Wisconsin Board of Nursing · RN

0 hours. Every two years. On a fixed renewal cycle.

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

Updated April 2026Sourced from WBN~6 min read

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 Wisconsin Board of Nursing

Mandatory topics

Wisconsin has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 0-hour total.

Atlas CME tracks each of these mandatory topics against your Wisconsin 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[1]
Hrs vary
One-time

RNs whose license has been expired for more than 5 years must meet additional requirements to renew

View sourceVerbatim from source
“Renewal after 5 years. This subsection does not apply to credential holders who have unmet disciplinary requirements or whose credential has been surrendered or revoked. A person renewing the credential after 5 years shall do all of the following:”
Wis. Admin. Code N 2.40(3)See source [1] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Wisconsin 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
ANCC Contact Hour
No CE requirement exists for standard RN renewal — this field is informational only. If a RN seeks CE voluntarily or for the lapsed-license pathway, ANCC-accredited CE would qualify.SourceWis. Admin. Code N 2.40
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

Wisconsin imposes no continuing education requirement for standard biennial RN renewal

Military service members: Wisconsin Act 210 allows service members to request waiver or extension of continuing education requirements due to hardship (though no standard CE is required for RNs)

FAQ
What are the reinstatement requirements for a lapsed Wisconsin RN license?
For licenses lapsed more than five years, Wis. Admin. Code N 2.40(3) requires either documentation of employment that required a nursing license within the last five years, or completion of a board-approved nursing refresher course or equivalent education. Additionally, the nurse must pay the renewal fee, workforce survey fee, and late renewal fee, and complete the nursing workforce survey. This reentry requirement is separate from the standard biennial renewal — it is not a CE hour requirement but a broader competency assessment for nurses who have been away from practice for an extended period.
Is Wisconsin in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
Yes. Wisconsin is an NLC compact member, joined as the enhanced NLC (eNLC) effective December 11, 2017 (Wisconsin's own statutory references were updated from "eNLC" to "NLC" effective April 10, 2022). Eligible Wisconsin-licensed RNs hold a multistate license allowing practice in all NLC member states without separate licenses. Wisconsin-resident nurses renew through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and must satisfy Wisconsin's own renewal requirements (fee and workforce survey — no CE for standard RN renewal, see above). Wisconsin's APNP credential for NP/APRN prescriptive authority is a separate, single-state credential not covered by the NLC.
If Wisconsin has no RN CE requirement, why should I track CE at all?
While the Wisconsin Board of Nursing does not require CE for standard RN renewal, CE is still relevant for Wisconsin nurses for several reasons. Many healthcare employers and hospital systems require nurses to complete a certain number of CE hours annually as a condition of employment. National specialty certifications (ANCC, AACN, etc.) require CE for renewal and have their own hour minimums independent of state board requirements. Professional organizations often recommend or require CE for membership or designation maintenance. Atlas CME helps Wisconsin nurses track CE for these parallel purposes even in the absence of a state mandate.
Where can I renew my Wisconsin RN license?
Wisconsin RNs renew their licenses through the DSPS online portal at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RN/Default.aspx. Renewal requires payment of the renewal fee and nursing workforce survey fee, plus completing the nursing workforce survey online. Wisconsin licenses expire February 28 of even-numbered years. DSPS can be reached by phone at (608) 266-2112 or (877) 617-1565 for renewal questions.

Never miss a Wisconsin CME deadline.

Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your a fixed renewal cycle renewal.

Start tracking freeSee how it works

Other roles in Wisconsin

Registered Nurses 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://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/N%202.40
    Source
    Show verbatim text
    “Renewal after 5 years. This subsection does not apply to credential holders who have unmet disciplinary requirements or whose credential has been surrendered or revoked. A person renewing the credential after 5 years shall do all of the following:”Wis. Admin. Code N 2.40(3) · Effective 2016-09-01

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 Wisconsin 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.

Privacy policyTerms of serviceContact