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

Under the Board's rule, an RN or LPN renewing an active New Jersey license attests to 30 hours of CE from the preceding biennial period. At least one hour is on prescription opioid drugs. Up to 15 hours above the minimum can carry into the next period.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
A minimum of 30 hours of CE in the preceding biennial periodThe rule names RNs and LPNs alike and looks back over the period before you renew.
Verified. Cornell Legal Information Institute copy of the New Jersey Administrative Code · N.J. Admin. Code § 13:37-5.3, continuing education (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Opioid hour
At least one hour on prescription opioid drugsThe topic covers alternatives for treating pain and the signs of opioid abuse.
Same source and date as above
Carryover
Up to 15 hours above the minimum carry into the next biennial periodThe carry applies to either license type.
Same source and date as above
Rule
N.J. Admin. Code § 13:37-5.3, Continuing educationLook for this section when you read the rule yourself.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check which period you are in. The rule counts the 30 hours you complete in the preceding biennial period, and at least one of them is on prescription opioid drugs.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course the rule lists. One source is a nursing course that a credentialing agency that the National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits has approved, or that an IACET Authorized Provider gives. It earns one hour for each 60 minutes of attendance. The rule lists other sources too.

  3. Step 3. Take the hours. If you finish more than the minimum, up to 15 of the extra hours can carry into the next biennial period.

  4. Step 4. Keep the provider's certificate. The Board may audit randomly selected nurses, and the rule says to keep your records for four years after you finish the hours.

Before you pay

We haven't confirmed whether the Board prorates the hours for a nurse licensed recently, or what it asks of an advanced practice nurse, because the rule covers RNs and LPNs and the text we have mentions neither case. Before you pay for a course, check that it comes from a source the rule lists.

Questions

What if illness keeps me from finishing the hours?

The Board may waive the hours for hardship, such as severe illness, disability or military service. You apply in writing at least 90 days before renewal, and a waiver covers only the biennial period in which it is granted.

Do hours the Board orders count toward the minimum?

No. Hours you complete because the Board ordered them, as a disciplinary or remedial measure or to correct a deficiency, cannot be used to meet the minimum.

Does a nursing course at a college count?

Yes. A nursing course given by a school, college or university that the New Jersey Department of Education accredits earns five hours for each credit. A school that an agency of another state with substantially similar rules accredits also qualifies.

What to do next

Start with the Cornell LII copy of N.J.A.C. 13:37-5.3, the rule this page follows. Check your license type and renewal period there before you pay for a course.

www.law.cornell.edu

Sources we read