Rhode Island Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Rhode Island registered nurses need 10 hrs / 2 yrs. The board also requires 1 mandatory topic (listed below). Renewal: Biennial. CE reporting: No upload: you attest at renewal and keep your certificates in case of audit. Verified against the Rhode Island board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
10 hrs / 2 yrs
Cycle & deadline
Biennial
LPN / LVN
10 hrs / 2 yrs incl 2 hrs substance abuse; LPN expires Mar 1 every other year
Reporting
Attest; keep 4 yrs
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Rhode Island board of nursing · Checked against the full official board page
Rhode Island CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 10 hrs / 2 yrs |
| LPN / LVN | 10 hrs / 2 yrs incl 2 hrs substance abuse; LPN expires Mar 1 every other year |
Required (mandatory) topics in Rhode Island
| Required topic |
|---|
| 2 hrs substance abuse |
Rhode Island license renewal deadline & cycle
Biennial
How to renew your Rhode Island nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 10 hrs / 2 yrs.
- Report or record CE: Attest; keep 4 yrs.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Rhode Island is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take Rhode Island-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Rhode Island nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Rhode Island RN need?
10 hrs / 2 yrs.
When does a Rhode Island nursing license expire?
Biennial.
What mandatory CE topics does Rhode Island require?
Required topics: 2 hrs substance abuse.
Does Rhode Island use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
Attest; keep 4 yrs.
Do Rhode Island LPNs/LVNs need CE?
10 hrs / 2 yrs incl 2 hrs substance abuse; LPN expires Mar 1 every other year.
Is Rhode Island a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. Rhode Island 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://health.ri.gov/licensing/nurses
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-fetched official page Oct 16, 2026; key figures present.