If you hold a District of Columbia RN license, the DC Board of Nursing requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. DC stands out for mandating specific subject hours: at least 3 hours in public health and 2 hours in LGBTQ cultural competency. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
24 hours / 2 years
Twenty-four contact hours each biennial renewal cycle.
Public health (3 hrs)
At least 3 hours must address DC public health priorities.
LGBTQ competency (2 hrs)
At least 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency are required.
Renews June 30
Licenses expire June 30 of even-numbered years.
How many CE hours DC RNs need
The District of Columbia requires 24 contact hours every two years, tied to your biennial license renewal. Specific subject hours are carved out within that total.
Mandated subject requirements
- Public health: at least 3 of the 24 hours.
- LGBTQ cultural competency: at least 2 of the 24 hours.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
DC RN licenses renew every two years, expiring June 30 of even-numbered years. Complete and document your 24 hours before that date.
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View pricingDistrict of Columbia Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
- Public Health Priorities3 hrs · every renewal
At least 3 of the 24 contact hours must address public health priorities of the District.
- LGBTQ Cultural Competency2 hrs · every renewal
At least 2 of the 24 contact hours must cover LGBTQ cultural competency.
Always confirm with your licensing board
District of Columbia RN licenses renew biennially, expiring June 30 of even-numbered years. RNs must complete 24 contact hours per cycle, including at least 3 hours in public health and 2 hours in LGBTQ cultural competency.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
District of Columbia RN Continuing Education Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do DC RNs need?
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24 contact hours every two years.
Does DC require LGBTQ cultural competency training?
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Yes — at least 2 of the 24 contact hours must cover LGBTQ cultural competency.
When do DC RN licenses renew?
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Every two years, expiring June 30 of even-numbered years.
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