If you hold a Massachusetts registered nurse license, the Board of Registration in Nursing requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. At least one of those hours must address sexual and/or domestic violence, and you must also complete a one-time training on Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Licenses renew on your birthday in even-numbered years. Below is the full breakdown of what you need, what counts, and when it is due.
15 hours / 2 years
Fifteen contact hours each biennial renewal cycle, due on your birthday in even-numbered years.
Domestic violence (1 hour)
At least 1 of the 15 hours must cover sexual and/or domestic violence (Chapter 260).
Alzheimer's (one-time)
A one-time training on cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
First-cycle exemption
No CE is required for your first license renewal.
How many CE hours Massachusetts RNs need
Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every two years. One contact hour equals 60 minutes of participation in a Board-approved program. The hours must be completed in the two years preceding renewal, and you should keep documentation for your two most recent renewal periods (four years).
Mandated subject requirements
- Sexual and/or domestic violence: at least 1 of the 15 hours, satisfying Chapter 260 requirements (counts toward the 15-hour total).
- Alzheimer's and cognitive impairment: a one-time training with no prescribed hour count; prior academic or CE training in this area satisfies it.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Massachusetts RN licenses renew every two years on your birthday in even-numbered years. Complete and document your 15 contact hours before that date. No CE is required for your first renewal.
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View pricingMassachusetts Registered Nurses (RN) CME at a glance
- Sexual and/or Domestic Violence1 hr
At least 1 of the 15 contact hours must address Chapter 260 requirements for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients affected by sexual and/or domestic violence. This hour counts toward the 15-hour total.
- Alzheimer's Disease & Cognitive ImpairmentRequired · one time
A one-time training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. No prescribed number of hours; prior academic, staff-development, or CE training in this area satisfies the requirement.
Always confirm with your licensing board
Massachusetts RN licenses renew biennially on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years. The 15 contact hours must be completed in the two years before renewal. There is no CE requirement for your first renewal. Keep proof of completion for your two most recent renewal periods (four years).
CME requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in 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 Massachusetts or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Massachusetts Registered Nurse CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE contact hours do Massachusetts RNs need?
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15 contact hours every two years, due on your birthday in even-numbered years.
Is domestic violence training required for Massachusetts RNs?
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Yes — at least 1 of your 15 contact hours must address sexual and/or domestic violence under Chapter 260, and it counts toward the 15-hour total.
Do I need Alzheimer's or dementia training in Massachusetts?
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Yes — a one-time training on cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, is required. There is no set number of hours, and prior academic or CE training in this area meets the requirement.
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