Colorado does not require continuing education contact hours to renew an active RN license. The Colorado State Board of Nursing — part of DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations — uses a continued-competency framework rather than a fixed CE count. The main competency trigger is time away from practice: RNs who have not practiced on an active license within the previous two years must demonstrate continued competency, typically by completing a Board-approved refresher course. Licenses renew biennially and expire September 30.
No CE hours required
Colorado does not mandate continuing education contact hours for active RN renewal.
Continued competency
RNs away from active practice for over two years must show continued competency, e.g., a refresher course.
Biennial renewal
RN licenses renew every two years and expire September 30.
Refresher pathway
A Board-approved refresher course re-establishes competency after time away.
How many CE hours Colorado RNs need
None. Colorado does not require continuing education contact hours to renew an active RN license. Instead, the Board uses a continued-competency framework. The principal requirement applies to nurses returning from time away: an RN who has not practiced on an active license within the previous two years must demonstrate continued competency, typically by completing a Board-approved refresher course.
Mandated subject requirements
None. Because Colorado does not require CE hours for RN renewal, there are no mandated subject-matter topics.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Colorado RN licenses renew biennially and expire on September 30 of an odd or even year depending on when the license was issued. Renewal is handled online through DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations.
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View pricingColorado Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
Always confirm with your licensing board
Colorado does not require continuing education contact hours to renew an RN license. The Board of Nursing (under DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations) uses a continued-competency framework rather than a fixed CE count. RNs who have not practiced on an active license within the previous two years must demonstrate continued competency, which can be established by completing a Board-approved refresher course. RN licenses renew biennially and expire September 30 of an odd or even year depending on initial issuance.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Colorado State Board of Nursing 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 Registered Nurse CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE contact hours do Colorado RNs need?
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None. Colorado does not require continuing education hours to renew an active RN license.
What if I have been away from nursing practice in Colorado?
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An RN who has not practiced on an active license within the previous two years must demonstrate continued competency, which can be established by completing a Board-approved refresher course.
How often do Colorado RNs renew?
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Every two years; RN licenses expire on September 30 and are renewed online through DORA.
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