Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing · CRNA

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

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

Updated April 2026Sourced from PSBN~5 min read

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

Mandatory topics

For CRNAs, 30 hours is the total CME requirement. Pennsylvania also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 30-hour total.

Abuse Reporting & Mandatory Reporter[1]
2 hrs
Biennial
PA requires healthcare professionals to complete child abuse recognition and reporting training each renewal cycle (Act 31). Applies to RNs, including CRNAs. At least 2 of the 30 biennial CE hours must be in this content (within the total).
View sourceVerbatim from source
“At least 2 of the 30 hours shall be completed in approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements in accordance with §  21.508(b) (relating to child abuse recognition and reporting—mandatory training requirement).”
49 Pa. Code § 21.131(a); 23 Pa. C.S. § 6383.See source [1] in Primary Sources
General[1]
2 hrs
One-time
Organ and tissue donation and recovery process CE — at least 2 of the 30 hours, completed one time within 5 years of licensure renewal (for nurses licensed prior to May 1, 2026; a mirrored one-time-within-5-years rule at § 21.131(a.1)(2)-(3) applies to nurses first licensed, or reactivating, on or after May 1, 2026). Applies to all PA RNs including CRNAs.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“one time within 5 years of licensure renewal.”
49 Pa. Code § 21.131(a.1)(1) — 'Initial licensure prior to May 1, 2026... shall verify completion of at least 2 of the 30 hours in Board-approved continuing education in organ and tissue donation and recovery process... one time within 5 years of licensure renewal'See source [1] in Primary Sources
Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Pennsylvania 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.

ConditionalGeneral[2]
Hrs vary

PA does NOT separately license CRNAs as APRNs. CRNAs in PA are licensed as RNs and recognized under 49 Pa. Code § 21.17 as authorized to administer anesthesia upon completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program and CRNA certification.

View sourceVerbatim from source
“The certified nurse anesthetist is authorized to administer anesthesia in cooperation with a surgeon or dentist.”
49 Pa. Code § 21.17See source [2] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Pennsylvania 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
NBCRNA Class A
NBCRNA Class A credits accepted toward PA RN CE.Sourcehttps://www.nbcrna.com/continued-certification[3]
NBCRNA_CLASS_B
NBCRNA Class B credits accepted toward PA RN CE.Sourcehttps://www.nbcrna.com/continued-certification[3]
ANCC Contact Hour
ANCC contact hours accepted toward PA RN CE.
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

Initial-licensure first-renewal exception: an RN (including a PA CRNA, who is licensed as an RN) applying for initial licensure in Pennsylvania is not required to meet the 30-hour CE requirement on the first renewal immediately following licensure, except for the mandatory child abuse recognition and reporting CE.

Hardship waiver: an RN (including a PA CRNA, who is licensed as an RN) may request a waiver of the continuing education requirement because of serious illness, military service or other demonstrated hardship. The request and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Board in writing at least 90 days prior to license expiration unless an emergency or hardship occurs within the 90-day period.

FAQ
How many state-level CE hours do Pennsylvania CRNAs need?
30 contact hours per biennial RN renewal under 49 Pa. Code §§ 21.131-21.137, plus PA Act 31 child abuse recognition training (typically 2 hours per renewal cycle).
Does Pennsylvania require NBCRNA certification for CRNA practice?
49 Pa. Code § 21.17 requires CRNA certification by the Council on Certification or Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (now NBCRNA) to practice nurse anesthesia. While PA does not separately license CRNAs as APRNs, NBCRNA certification is a practical requirement for hospital privileges and CMS reimbursement.
Is Pennsylvania part of the APRN Compact?
No, PA has not enacted the APRN Compact as of April 2026. PA is, however, a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for the underlying RN license.
Where can I check my PA RN/CRNA license renewal date?
Use the PA Licensing System (PALS) at https://www.pals.pa.gov/ or contact the PA State Board of Nursing.

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Other roles in Pennsylvania

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. https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter21/s21.131.html
    Source
    Show verbatim text
    “At least 2 of the 30 hours shall be completed in approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements in accordance with §  21.508(b) (relating to child abuse recognition and reporting—mandatory training requirement).”49 Pa. Code § 21.131(a); 23 Pa. C.S. § 6383. · Effective 2015-01-01
    “one time within 5 years of licensure renewal.”49 Pa. Code § 21.131(a.1)(1) — 'Initial licensure prior to May 1, 2026... shall verify completion of at least 2 of the 30 hours in Board-approved continuing education in organ and tissue donation and recovery process... one time within 5 years of licensure renewal' · Effective 2026-05-01
  2. PA Code 49 § 21.17 — Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30
    Show verbatim text
    “The certified nurse anesthetist is authorized to administer anesthesia in cooperation with a surgeon or dentist.”49 Pa. Code § 21.17
  3. NBCRNA — Continued Certification
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-04-30

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 Pennsylvania State Board of 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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