Texas Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Texas registered nurses need 20 contact hours every 2 years or a board-approved national certification. The board also requires 4 mandatory topics (listed below). Renewal: Expires last day of birth month. CE reporting: From Sept 1, 2026, enter your CE in the Texas Nurse Portal CE Module before you submit your renewal. Verified against the Texas board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
20 contact hours / 2 yrs OR board-approved national certification
Cycle & deadline
Expires last day of birth month; odd years if born odd year, even if even; first renewal mostly exempt
LPN / LVN
20 contact hours (LVN same as RN)
Reporting
Yes: from Sept 1, 2026 you must enter CE compliance in the Texas Nurse Portal CE Module before submitting renewal (first renewal waived); random audits
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Texas board of nursing (22 TAC Chapter 216 (§216.3)) · Checked against the full official board page
Texas CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 20 contact hours / 2 yrs OR board-approved national certification |
| LPN / LVN | 20 contact hours (LVN same as RN) |
| APRN | APRNs meet the same 20 contact hours (or national certification); APRNs with prescriptive authority need 5 additional hours of pharmacotherapeutics, and those prescribing opioids need 2 hours a year on pain management and opioid prescribing (22 TAC §216.3(c)) |
Required (mandatory) topics in Texas
| Required topic |
|---|
| 2 hrs jurisprudence & ethics every 3rd period (all) |
| HHSC-approved human trafficking course each period (direct care) |
| 2 hrs geriatric if practice includes older adults |
| 2 hrs forensic evidence (one-time, ER nurses) |
Texas license renewal deadline & cycle
Expires last day of birth month; odd years if born odd year, even if even; first renewal mostly exempt
First renewal: CE (including targeted CE) is waived for your first renewal if you renew on time or within 90 days after expiration.
How to renew your Texas nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 20 contact hours / 2 yrs OR board-approved national certification.
- Report or record CE: Yes: from Sept 1, 2026 you must enter CE compliance in the Texas Nurse Portal CE Module before submitting renewal (first renewal waived); random audits.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Texas 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 Texas
Yes: from Sept 1, 2026 you must enter CE compliance in the Texas Nurse Portal CE Module before submitting renewal (first renewal waived); random audits
Is Texas a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Texas is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take Texas-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Texas nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Texas RN need?
20 contact hours / 2 yrs OR board-approved national certification.
When does a Texas nursing license expire?
Expires last day of birth month; odd years if born odd year, even if even; first renewal mostly exempt.
What mandatory CE topics does Texas require?
Required topics: 2 hrs jurisprudence & ethics every 3rd period (all); HHSC-approved human trafficking course each period (direct care); 2 hrs geriatric if practice includes older adults; 2 hrs forensic evidence (one-time, ER nurses).
Does Texas use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
Yes: from Sept 1, 2026 you must enter CE compliance in the Texas Nurse Portal CE Module before submitting renewal (first renewal waived); random audits.
Do Texas LPNs/LVNs need CE?
20 contact hours (LVN same as RN).
What CE do Texas APRNs need?
APRNs meet the same 20 contact hours (or national certification); APRNs with prescriptive authority need 5 additional hours of pharmacotherapeutics, and those prescribing opioids need 2 hours a year on pain management and opioid prescribing (22 TAC §216.3(c)).
Is my first Texas renewal exempt from CE?
CE (including targeted CE) is waived for your first renewal if you renew on time or within 90 days after expiration.
Is Texas a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. Texas is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
What is the Texas CE Module?
A section of the Texas Nurse Portal where, starting September 1, 2026, nurses must enter information documenting their CE compliance before submitting a renewal or reactivation application. Log in, choose “Add Continuing Education” next to your license, and follow the instructions.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_renewal.asp.html
Also: https://www.bon.texas.gov/education_continuing_education.asp.html
Rule: 22 TAC Chapter 216 (§216.3)
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-read official page Oct 16, 2026; values match.
Change log: 2026-10-16: reporting changed from 'attest only' to CE Module entry required from Sept 1, 2026; APRN 5-hr pharmacotherapeutics and opioid CE confirmed on BON CE page