Idaho uses a competency-based model for RN renewal rather than a fixed contact-hour total. Under IDAPA 23.01.01.061, the Idaho Board of Nursing requires licensees to complete at least two qualifying learning activities related to practice, education, or professional engagement within each two-year renewal period. Completing 15 contact hours of continuing education relevant to nursing practice is one of several activities that can satisfy the requirement. Below is the full breakdown of what counts and when it is due.
Competency activities
At least two qualifying learning activities per two-year cycle.
15 hours = one option
Completing 15 contact hours of relevant CE is one accepted activity.
Renews August 31 (odd years)
Idaho RN licenses renew biennially by August 31 of odd-numbered years.
Practice-relevant
Activities must relate to the practice of nursing.
How Idaho RN continuing competency works
Idaho does not set a fixed CE hour total. Instead, under IDAPA 23.01.01.061, RNs complete at least two qualifying learning activities each two-year cycle. These can include continuing education (15 contact hours is one option), national certification, academic coursework, employment, presentations, publications, and other professional-engagement activities.
Mandated subject requirements
Idaho does not mandate specific CE subject hours for RNs beyond the continuing-competency activity requirement. Confirm current rules with the Board.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Idaho RN licenses renew every two years, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years. Complete your qualifying activities before that date.
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View pricingIdaho Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
Double-check this one — our sources varied
Sources disagreed on some figures for this state, so treat the numbers above as a researched starting point and verify the specifics with the board before you rely on them.
Idaho does not require a fixed number of CE contact hours for RN renewal. Under IDAPA 23.01.01.061, licensees must complete at least two qualifying learning activities related to practice, education, or professional engagement within the two-year renewal period. Completing 15 contact hours of CE relevant to nursing practice is one of several activities that can satisfy the requirement. Licenses expire August 31 of odd-numbered years.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Idaho Board of Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: Idaho 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 Idaho or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Idaho RN Continuing Education Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho require a set number of CE hours for RNs?
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No — Idaho requires at least two qualifying continuing-competency activities per cycle. 15 contact hours of CE is one option that satisfies the requirement.
When do Idaho RN licenses renew?
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Every two years, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years.
What counts as a competency activity in Idaho?
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Continuing education, national certification, academic coursework, nursing employment, presentations, publications, and other professional-engagement activities listed in IDAPA 23.01.01.061.
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