Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OKBON) · RN

Oklahoma CE Requirements for Registered Nurses

24 hours. Every two years. Tied to your birth month.

Updated April 2026Sourced from OKBON

Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 4, 2026

These figures are compiled from official board materials — confirm current requirements with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OKBON)

Mandatory topics

For RNs, 24 hours is the total CE requirement. No topic requirement applies to all RNs in Oklahoma. 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.

ConditionalGeneral[1]
24 hrs
Biennial

RNs choosing the CE contact hours pathway (one of five equivalent renewal pathways)

View sourceVerbatim from source
“Verify the completion of at least twenty-four (24) contact hours of continuing education applicable to nursing practice”
OAC § 485:10-7-3(d)(2)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OKBON) accepts ANCC Contact Hour toward the CE requirement for RNs, along with other credit it approves.

Credit systemNotes
ANCC Contact Hour
Contact hours from OKBON-accredited approvers of CE or Oklahoma-approved nursing education programs. Per OAC § 485:10-1-2, one contact hour equals 50 minutes. One academic semester credit hour = 16 contact hours.SourceOAC § 485:10-7-3 / OBN Policy/Guideline #P-23
Board-approved credit
CE from accredited approvers of CE or approved nursing education programs in Oklahoma. Academic credit hours count at 16 contact hours per semester credit hour per OAC § 485:10-1-2.SourceOAC § 485:10-7-3 / OBN Policy/Guideline #P-23
Documentation & audit

Renewal schedule: biennial, every even-numbered year, by end of licensee's birth month.

Waivers & exemptions

Military exemption: active-duty military personnel may claim exemptions from CE requirements and license fees during active service

FAQ
Does Oklahoma require CE for RN license renewal?
Oklahoma requires RNs to demonstrate "continuing qualifications for practice" biennially, which can be satisfied by completing 24 CE contact hours but can also be satisfied through four other pathways: 520 work hours in a nursing position, current nursing specialty certification, completion of a Board-approved refresher course, or 6 academic semester credit hours of nursing coursework. Only one pathway may be used per renewal period — they cannot be combined. Renewal occurs every two even-numbered years by the end of the licensee's birth month.
Can Oklahoma RNs use work hours instead of CE for renewal?
Yes. Under OAC § 485:10-7-3(d)(1) and OBN Policy/Guideline #P-23, RNs may demonstrate continuing qualifications by verifying employment of at least 520 work hours in a position requiring a nursing license during the two-year period before license expiration. This is a complete alternative to 24 CE hours — it is not a supplement to partial CE. Documentation from the employer verifying the hours worked must be available for audit purposes.
Is Oklahoma in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
Yes. Oklahoma is an NLC compact member. Oklahoma-licensed RNs who meet compact eligibility requirements hold a multistate license authorizing practice in all other NLC member states. CE and continuing qualifications obligations follow the home-state rules under the compact. Oklahoma RNs residing in Oklahoma renew with OKBON and must demonstrate continuing qualifications biennially through one of the five approved pathways.
Are there mandatory CE topic requirements for Oklahoma RNs?
No. Oklahoma does not impose mandatory CE topic requirements for RNs. The CE pathway requires only that the 24 contact hours be "applicable to nursing practice" — there are no universal topic mandates (such as pharmacology, abuse reporting, or cultural competency) that apply to all RN licensees. CE that is relevant to the nurse's practice area, clinical setting, or professional development goals qualifies.
Where can I check my Oklahoma RN license renewal date?
Oklahoma RNs can renew and manage their license through the OKBON Nurse Portal Account at https://oklahoma.gov/nursing/applications.html. The renewal portal is accessed by logging into the Nurse Portal. Because renewal occurs every two even-numbered years by end of birth month, nurses should calendar their renewal deadline in advance. For questions, contact the OKBON at the phone or email listed on https://oklahoma.gov/nursing.

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Other roles in Oklahoma

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. Okla. Admin. Code § 485:10-7-3 — Renewal of RN/LPN License
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-23
    Show verbatim text
    “Verify the completion of at least twenty-four (24) contact hours of continuing education applicable to nursing practice”OAC § 485:10-7-3(d)(2)

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 Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OKBON), 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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