Nurses · Ohio · Continuing education
Ohio Nursing CE Requirements & License Renewal (2026)
01 In short
- RN24 contact hours every 2 years, including 1 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence); renewal by October 31 in odd-numbered years.
- LPN24 contact hours every 2 years, including 1 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence); renewal by September 15 in even-numbered years.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Ohio RN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 24contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Oct 31, odd yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By October 31 in odd-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by an OBN approver or the Board, accredited providers (e.g. ANCC, ACCME, ACPE), activities approved by other states' nursing boards or Ohio health-profession boards, academic credit (converted to contact hours), BLS/PALS/ACLS with a compliant certificate
- Carryover
- Not allowed: extra hours cannot be applied to a later renewal period (OAC 4723-14-03).
- New licensees
- No CE for the first renewal after licensure by NCLEX. Licensed by endorsement 1 year or less before first renewal: 12 contact hours incl. 1 Category A.
- Audits & records
- Nurses attest on the renewal application; the Board may ask for proof of completion. Keep CE records 6 years.
- Renew online
- elicense.ohio.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Category A: Ohio nursing law and Board rules | 1 | every renewal |
Good to know. Reporting period runs July 1 to June 30 ending in the odd renewal year. Renewal window July 1 to Oct 31 of odd years. A one-time CE waiver can be used for one renewal period on written request.
Source: nursing.ohio.gov · Section 4723.24, Ohio Revised Code; Chapter 4723-14, Ohio Administrative Code (rule 4723-14-03) · checked Oct 28, 2026
Ohio LPN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 24contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Sep 15, even yrs
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By September 15 in even-numbered years
- Accepted credit
- Courses approved by an OBN approver or the Board, accredited providers (e.g. ANCC, ACCME, ACPE), activities approved by other states' nursing boards or Ohio health-profession boards, academic credit (converted to contact hours), BLS/PALS/ACLS with a compliant certificate
- Renewal fee
- $65
- Carryover
- Not allowed: extra hours cannot be applied to a later renewal period (OAC 4723-14-03).
- New licensees
- No CE for the first renewal after licensure by NCLEX. Licensed by endorsement 1 year or less before first renewal: 12 contact hours incl. 1 Category A.
- Audits & records
- Nurses attest on the renewal application; the Board may ask for proof of completion. Keep CE records 6 years.
- Renew online
- elicense.ohio.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)Category A: Ohio nursing law and Board rules | 1 | every renewal |
Good to know. Renewal July 1 to Sept 15 of even years; late renewal (extra $50) Sept 16 to Oct 31. Fee shown is single-state ($75 multistate). An LPN who also holds an active Ohio RN license need not meet the LPN CE separately. One-time CE waiver available.
Source: nursing.ohio.gov · Section 4723.24, Ohio Revised Code; Chapter 4723-14, Ohio Administrative Code (rule 4723-14-03) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Ohio
05 Questions
How do I verify a nurse license in Ohio?
Use the license lookup of the Ohio Board of Nursing (nursing.ohio.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do nurses need in Ohio?
RN: 24 contact hours every 2 years. LPN: 24 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for nurses in Ohio?
RN: Courses approved by an OBN approver or the Board, accredited providers (e.g. ANCC, ACCME, ACPE), activities approved by other states' nursing boards or Ohio health-profession boards, academic credit (converted to contact hours), BLS/PALS/ACLS with a compliant certificate. LPN: Courses approved by an OBN approver or the Board, accredited providers (e.g. ANCC, ACCME, ACPE), activities approved by other states' nursing boards or Ohio health-profession boards, academic credit (converted to contact hours), BLS/PALS/ACLS with a compliant certificate.
How much does a nurse license renewal cost in Ohio?
LPN: $65 per renewal, as listed by the board.
When is the renewal deadline for nurses in Ohio?
RN: Licenses renew by October 31 in odd-numbered years (2 years cycle). LPN: Licenses renew by September 15 in even-numbered years (2 years cycle).
How do nurses report CE in Ohio?
RN: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LPN: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.