Nurse Practitioners · North Carolina · Continuing education
North Carolina Nurse Practitioner CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- NP50 contact hours every 2 years, including 1 h controlled substances prescribing (every year); renewal on the date shown on your license.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
North Carolina NP CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 50contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- On license
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- On the date shown on your license
- Accepted credit
- At least 20 of the 50 hours within the NP's national certification, approved by a national credentialing body or ACCME
- New licensees
- CE starts with the first renewal after initial approval to practice.
- Audits & records
- Keep documentation of all CE for the previous 5 years and provide it to either Board on request.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled substances prescribingNPs who prescribe controlled substances: at least 1 CE hour within the preceding 12 months (prescribing practices, chronic pain, recognizing abuse/misuse, or non-opioid alternatives) | 1 | every year |
Alternatives & exemptions. An NP with current national certification by a national credentialing body is deemed in compliance with the 50-hour requirement (the controlled substance hour still applies). Completing the federal MATE Act training counts for the controlled substance requirement for that 2-year CE period.
Good to know. NPs are approved to practice by the Board of Nursing and the Medical Board jointly; the rule applies to NP approval, separately from the RN license.
Source: reports.oah.state.nc.us · 21 NCAC 36 .0807 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
How many CE hours do nurse practitioners need in North Carolina?
50 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for nurse practitioners in North Carolina?
At least 20 of the 50 hours within the NP's national certification, approved by a national credentialing body or ACCME.
Which CE topics are mandatory for nurse practitioners in North Carolina?
Controlled substances prescribing — 1 h (every year).
How do I verify a nurse practitioner license in North Carolina?
Use the license lookup of the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NP approval jointly with the North Carolina Medical Board) (ncbon.com); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
When is the renewal deadline for nurse practitioners in North Carolina?
Licenses renew on the date shown on your license (2 years cycle).