If you hold a Colorado LPN license, the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA) does not require traditional CE contact hours. Instead, LPNs satisfy a continued-competency program at renewal through one of: 20 contact hours of CE from a recognized provider, at least 400 hours of active nursing practice, a Board-approved refresher course, or a relevant national nursing certification. Below is the full breakdown of what counts and when it is due.
No mandatory CE hours
Colorado does not require CE contact hours to renew an LPN license.
Competency options
Meet one of: 20 CE hours, 400 practice hours, a refresher, or certification.
Biennial renewal
Colorado LPN licenses renew every two years, expiring August 31 of even years.
Flexible compliance
Choose whichever competency pathway fits your practice.
How Colorado LPNs meet continued competency
Colorado requires no mandatory CE contact hours, but LPNs must meet the Board's continued-competency program at renewal: 20 CE contact hours, 400 hours of active practice, a Board-approved refresher course, or a relevant national nursing certification.
Mandated subject requirements
Colorado does not mandate any specific CE subject for LPN renewal.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Colorado LPN licenses renew every two years and expire August 31 of even-numbered years. Document the competency pathway you used before you renew.
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Always confirm with your licensing board
Colorado does not require continuing education contact hours to renew an LPN license. LPNs must instead meet the Board's Continued Competency program by one of: 20 contact hours of CE from a recognized provider, at least 400 hours of active nursing practice, an approved refresher course, or a relevant national nursing certification. LPN licenses renew biennially, expiring August 31 of even years.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA) before relying on these figures.
Source: Colorado State Board of 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 Colorado or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Colorado LPN CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Do Colorado LPNs need CE hours?
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No mandatory CE hours are required, but you must meet the Board's continued-competency program (one of 20 CE hours, 400 practice hours, a refresher, or certification).
How many CE hours satisfy the competency option?
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20 contact hours from a recognized provider, if you choose the CE pathway.
When do Colorado LPN licenses renew?
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Every two years, expiring August 31 of even-numbered years.
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