Below is exactly what Virginia Board of Nursing (VABON) requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 25, 2026
Virginia has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 30-hour total.
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.
RNs who choose the combined practice-plus-CE pathway must document both 640 practice hours and 15 CE contact hours
“Fifteen contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse”
RNs renewing for the first time after initial licensure by examination or endorsement are exempt from the continued competency requirement
“A licensee is exempt from the continued competency requirement for the first renewal following initial licensure by examination or endorsement.”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Virginia 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 system | Notes |
|---|---|
ANCC Contact Hour | For options 8 and 9 (CE-based pathways), activities must come from recognized sources including the American Nurses Association, NCSBN, accredited universities, hospitals, healthcare facilities, the American Heart Association, and state nursing boards.Source18VAC90-19-160 |
Board-approved credit | Courses relevant to the practice of nursing from recognized professional organizations, accredited institutions, and healthcare facilities accepted for the CE-based renewal options.Source18VAC90-19-160 |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
First renewal after initial licensure by examination or endorsement — no continued competency requirement
Extension for good cause — up to one year for completion of continued competency requirements
Exemption for circumstances beyond licensee control
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary renewal.
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.
“Fifteen contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences, or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse”18VAC90-19-160.A.8
“A licensee is exempt from the continued competency requirement for the first renewal following initial licensure by examination or endorsement.”18VAC90-19-160.D