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State Cert Guide

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What continuing education does a nurse need to renew in Hawaii?

Unless you are exempt, a Hawaii RN or LPN completes one learning option before renewing for the biennium that ends June 30, 2027. Continuing education is one choice, at 30 contact hours. Some recent graduates need less or none. You cannot mix hours from different choices.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
CE option: 30 contact hoursThe hours fall inside the 2025 to 2027 biennium. Some recent graduates need fewer hours or none.
Verified. cca.hawaii.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
RNs and LPNs complete one learning activity unless exemptThe Board lists APRNs with prescriptive authority separately, with added CE requirements.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
June 30, 2027The Board's manual covers the biennium that began July 1, 2025.
Same source and date as above
Options
One learning activity per biennium; options cannot be combinedWork finished before July 1, 2025 does not count for this biennium.
Same source and date as above
Agency
Hawaii Board of NursingThis page relies on its renewal and continuing competency manual, updated May 2026.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether you are exempt. A current national certification from a Board-recognized body exempts you, and so does graduating within 12 months before your first renewal. If you graduated 12 to 24 months before it, you complete one option, such as 15 contact hours of CE. Exempt nurses still renew and pay fees.

  2. Step 2. If you choose CE, take it from a nationally accredited provider when you are in doubt.

  3. Step 3. Finish your one learning option inside the biennium. BLS, ACLS and PALS do not count as CE hours.

  4. Step 4. Keep proof for at least 4 years. Do not attest to completion unless you have met the requirement.

Before you pay

Ask the provider whether the Board accepts its courses before you pay. CE you buy for another state's rule may not count here.

Questions

I hold both an LPN and an RN license. Do I need two options?

No. Complete one learning option at the RN level and it satisfies both licenses.

Does CE from another state board count?

Not automatically. The Board accepts CE that the California or Florida boards approve. CE from other state boards is accepted only if the Board finds the standards comparable.

What happens if I am audited?

After the deadline, the Board randomly selects licensees. If you are selected, you get a written notice. You then have 60 days to send documents showing you finished your option.

What if I am too ill to finish?

You may ask the Board for an extension before your license expires. Send a written request with a physician or APRN certification of the illness at least 2 months before June 30, 2027.

What to do next

Start with the Hawaii Board of Nursing page. Read its renewal and continuing competency manual before you pay for a course.

cca.hawaii.gov

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