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 Mississippi?

None, if you are an RN or LPN who has practiced in the last 5 years. Mississippi's Board of Nursing says the Nursing Practice Law does not mandate CE to renew an RN or LPN license. A nurse who has not practiced for 5 years or more must show competence first. One way is 20 hours of CE in the prior 2 years.

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

The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
No CE to renew unless out of practice over 5 yearsThe Board's FAQ gives the same answer for maintaining a license.
Verified. www.msbn.ms.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Competence
Each nurse must stay competent in their own fieldThat duty rests with each nurse, as it applies to the field of practice.
Same source and date as above
Time out of practice
5 years or more out of practice: show competence firstThe Board's reinstatement page says this evidence is required before the license is reinstated.
Verified. www.msbn.ms.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Re-entry CE
20 hours of CE in the prior 2 yearsThe offerings must be currently accredited and come from a recognized credentialing agency.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your last practice date. If you practiced within the last 5 years, the Board's FAQ says CE is not a condition of renewal.

  2. Step 2. If you have been out for 5 years or more, pick one way to show competence. Options are 20 hours of CE, a refresher program or 3 semester hours of nursing credit.

  3. Step 3. Count college credit at the Board's rate: 1 semester credit hour equals 15 contact hours. Finish the work in the 2 years before you apply.

  4. Step 4. Send proof of the option you chose with your application.

Before you pay

Ask the provider whether its courses are accredited before you pay. The 20-hour option takes accredited offerings only.

Questions

Which year does my license renew?

LPN licenses renew in odd years and RN licenses in even years. Renewal begins September 1 and runs through December of each year.

Can I repeat a course?

Yes, but the credit counts once. The Board says accepted CE may be repeated, and credit is awarded only once per renewed licensure period.

What does the refresher option require?

A Board-approved reorientation or refresher program, completed within the five years before you apply. The Board may issue a temporary permit while you are enrolled.

What to do next

Start with the Mississippi Board of Nursing FAQ on CEUs and its reinstatement page. Check both before you pay for a course.

www.msbn.ms.gov

Sources we read