California Board of Registered Nursing · RN

California CE Requirements for Registered Nurses

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

Updated April 2026Sourced from CBRN

Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated April 25, 2026

Mandatory topics

For RNs, 30 hours is the total CE requirement. No topic requirement applies to all RNs in California. The conditional requirements below apply when the trigger described on each card is met.

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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
One-time

Newly licensed California RNs 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(h))See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

California Board of Registered Nursing accepts ANCC Contact Hour toward the CE requirement for RNs, along with other credit it approves.

Credit systemNotes
ANCC Contact Hour
California BRN accepts CE from BRN-approved providers. ANCC contact hours from BRN-approved providers are accepted.Sourcehttps://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml[1]
Board-approved credit
CE must be from a California BRN-approved provider. Not all nationally accredited CE automatically qualifies — providers must be approved by or meet California BRN criteria.Sourcehttps://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml[1]
Documentation & audit

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

Waivers & exemptions

Nurses who have not practiced during the renewal period, are currently licensed in another state, or are in certain inactive-license categories may qualify for exemptions. Details should be confirmed with the California BRN.

FAQ
How many CE hours do California registered nurses need?
California registered nurses must complete 30 contact hours of CE during each two-year renewal period. New licensees must also complete 1 hour of implicit bias training within their first two years of licensure.
Is California a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). California nurses hold single-state licenses. Nurses licensed in compact states cannot practice in California using their compact privilege and must obtain a California license.
What is the implicit bias training requirement for new California RNs?
Effective January 1, 2023, newly licensed California RNs must complete one hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course within their first two years of licensure. This applies to nurses who received their initial California RN license on or after January 1, 2023. The requirement is established by Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2811.5.
How do I find California BRN-approved CE providers?
The California Board of Registered Nursing maintains a list of approved CE providers on its website at rn.ca.gov. Nurses should verify that any CE provider they plan to use is on the current BRN-approved list before completing activities. CE from providers that are not BRN-approved does not count toward the California renewal requirement.

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Other roles in California

CE requirements for Registered Nurses 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 Board of Registered Nursing — CE and Renewal Requirements
    Primary source
    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(h)) · 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. CE requirements change. Atlas CME is not affiliated with the California Board of Registered Nursing, or any other state licensing board, licensing authority, or professional organization. Registered nurses are solely responsible for verifying their own current CE requirements directly with their state licensing board before relying on any information presented here.

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