Iowa Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Iowa registered nurses need 36 contact hrs per renewal period (cert/residency counts). The board also requires 1 mandatory topic (listed below). Renewal: Expires 15th of birth month. CE reporting: No upload; keep records 4 years. Verified against the Iowa board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
36 contact hrs per renewal period (cert/residency counts)
Cycle & deadline
Expires 15th of birth month; renew up to 60 days early
LPN / LVN
36 contact hrs per renewal period (same as RN)
Reporting
Keep records 4 yrs
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Iowa board of nursing · Checked against the full official board page
Iowa CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 36 contact hrs per renewal period (cert/residency counts) |
| LPN / LVN | 36 contact hrs per renewal period (same as RN) |
Required (mandatory) topics in Iowa
| Required topic |
|---|
| Child abuse and/or dependent adult mandatory reporter course (2 hrs each) if applicable to practice |
Iowa license renewal deadline & cycle
Expires 15th of birth month; renew up to 60 days early
How to renew your Iowa nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 36 contact hrs per renewal period (cert/residency counts).
- Report or record CE: Keep records 4 yrs.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Iowa board site.
- Keep certificates in case of audit.
Renewal fees & late renewal
RN renewal fee: not yet verified by us. Check your board's renewal page for the current fee.
Late renewal: late fees and lapse rules vary; check your board's renewal page. Don't practice on an expired license.
Is Iowa a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Iowa is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take Iowa-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Iowa nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Iowa RN need?
36 contact hrs per renewal period (cert/residency counts).
When does a Iowa nursing license expire?
Expires 15th of birth month; renew up to 60 days early.
What mandatory CE topics does Iowa require?
Required topics: Child abuse and/or dependent adult mandatory reporter course (2 hrs each) if applicable to practice.
Does Iowa use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
Keep records 4 yrs.
Do Iowa LPNs/LVNs need CE?
36 contact hrs per renewal period (same as RN).
Is Iowa a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. Iowa is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/health-professions/nursing-professional-midwifery/continuing-education
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-fetched official page Oct 16, 2026; key figures present.