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State Cert Guide

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How many CE hours does a nurse need to renew in Delaware?

In each full renewal period, Delaware says an active RN must complete 30 contact hours of approved CE and an active LPN 24. At least 3 of those hours must be on substance abuse. Delaware also asks active nurses for proof of nursing practice.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
RNs: 30 contact hours; LPNs: 24 contact hoursThe Board ties this to each full renewal period. RN periods fall in odd-numbered years and LPN periods in even-numbered years.
Verified. dpr.delaware.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Required topics
At least 3 hours on substance abuse and one hour on vulnerable-person abuse or reportingThe Board says all contact hours must come through an approved method or an approved provider.
Same source and date as above
Practice proof
1000 hours in five years or 400 hours in two years, or a refresher courseThis is separate from CE. For practice hours, your employer completes the verification form and sends it to the Board directly.
Same source and date as above
Agency
Delaware Board of NursingIt approves CE providers who ask for approval, not individual courses.
Same source and date as above
Rule
Section 9.2.1.1.1 of the Board's Rules and RegulationsThe Board's page sends you to this section for the full CE rule.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Find your renewal period. The Board lists RN periods in odd-numbered years and LPN periods in even-numbered years, with the start and end dates.

  2. Step 2. Choose an approved provider. The Board approves providers, not individual courses, so ask the provider about its approval.

  3. Step 3. Plan your hours around the required topics: substance abuse, and one hour on abuse of vulnerable persons or the Board's reporting duties.

  4. Step 4. Enter each course in the CE Tracker in DELPROS, the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service.

Before you pay

We haven't confirmed a course price. Ask the provider how its course is approved before you pay, because the Board says all hours must come through an approved method or an approved provider.

Questions

Will the Board check my CE?

It may. The Board runs random audits. If you are selected, you upload a certificate for each course in your CE Tracker. You also upload proof of practice or ask your employer to submit it. Otherwise, do not upload them.

What does the one-hour abuse topic cover?

It covers recognizing and responding to suspected or known sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, trafficking or domestic violence of vulnerable persons, among them children, elders and people with disabilities. The hour can instead cover the Board's reporting duties.

What if no refresher course is available?

The Board may consider other ways of evaluating current knowledge. You may submit an alternate supervised practice plan, with written proof that you finished it, from the nursing leadership of an agency or facility.

What to do next

Start with the Delaware Board of Nursing page on continuing education and audits. Check the Board's rules before you pay for a course.

dpr.delaware.gov

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