary by state

The District of Columbia requires RNs and APRNs to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle, while LPNs need 18 hours. Within those hours, at least 3 must cover public health topics and 2 must address LGBTQ cultural competency. DC is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member, so nurses must hold a DC-specific license to practice in the district. RN and APRN licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years, with a 60-day grace period available for late renewal with an additional $85 fee.

Verified against the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-06-22. Found something off? Let me know.

District of Columbia CE Audit Response Guide

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

Read the full District of Columbia RN License Renewal Guide

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

How to Renew Your District of Columbia Nursing License

1Log in to the DC Health online renewal portal at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals
2Select your license type (RN, LPN, or APRN) and begin the renewal application
3Attest to completing CE hours (24 for RN/APRN, 18 for LPN) including 3 hours of public health and 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency
4Answer all disclosure questions regarding professional conduct and criminal history
5Pay the renewal fee ($195 for RN/LPN) by Visa or Mastercard
6Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit

Visit the District of Columbia Board of Nursing website for the official renewal portal.

Free PDF

Get the District of Columbia RN renewal checklist

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

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CE Hours by License Type

District of Columbia ranks #3 of 51 for RN renewal burden, one of the heaviest in the country.See the CE Burden Index

Type	CE hours	Renewal fee
RN	24 / 2 yrs	$195
APRN	24 / 2 yrs	$118 (+ $130 controlled-substance registration where applicable, + $50 background check)
LPN	18 / 2 yrs	$195

CE deadline calculator Check if a course counts

APRN renewal in District of Columbia. 15 hours of APRN Pharmacology apply per renewal cycle (details in the requirements table below). 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 District of Columbia APRN renewal guide

CE Requirements

Category	Hours	Required	Types	Description
General Continuing Education	24	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	24 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle for RNs and APRNs; 18 contact hours for LPNs.
Public Health	3	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	3 hours in public health topics (included in the 24-hour total).
LGBTQ Cultural Competency	2	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	2 hours in LGBTQ cultural competency (included in the 24-hour total).
APRN Pharmacology	15	Required	APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	APRNs must complete 15 of their 24 CE hours in pharmacology (APRN only; counted within the 24-hour total, not additional). (Source: DC Health 2024 RN/APRN renewal FAQ, dchealth.dc.gov.)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia CE. Verified ANCC-accredited and state-approved courses. No affiliate links, no upsells. Browse free courses

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: June 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); June 30 of odd-numbered years (LPN)
Grace Period: 60-day grace period after the June 30 deadline with an $85 late fee; licensees may not practice after August 29 without an active license
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 6 years in case of audit by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing

Important Notes

• DC requires 24 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for RNs and APRNs; LPNs need 18 CE hours
• Mandatory topics include 3 hours of public health and 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 15 hours of pharmacology for APRNs
• RN and APRN licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years
• District of Columbia is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member
• A 60-day grace period is available after the June 30 deadline with an $85 late fee
• CE certificates should be retained for at least 4 years for audit purposes
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the DC Board of Nursing.

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

ANCCDC Board of NursingCE Broker Approved

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $85
LPN: $85

Reinstatement Fees

RN: $280

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

CE Audit Information

DC Board of Nursing may conduct random CE audits and uses CE Broker for tracking.

Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia nursing renewal

How many CE hours do nurses need in District of Columbia?: Registered Nurses (RN) in District of Columbia need 24 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.
What are the mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia?: Mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia include: Public Health, LGBTQ Cultural Competency.
What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in District of Columbia?: Nursing licenses in District of Columbia must be renewed every 2 years. The District of Columbia Board of Nursing oversees license renewals.
What is the RN renewal fee in District of Columbia?: The RN renewal fee in District of Columbia is $195. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the District of Columbia Board of Nursing portal before submitting.
When are nursing licenses due for renewal in District of Columbia?: District of Columbia nursing licenses are due june 30 of even-numbered years (rn/aprn); june 30 of odd-numbered years (lpn).
Is District of Columbia part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?: No. District of Columbia is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold a District of Columbia-issued license to practice there.
Does District of Columbia require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?: No. District of Columbia does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.
What license types does District of Columbia regulate?: District of Columbia regulates the following nursing license types: RN, APRN, LPN.
How many CE hours do LPNs need in District of Columbia?: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in District of Columbia need 18 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LPN renewal fee is $195.
What does APRN renewal require in District of Columbia?: APRNs in District of Columbia complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $118 (+ $130 controlled-substance registration where applicable, + $50 background check). District of Columbia also requires 15 hours of APRN Pharmacology per renewal cycle (see the requirements table for details on who it applies to). Renewal deadlines in District of Columbia differ by license type: June 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); June 30 of odd-numbered years (LPN). Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

Sources & Board Resources

District of Columbia Board of Nursing

https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon

Sources

Cite or embed this page

These District of Columbia renewal figures are free to cite, quote, or republish with attribution and a link (CC BY 4.0). Suggested citation:

RenewRN, “District of Columbia Nursing License Renewal Requirements” (June 2026), renewrn.net/states/district-of-columbia, verified against the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

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

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

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District of Columbia RN License Renewal Requirements

Verified 2026-06-22

District of Columbia Board of Nursing · 2-year renewal cycle

Verified by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing · Last reviewed June 22, 2026 · How RenewRN verifies its data

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

As of 2026, District of Columbia RNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to renew. The RN renewal fee is $195.

Get an alert if District of Columbia changes a rule

We watch the District of Columbiaboard 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 District of Columbia rule alerts, and never sell it.

Quick Facts

Renewal cycle	Every 2 years
Total CE hours (RN)	24 contact hours
Renewal fee (RN)	$195
Compact state (NLC)	No · what if I move to a compact state?
License types	RN, APRN, LPN
Typical pay	See nurse salary by state

Verified against the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-06-22. Found something off? Let me know.

District of Columbia CE Audit Response Guide

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

Read the full District of Columbia RN License Renewal Guide

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

How to Renew Your District of Columbia Nursing License

1Log in to the DC Health online renewal portal at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals
2Select your license type (RN, LPN, or APRN) and begin the renewal application
3Attest to completing CE hours (24 for RN/APRN, 18 for LPN) including 3 hours of public health and 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency
4Answer all disclosure questions regarding professional conduct and criminal history
5Pay the renewal fee ($195 for RN/LPN) by Visa or Mastercard
6Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit

Visit the District of Columbia Board of Nursing website for the official renewal portal.

Free PDF

Get the District of Columbia RN renewal checklist

A one-page, board-verified checklist: every CE requirement, mandatory topic, fee, deadline, and renewal step for District of Columbia. 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

District of Columbia ranks #3 of 51 for RN renewal burden, one of the heaviest in the country.See the CE Burden Index

Type	CE hours	Renewal fee
RN	24 / 2 yrs	$195
APRN	24 / 2 yrs	$118 (+ $130 controlled-substance registration where applicable, + $50 background check)
LPN	18 / 2 yrs	$195

CE deadline calculator Check if a course counts

CE Requirements

Category	Hours	Required	Types	Description
General Continuing Education	24	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	24 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle for RNs and APRNs; 18 contact hours for LPNs.
Public Health	3	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	3 hours in public health topics (included in the 24-hour total).
LGBTQ Cultural Competency	2	Required	RNLPNAPRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	2 hours in LGBTQ cultural competency (included in the 24-hour total).
APRN Pharmacology	15	Required	APRNFNPCRNACNMPMHNP	APRNs must complete 15 of their 24 CE hours in pharmacology (APRN only; counted within the 24-hour total, not additional). (Source: DC Health 2024 RN/APRN renewal FAQ, dchealth.dc.gov.)

