If you hold a Delaware RN license, the Delaware Board of Nursing requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. Two subjects are carved out of that total: at least 3 hours must cover substance abuse, and 1 hour must address recognizing and responding to abuse, exploitation, or trafficking of vulnerable persons. Licenses renew biennially, with most expiring September 30 of odd-numbered years.
30 hours / 2 years
Thirty contact hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Substance abuse (3 hrs)
3 of the 30 hours must address substance abuse.
Abuse & trafficking (1 hr)
1 hour on recognizing abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of vulnerable persons.
Prorated first cycle
First-renewal hours depend on your original license issue date.
How many CE hours Delaware RNs need
Delaware requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years for RN renewal after the first cycle. Hours must be completed within the two-year licensure period and documented in case of a board audit.
Mandated subject requirements
- Substance abuse: 3 of the 30 contact hours each cycle.
- Abuse, exploitation & trafficking: 1 contact hour on recognizing and responding to suspected abuse, exploitation, trafficking, or domestic violence of vulnerable persons.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Delaware RN licenses renew every two years. Most licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years (some earlier-issued licenses expire February 28 or May 31 of odd years). Complete and document your 30 hours before the expiration date; renewals are processed through DELPROS.
Know exactly what CME you need.
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal date. We map your required hours, the state-mandated topics, and your deadline — a clear, personalized plan for a flat $99.
View pricingDelaware Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
- Substance Abuse3 hrs
3 of the 30 required contact hours must address substance abuse.
- Recognizing Abuse, Exploitation & Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons1 hr
1 contact hour on recognizing and responding to suspected sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, trafficking, or domestic violence of vulnerable persons (children, elders, and persons with disabilities). Counts toward the 30-hour total.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Delaware RN licenses renew biennially, expiring September 30 of odd-numbered years (some earlier-issued licenses expire February 28 or May 31 of odd years). RNs must complete 30 contact hours within the two-year period; first-cycle requirements are prorated based on the original issue date, and licensees also attest to a minimum practice-hours threshold.
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Delaware Board of Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: Delaware 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 Delaware or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Delaware Registered Nurse CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE contact hours do Delaware RNs need?
+
30 contact hours every two years, after the first renewal cycle.
What mandated topics do Delaware RNs need?
+
3 hours of substance abuse education and 1 hour on recognizing abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of vulnerable persons. Both count toward the 30-hour total.
When does my Delaware RN license expire?
+
Most Delaware RN licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years, with some earlier-issued licenses expiring February 28 or May 31 of odd years.
Related
Need help meeting your Delaware RN CE before renewal?
Tell us your license type and renewal month and we'll map the fastest compliant path — required hours, mandated topics, and your deadline — for a flat $99.
- Flat $99 per plan
- Every license type
- All 50 states
Get my CME plan
Tell us your license type, state, and renewal — we'll map exactly what you need.