California Board of Registered Nursing · CRNA

30 hours. Every two years. Tied to your license anniversary.

Below is exactly what California Board of Registered Nursing requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.

Updated April 2026Sourced from CBRN~4 min read

Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 2, 2026

Mandatory topics

California has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 30-hour total.

Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your California cycle automatically. Start tracking free →
Conditional requirements

These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.

ConditionalImplicit Bias[1]
1 hr

Newly licensed California RNs (including those becoming CRNAs after RN licensure) must complete 1 hour of implicit bias training within their first two years of licensure.

View sourceVerbatim from source
“starting January 1, 2023 a licensee still within the first 2 years of holding their license, immediately following their initial licensure, must complete one hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course offered by a continuing education provider that has been approved by the Board of Registered Nursing”
CA BRN — CE for License Renewal (Implicit Bias Requirement; Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2811.5)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, California Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.

Credit systemNotes
Board-approved credit
California requires BRN-approved providers. AANA- or ANCC-accredited CE qualifies only if the provider is BRN-approved or otherwise meets BRN criteria.Sourcehttps://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml[1]
NBCRNA Class A
NBCRNA Class A / MAC Ed credits qualify when delivered by a BRN-approved provider.
Documentation & audit

Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.

Waivers & exemptions

Licensees are exempt from the continuing education requirement during the first two years immediately following initial licensure (except the one-hour implicit bias requirement).

A licensee may request exemption from continuing education when placing the license in inactive status.

A licensee may request exemption from continuing education by showing evidence of overseas employment or residence of one year or more.

A licensee may request exemption from continuing education when employed by a Federal Institution or Agency or one of the Military Services and practicing nursing outside California on a California license.

A licensee may request exemption from continuing education by showing hardship of one or more years' duration arising from the licensee's own total physical disability or a total disability of an immediate family member for whom the licensee has total responsibility.

FAQ
How many state-level CE hours do California CRNAs need?
California CRNAs must complete 30 contact hours of CE per two-year renewal cycle through BRN-approved providers. Newly licensed RNs must additionally complete 1 hour of implicit bias training within their first two years of licensure.
Does California require NBCRNA certification for CRNA licensure?
Yes. California Nurse Anesthetist certification requires current NBCRNA certification, and active NBCRNA certification must be maintained for the certificate to remain effective.
Is California part of the APRN Compact?
No. California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and has not enacted the APRN Compact. CRNAs practicing in California must hold California-issued credentials.
Where can I check my California CRNA license renewal date?
License status, renewal dates, and verification are available through the California Department of Consumer Affairs BreEZe portal at search.dca.ca.gov. CRNAs should also monitor their NBCRNA portal for the four-year MAC recertification timeline.

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Other roles in California

CRNAs CME requirements in other states

Sources & Citations

Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.

  1. California BRN — CE and Renewal Requirements
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30
    Show verbatim text
    “starting January 1, 2023 a licensee still within the first 2 years of holding their license, immediately following their initial licensure, must complete one hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course offered by a continuing education provider that has been approved by the Board of Registered Nursing”CA BRN — CE for License Renewal (Implicit Bias Requirement; Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2811.5) · Effective 2023-01-01

This page is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the best available information as of the last reviewed date above. CME requirements change. Atlas CME is not affiliated with the California Board of Registered Nursing, or any other state medical board, licensing authority, or professional organization. Physicians are solely responsible for verifying their own current CME requirements directly with their state medical board before relying on any information presented here.

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