California
Registered Nurse CE & renewal requirements in California (2026)
30 contact hours per renewal, on a 24-month renewal cycle with California Board of Registered Nursing.
Renewal cycle
Every 24 months
Biennial, expires last day of birth month
Continuing education
30 contact hours per renewal
30 contact hours per 2-year cycle; must include 1 hour of implicit bias CE within the first 2 years following initial licensure (SB 464). First renewal exempt from the 30-hour requirement but not implicit bias.
- Implicit bias (1 hour, within first 2 years post-licensure)
Source: California Board of Registered Nursing · Verified July 5, 2026
Rules change — always confirm current requirements with your board before relying on this page. Visit California Board of Registered Nursing
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- How often do registered nurses renew their license in California?
- Biennial, expires last day of birth month
- How many contact hours do I need in California?
- 30 contact hours per renewal. 30 contact hours per 2-year cycle; must include 1 hour of implicit bias CE within the first 2 years following initial licensure (SB 464). First renewal exempt from the 30-hour requirement but not implicit bias.
- Where do I renew my Registered Nurse license in California?
- Through California Board of Registered Nursing. We verified these details on 2026-07-05 — always confirm with the board before your deadline.
- Is this page official?
- No — Credlark is an independent organizational tool, not the licensing board. This page cites its source and check date; use it to plan, then confirm with your board.