The California Board of Registered Nursing requires active RNs to complete 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. New licensees are exempt from the 30-hour total during their first two years — but the one-time one-hour implicit bias course still applies and cannot be waived. CPR and BLS courses do not count toward the 30 hours. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
30 hours / 2 years
Thirty Board-approved contact hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Implicit bias (one-time)
A one-time one-hour direct-participation implicit bias course, required even for new licensees.
First-cycle exemption
New RNs are exempt from the 30-hour total during their first two years (implicit bias still applies).
No CPR/BLS
CPR and BLS courses are not accepted toward the 30 contact hours.
How many CE hours California RNs need
California requires 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years for active RNs. Licensees renewing to inactive status are not required to complete CE, and CPR/BLS courses do not count toward the 30 hours.
Mandated subject requirements
- Implicit bias: a one-time one-hour direct-participation course from a Board-approved provider, required for licensees as of January 1, 2023. It applies even during the first-cycle exemption and cannot be waived for health, military service, or other good cause.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
California RN licenses renew every two years. Complete and document your 30 contact hours before your expiration date. New licensees are exempt from the 30-hour requirement during their first two years, except for the one-time implicit bias course.
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View pricingCalifornia Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
- Implicit Bias1 hr · one time
A one-time one-hour direct-participation implicit bias course from a Board-approved provider, required for new licensees as of January 1, 2023. This requirement applies even during the first two-year exemption period and cannot be waived for health, military service, or other good cause.
Always confirm with your licensing board
California RN licenses renew biennially. Active RNs must complete 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education each cycle. Licensees renewing to inactive status are not required to complete CE. CPR/BLS courses are not accepted toward the 30 hours.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the California Board of Registered Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: California Board of Registered Nursing. Board website · Researched as of 2026-06-01 · CME rules change; this is administrative guidance, not legal or CME-accreditation advice.
Licensed in more than one state?
Nurse Licensure Compact: active. Active. One multistate RN/LPN license from the home state authorizes practice in member states; practice-state requirements (including CE) may still overlay.
Each state license carries its own CME requirement and renewal date — if you hold more than one, you need a plan for each.
Also licensing in California or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
California Registered Nurse CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE contact hours do California RNs need?
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30 Board-approved contact hours every two years for active RNs.
Is implicit bias training required for California RNs?
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Yes — a one-time one-hour direct-participation implicit bias course is required. It applies even to new licensees during the first-cycle exemption and cannot be waived.
Are new California RNs exempt from CE?
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New RNs are exempt from the 30-hour requirement during their first two years, but the one-time implicit bias course still applies.
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