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State Cert Guide

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

Except at their first renewal, licensed nurses in Massachusetts complete 15 contact hours of CE within the 2 years before they renew. The Board does not have a list of approved programs, so you choose one that meets its rules. Web based programs are among the types it accepts.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
15 contact hours (CH) to renew a nursing licenseOnly hours earned in the window before your renewal date count.
Verified. www.mass.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Agency
Board of Registration in NursingIt does not have a list of approved CE programs.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
CE in nursing is a requirement for license renewal every 2 yearsRNs and LPNs renew in different years, so check yours below.
Same source and date as above
Who needs it
All licensed nurses in MassachusettsA nurse who is renewing for the first time is exempt.
Verified. www.mass.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Online accepted
Web based programs are among the acceptable types of CE programsHome study courses and lectures are on the Board’s list of types too.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Is this your first renewal? If it is, you do not have to complete any CE requirements for it. After that, the rule applies to all licensed nurses in Massachusetts. CE in nursing is a requirement for license renewal every 2 years.

  2. Step 2. Pick a program that meets the Board’s rules. The Board does not have a list of approved CE programs, so the choice is yours. Acceptable types of CE programs include lectures, workshops, academic courses, planned supervised clinical experiences, home study courses and web based programs.

  3. Step 3. Complete 15 contact hours within the 2 years before you are required to renew your license. A contact hour is 60 minutes of attendance and participation in a program that meets the Board’s requirements for CE programs.

  4. Step 4. Keep your certificates. You do not need to send them to the Board unless it requests them. Maintain evidence of your CE for your most recent 2 consecutive renewal periods (4 years).

Before you pay

Before you pay a provider, make sure the program meets the Board’s rules. We haven’t confirmed a course price or a fee.

Questions

Do CPR courses or workplace in-services count as CE?

CPR courses cannot be applied as CE. Initial certification of ACLS and PALS may be applied, but not re-certification. In-services held by your workplace are not accepted as CE for license renewal.

How do college credits and clinical hours convert to contact hours?

Among the conversions the Board gives, a planned, supervised clinical earns 1 CH for each 100 minutes of clinical instruction. One semester college credit equals 15 CH, and one continuing education unit (CEU) equals 10 CH. A college course counts only if it is part of a curriculum relevant to nursing or leading to a nursing degree.

In which years do RNs and LPNs renew?

RNs renew on their birthday in the even numbered years, and LPNs renew on their birthday in the odd numbered years.

What to do next

Read the Board’s CE page for nurses in full.

www.mass.gov

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