Skip to content
State Cert Guide

Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.

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

Minnesota sets CE as a ratio. An RN needs at least one contact hour of acceptable CE for each month registered, and an LPN one for each two months. A shortfall can move to the next period, with limits.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
RN: one contact hour per month; LPN: one per two monthsThe rule counts each month you are registered.
Verified. www.revisor.mn.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
Minn. R. 6310.2800It is the Board's rule on renewing your registration.
Same source and date as above
Shortfall
A shortfall can be deferred to the next periodHours can move only if you have none deferred already.
Same source and date as above
Records
Keep records for two years after reportingThe rule says each licensee keeps records of each course.
Same source and date as above
Other-board approval
Another health board's approval waives the evidence of written objectivesThe rest of the rule's checklist for the course still applies.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Count the months you are registered. An RN needs one contact hour for each month, and an LPN one for each two months.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course that meets the rule's criteria, among them written objectives and an instructor other than you. If another health licensing board or a health-related professional association approved it, you need no evidence of written objectives.

  3. Step 3. Finish it inside your CE period. If you fall short, you may defer the missing hours to the next period.

  4. Step 4. Report your CE when you renew. Keep your records for two years after you report it.

Before you pay

Ask the provider for the written objectives, the instructor's name and the contact hours before you pay. The rule says you must be able to get them.

Questions

Does a national nursing certificate count?

A current one can waive the written-objectives evidence. It must rest on initial or renewal rules that include periodic CE or other competency rules. It cannot replace deferred hours.

What if I miss the renewal date?

An application the Board gets after your expiration date is not eligible for renewal. The Board returns it with the fee and sends a reregistration application, and you may not practice nursing until you reregister. The rule grants a variance from the receipt deadline if you show convincing evidence of mail delay.

What if I do not meet the rule?

The rule gives two options when you lack hours: defer them to the next period, or let your registration expire and reregister. If you use neither, or fail an audit and cannot defer, that is grounds for disciplinary action. The Board must also grant a variance from the required hours if you bring convincing proof of unexpected illness or personal tragedy.

What to do next

Start with Minnesota Rules 6310.2800. Check the rule before you pay for a course.

www.revisor.mn.gov

Sources we read