If you hold a Tennessee LPN license, the Tennessee Board of Nursing requires you to demonstrate continuing competence each biennium by completing two qualifying activities. The CE option is 5 contact hours if you are currently practicing (10 hours if not). Other activities include a satisfactory employer evaluation, a self-evaluation, a peer letter, or a patient/family letter. Below is the full breakdown of what counts and when it is due.
Two activities / 2 years
Complete two qualifying continuing-competence activities each cycle.
CE option
5 contact hours if practicing; 10 contact hours if not currently practicing.
Flexible options
Employer, self, peer, or patient/family evaluations also qualify.
Keep records 4 years
Retain evidence of completion for four years.
How Tennessee LPNs meet continuing competence
Tennessee requires two qualifying activities every two years. The CE option is 5 contact hours if currently practicing, or 10 contact hours if not. Additional qualifying activities include a satisfactory employer evaluation, a written self-evaluation, a peer evaluation letter, or a patient/family evaluation letter.
Mandated subject requirements
Tennessee does not mandate a specific CE subject for LPN renewal; CE hours (when used) are elective.
Renewal cycle and deadlines
Tennessee LPN licenses renew biennially. Keep evidence of your two qualifying activities for four years in case of a Board request.
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Always confirm with your licensing board
Tennessee LPNs demonstrate continuing competence each biennium by completing TWO qualifying activities. The CE option is 5 contact hours if currently practicing (10 contact hours if not currently practicing). Other qualifying activities include a satisfactory employer evaluation, a written self-evaluation, a peer evaluation letter, or a patient/family evaluation letter. Keep records four years.
CE requirements change. Confirm current rules with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before relying on these figures.
Source: Tennessee 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 Tennessee or beyond?
Our sister teams handle the licensing side with the same concierge service.
Tennessee LPN CE Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Tennessee LPNs need?
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If you use the CE option, 5 contact hours if practicing (10 if not) — plus one more qualifying activity, for two total.
What other activities count in Tennessee?
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Employer evaluation, self-evaluation, peer letter, or patient/family letter.
How long must I keep records?
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Four years after completion.
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