Kentucky Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Kentucky registered nurses need 14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 earning period. The board also requires 1 mandatory topic (listed below). Renewal: Annual. CE reporting: Upload to KBN portal optional unless audited. Verified against the Kentucky board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 earning period
Cycle & deadline
Annual; CE complete by Oct 31
LPN / LVN
14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 period (same as RN)
Reporting
Upload to KBN portal optional unless audited
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Kentucky board of nursing (201 KAR 20) · Checked against the full official board page
Kentucky CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 earning period |
| LPN / LVN | 14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 period (same as RN) |
Required (mandatory) topics in Kentucky
| Required topic |
|---|
| One-time (generally within 3 yrs of licensure): 3 hrs domestic violence, 1.5 hrs pediatric abusive head trauma, 2 hrs suicide prevention, 1.5 hrs implicit bias |
Kentucky license renewal deadline & cycle
Annual; CE complete by Oct 31
How to renew your Kentucky nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 earning period.
- Report or record CE: Upload to KBN portal optional unless audited.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Kentucky 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.
CE Broker / reporting in Kentucky
Upload to KBN portal optional unless audited
Is Kentucky a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Kentucky is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take Kentucky-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Kentucky nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Kentucky RN need?
14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 earning period.
When does a Kentucky nursing license expire?
Annual; CE complete by Oct 31.
What mandatory CE topics does Kentucky require?
Required topics: One-time (generally within 3 yrs of licensure): 3 hrs domestic violence, 1.5 hrs pediatric abusive head trauma, 2 hrs suicide prevention, 1.5 hrs implicit bias.
Does Kentucky use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
Upload to KBN portal optional unless audited.
Do Kentucky LPNs/LVNs need CE?
14 contact hrs per Nov 1–Oct 31 period (same as RN).
Is Kentucky a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. Kentucky 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://kbn.ky.gov/Registered-Nurse/Pages/Continuing-Education.aspx
Rule: 201 KAR 20
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-fetched official page Oct 16, 2026; key figures present.