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

Important Deadlines

Renewal Due: June 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); June 30 of odd-numbered years (LPN)
Grace Period: 60-day grace period after the June 30 deadline with an $85 late fee; licensees may not practice after August 29 without an active license
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 6 years in case of audit by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing

Important Notes

• DC requires 24 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for RNs and APRNs; LPNs need 18 CE hours
• Mandatory topics include 3 hours of public health and 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 15 hours of pharmacology for APRNs
• RN and APRN licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years
• District of Columbia is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member
• A 60-day grace period is available after the June 30 deadline with an $85 late fee
• CE certificates should be retained for at least 4 years for audit purposes
• This information is for guidance only. Always verify requirements with the DC Board of Nursing.

CE Providers & Renewal

Approved CE Providers

ANCCDC Board of NursingCE Broker Approved

Renew Online

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Late Renewal Fees

RN: $85
LPN: $85

Reinstatement Fees

RN: $280

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

CE Audit Information

DC Board of Nursing may conduct random CE audits and uses CE Broker for tracking.

Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia nursing renewal

How many CE hours do nurses need in District of Columbia?: Registered Nurses (RN) in District of Columbia need 24 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal.
What are the mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia?: Mandatory CE topics in District of Columbia include: Public Health, LGBTQ Cultural Competency.
What is the renewal cycle for nursing licenses in District of Columbia?: Nursing licenses in District of Columbia must be renewed every 2 years. The District of Columbia Board of Nursing oversees license renewals.
What is the RN renewal fee in District of Columbia?: The RN renewal fee in District of Columbia is $195. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the District of Columbia Board of Nursing portal before submitting.
When are nursing licenses due for renewal in District of Columbia?: District of Columbia nursing licenses are due june 30 of even-numbered years (rn/aprn); june 30 of odd-numbered years (lpn).
Is District of Columbia part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?: No. District of Columbia is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses must hold a District of Columbia-issued license to practice there.
Does District of Columbia require CE Broker for tracking continuing education?: No. District of Columbia does not require CE Broker, though some nurses use it voluntarily to track CE across multiple states.
What license types does District of Columbia regulate?: District of Columbia regulates the following nursing license types: RN, APRN, LPN.
How many CE hours do LPNs need in District of Columbia?: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in District of Columbia need 18 continuing education hours every 2 years for license renewal. The LPN renewal fee is $195.
What does APRN renewal require in District of Columbia?: APRNs in District of Columbia complete 24 CE hours every 2 years for board renewal. The APRN renewal fee is $118 (+ $130 controlled-substance registration where applicable, + $50 background check). District of Columbia also requires 15 hours of APRN Pharmacology per renewal cycle (see the requirements table for details on who it applies to). Renewal deadlines in District of Columbia differ by license type: June 30 of even-numbered years (RN/APRN); June 30 of odd-numbered years (LPN). Your national certification renews separately with its certifying body on its own cycle.

Sources & Board Resources

District of Columbia Board of Nursing

https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon

Sources

Cite or embed this page

These District of Columbia renewal figures are free to cite, quote, or republish with attribution and a link (CC BY 4.0). Suggested citation:

RenewRN, “District of Columbia Nursing License Renewal Requirements” (June 2026), renewrn.net/states/district-of-columbia, verified against the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

Embed the District of Columbia requirements on your site

Paste this where you want the requirement summary to appear:

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  title="District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia Board of Nursing before making decisions about your license renewal.

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District of Columbia RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your District of Columbia Nursing License

Get the District of Columbia RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your District of Columbia renewal

More for District of Columbia nurses

District of Columbia RN License Renewal Requirements

Quick Facts

How to Renew Your District of Columbia Nursing License

Get the District of Columbia RN renewal checklist

CE Hours by License Type

CE Requirements

Important Deadlines

Important Notes

CE Providers & Renewal

Late Fees & Reinstatement

Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia nursing renewal

Sources & Board Resources

Cite or embed this page

Other state renewal guides

Don't miss your District of Columbia renewal

More for District of Columbia nurses