Nurses · Texas · Continuing education
Texas Nursing CE Requirements & License Renewal (2026)
01 In short
- RN20 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence) (every 6 years), 2 h geriatrics / aging, 2 h forensic evidence collection (once); renewal by the end of your birth month.
- LVN20 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence) (every 6 years), 2 h geriatrics / aging, 2 h forensic evidence collection (once); renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Texas RN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- CNE in the nurse's area of practice approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency or provider (e.g. ANCC, AACN, AANP, ENA, US colleges and universities, LVNAT, TLVN); academic courses, program development/presentation and publications can also count
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- New licensees
- Exempt from most requirements at the first (timely) renewal after initial licensure, except forensic evidence collection if it applies.
- Audits & records
- No documents sent unless audited (Rule 216.9). Keep certificates/transcripts for 3 licensing periods or 6 years; forensic evidence course records indefinitely.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Human traffickingNurses providing direct patient care; HHSC-approved course | — | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)All nurses: nursing jurisprudence and ethics; CNE only, certification does not count | 2 | every 6 years |
| Geriatrics / agingNurses whose practice includes older adult or geriatric populations | 2 | every renewal |
| Forensic evidence collectionNurses working in an ER setting (incl. float, agency, per diem); within 2 years of starting ER employment | 2 | once |
Alternatives & exemptions. Instead of 20 contact hours: achieving, maintaining or renewing a Board-approved national nursing certification in the area of practice during the licensing period (targeted requirements still apply).
Good to know. License expires the last day of the birth month, in odd or even years matching the birth year.
Source: www.bon.texas.gov · 22 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 216 (§216.3) · checked Oct 28, 2026
Texas LVN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- CNE in the nurse's area of practice approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency or provider (e.g. ANCC, AACN, AANP, ENA, US colleges and universities, LVNAT, TLVN); academic courses, program development/presentation and publications can also count
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- New licensees
- Exempt from most requirements at the first (timely) renewal after initial licensure, except forensic evidence collection if it applies.
- Audits & records
- No documents sent unless audited (Rule 216.9). Keep certificates/transcripts for 3 licensing periods or 6 years; forensic evidence course records indefinitely.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Human traffickingNurses providing direct patient care; HHSC-approved course | — | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)All nurses: nursing jurisprudence and ethics; CNE only, certification does not count | 2 | every 6 years |
| Geriatrics / agingNurses whose practice includes older adult or geriatric populations | 2 | every renewal |
| Forensic evidence collectionNurses working in an ER setting (incl. float, agency, per diem); within 2 years of starting ER employment | 2 | once |
Alternatives & exemptions. Instead of 20 contact hours: achieving, maintaining or renewing a Board-approved national nursing certification in the area of practice during the licensing period (targeted requirements still apply).
Good to know. License expires the last day of the birth month, in odd or even years matching the birth year.
Source: www.bon.texas.gov · 22 Tex. Admin. Code Chapter 216 (§216.3) · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Texas
-
2027 TCORN Symposium: Perioperative Advocacy in Action
from $25 Hybrid
-
Pediatric Potpourri 2027
-
PCNA 2027 Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium
-
INS 2027 Annual Meeting
-
2027 TNA Annual Conference: Navigating New Horizons in Nursing
from $125
-
TNP 2027 Annual Conference and Skills Workshops
-
APAO 30th Annual Oncology Symposium
-
49th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care
05 Questions
How do I verify a nurse license in Texas?
Use the license lookup of the Texas Board of Nursing (bon.texas.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 Texas?
RN: 20 contact hours every 2 years. LVN: 20 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for nurses in Texas?
RN: CNE in the nurse's area of practice approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency or provider (e.g. ANCC, AACN, AANP, ENA, US colleges and universities, LVNAT, TLVN); academic courses, program development/presentation and publications can also count. LVN: CNE in the nurse's area of practice approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency or provider (e.g. ANCC, AACN, AANP, ENA, US colleges and universities, LVNAT, TLVN); academic courses, program development/presentation and publications can also count.
When is the renewal deadline for nurses in Texas?
RN: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle). LVN: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle).
How do nurses report CE in Texas?
RN: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit. LVN: By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.