Nurses · Virginia · Continuing education
Virginia Nursing CE Requirements & License Renewal (2026)
01 In short
- RN30 contact hours every 2 years; renewal by the end of your birth month.
- LPN30 contact hours every 2 years; renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Virginia RN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- Providers recognized or approved by ANCC/ANA, NCSBN, AHECs, state nurses associations, NLN, NAPNES, NFLPN, licensed health facilities, health care provider associations, accredited colleges, government agencies, AHA/ASHI/Red Cross (advanced resuscitation), or any state board of nursing
- New licensees
- Exempt for the first renewal after initial licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Audits & records
- Keep original documentation 2 years after renewal and provide it within 30 days of a Board request (18VAC90-19-170).
Alternatives & exemptions. 30 contact hours is one of nine options; one is enough, e.g. national specialty certification, 3 credit hours of post-licensure academic education, a Board-approved refresher course, an evidence-based practice project, a publication, teaching a nursing course or CE, or 15 contact hours plus 640 hours of active practice.
Good to know. Renewal by the last day of the birth month, in even or odd years matching the birth year. Dual RN/LPN licensees meet one requirement. Extension up to 1 year on request 60 days before renewal.
Source: www.dhp.virginia.gov · 18VAC90-19-160; 18VAC90-19-150; 18VAC90-19-170 · checked Oct 28, 2026
Virginia LPN CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 30contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- Providers recognized or approved by ANCC/ANA, NCSBN, AHECs, state nurses associations, NLN, NAPNES, NFLPN, licensed health facilities, health care provider associations, accredited colleges, government agencies, AHA/ASHI/Red Cross (advanced resuscitation), or any state board of nursing
- New licensees
- Exempt for the first renewal after initial licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Audits & records
- Keep original documentation 2 years after renewal and provide it within 30 days of a Board request (18VAC90-19-170).
Alternatives & exemptions. 30 contact hours is one of nine options; one is enough, e.g. national specialty certification, 3 credit hours of post-licensure academic education, a Board-approved refresher course, an evidence-based practice project, a publication, teaching a nursing course or CE, or 15 contact hours plus 640 hours of active practice.
Good to know. Renewal by the last day of the birth month, in even or odd years matching the birth year. Dual RN/LPN licensees meet one requirement. Extension up to 1 year on request 60 days before renewal.
Source: www.dhp.virginia.gov · 18VAC90-19-160; 18VAC90-19-150; 18VAC90-19-170 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Virginia
05 Questions
How do I verify a nurse license in Virginia?
Use the license lookup of the Virginia Board of Nursing (dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing); 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 Virginia?
RN: 30 contact hours every 2 years. LPN: 30 contact hours every 2 years.
Which CE courses count for nurses in Virginia?
RN: Providers recognized or approved by ANCC/ANA, NCSBN, AHECs, state nurses associations, NLN, NAPNES, NFLPN, licensed health facilities, health care provider associations, accredited colleges, government agencies, AHA/ASHI/Red Cross (advanced resuscitation), or any state board of nursing. LPN: Providers recognized or approved by ANCC/ANA, NCSBN, AHECs, state nurses associations, NLN, NAPNES, NFLPN, licensed health facilities, health care provider associations, accredited colleges, government agencies, AHA/ASHI/Red Cross (advanced resuscitation), or any state board of nursing.
When is the renewal deadline for nurses in Virginia?
RN: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle). LPN: Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle).
How do nurses report CE in Virginia?
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.