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State Cert Guide

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What continuing education does a nurse need to renew in New York?

A New York RN renews registration every 3 years. LPNs and RNs also take infection control training every four years. For that training, use a provider that NYSED or the Department of Health has approved. The pages we read give no contact hour count for renewal.

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The rule, fact by fact

Valid for
The registration certificate authorizes practice for 3 years; renew every 3 yearsYour certificate lets an RN practice for 3 years. The second one after licensure is shorter, and its fee is prorated.
Verified. New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions · Registered Professional Nursing (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
Infection control every four years under Section 6505-b of the Education LawThis covers LPNs and RNs.
Verified. New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions · Mandated Training (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
All practicing RNs: NYSED infection control coursework every four years, unless exemptWhen you apply for a license, you must show you completed it or are exempt.
Same source and date as above
Online accepted
NYSED approved infection control courses are available in person and onlineIf you did not graduate from an NYSED registered RN program within the past four years, you must take one or be exempt.
Same source and date as above
Agency
New York State Education DepartmentYou must be licensed and registered by NYSED to practice as an RN.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check what applies to you. An RN renews every 3 years. A practicing RN also takes an NYSED approved infection control course every four years, unless exempt. NYSED requires child abuse reporting coursework before it issues a limited permit or license, unless you qualify for an exemption.

  2. Step 2. Pick a training provider. You may choose one that NYSED or the Department of Health has approved. NYSED says its approved courses are available in person and online.

  3. Step 3. Take the course every four years. It applies to LPNs and RNs.

  4. Step 4. Renew every 3 years to keep practicing as an RN in New York.

Before you pay

Before you pay, ask the provider what the course costs, how long it runs and whether it is meant for nurses.

Questions

Does it matter who gives the course?

Yes. The Department has approved course work for specific professional groups, and some providers offer training only to certain groups. Ask the provider whether the course is right for your profession.

Do I have to prove I took the course?

Yes. You must attest to the State Education Department that you completed it, when you first apply for a license and registration and each time you register after that.

Who needs the child abuse reporting course?

NYSED requires it before it issues a limited permit or license. It applies to an RN who did not graduate from a nursing program that NYSED registered as qualifying for RN after September 1, 1990, and who is not exempt. You can be exempt if you show you will not have contact with persons under 18 or with residents of nursing homes or residential care schools.

Who is exempt from the infection control course?

An RN who graduated from a nursing program registered by NYSED as qualifying for RN licensure within the past four years has already completed it and need not take more coursework when applying for a license. You may also be exempt if you show NYSED equivalent training, or that the coursework is not necessary due to the nature of your nursing practice.

What to do next

Start with the NYSED page on mandated training for infection control. Then read the RN license requirements.

www.op.nysed.gov

Sources we read