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State Cert Guide

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What continuing education does a nurse need to renew in Oregon?

An Oregon LPN or RN renewing a license needs one hour of pain management education and two hours of cultural competency, per the Board. Practice hours stopped counting as proof of competency on January 1, 2026. From January 1, 2028, renewal also needs 20 hours of CE within two years.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
One hour of pain management education in the last 36 monthsThe Board says the course is available through the Oregon Pain Management Commission.
Verified. www.oregon.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Cultural competency hours
Two hours of cultural competency education in the past 48 monthsThe Board points to the Oregon Health Authority for this one.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
From January 1, 2028, LPN and RN renewals need 20 hours of CE within two yearsThe Board's sheet lists it under a separate heading for 2028.
Same source and date as above
Who needs it
Since January 1, 2026, CE hours rather than practice hours show competencyThe Board states this for all licensed nurses in Oregon.
Verified. www.oregon.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Agency
Oregon State Board of NursingIt describes its mission as protecting the public.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Do not count on practice hours. The Board says CE hours are now what proves competency. Check its page for the rules that apply on your renewal date.

  2. Step 2. Take the pain management course through the Oregon Pain Management Commission. For the cultural competency hours, the Board points to the Oregon Health Authority.

  3. Step 3. Finish the pain management hour within the last 36 months and the cultural competency hours within the past 48 months before you renew.

  4. Step 4. Use the Board's CE Attestation Form to submit your CE.

Before you pay

The Board points to the Oregon Pain Management Commission and the Oregon Health Authority for these courses. Start from the Board's page and follow its links before you pay anyone else.

Questions

What changes for APRNs in 2028?

From January 1, 2028, APRN renewal applicants need evidence of national certification or 75 hours of CE related to their advanced practice role.

Does an expired license need more CE?

Yes. For a license expired 90 days or longer, the Board requires other CE starting January 1, 2026. Pain management and cultural competency hours may be applied toward the total.

Are CNAs and CMAs held to the same rules?

No. A CNA renewal needs two hours of cultural competency in the past 48 months. A CMA renewal needs eight hours of CE related to medication aide authorized duties.

What to do next

Start with the Oregon State Board of Nursing competency page. It links to each course and to the form for submitting CE.

www.oregon.gov

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