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State Cert Guide

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

Tennessee's rule on nursing competence does not set one CE total for every renewing nurse. An RN or LPN who wants an active license can attest to a personal file with at least two of the items it lists. One of the items is 10 contact hours of CE. An APRN with a Certificate of Fitness also needs 2 contact hours on controlled substance prescribing.

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The rule, fact by fact

How you show competence
At least two listed items in a personal file may count as proofThe personal file has to cover the applicable renewal period.
Verified. Cornell Legal Information Institute copy of the Tennessee Compilation of Rules and Regulations · Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-01-.18, standards of nursing competence (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course hours
One listed item is 10 contact hours of CE or in-service education per renewal periodThe CE must be applicable to nursing practice.
Same source and date as above
APRN with a Certificate of Fitness
APRNs with a Certificate of Fitness: at least 2 contact hours on prescribingThe hours address controlled substance prescribing practices.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Renewal is due the last day of your birth month, under a biennial systemIt follows a birth date renewal system for health related boards.
Verified. Cornell Legal Information Institute copy of the Tennessee Compilation of Rules and Regulations · Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-01-.05, renewal and reinstatement (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Rule
Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-01-.18, Standards of Nursing CompetenceLook for this rule when you read the Board's text yourself.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check which case is yours. A nurse who wants an active license can show competence with a personal file. An initial licensee meets the rule by completing the requirements for licensure. A nurse who has not practiced for more than 5 years and does not intend to practice is not required to comply.

  2. Step 2. Choose at least two items from the rule's list. Among them are a satisfactory review from your employer, a satisfactory review from a peer, and 10 contact hours per renewal period of CE or in-service education applicable to nursing practice. An APRN shows national certification and one more item from the RN list.

  3. Step 3. Take any CE you chose. An APRN with a Certificate of Fitness takes at least 2 contact hours on controlled substance prescribing, with instruction in the Tennessee Department of Health's treatment guidelines on opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and carisoprodol.

  4. Step 4. Keep your records. The rule says to keep them for 4 years after you complete the requirements, and to give evidence to the Board within 30 days of a request.

Before you pay

We haven't confirmed whether another Tennessee law adds CE hours, because we could reach only a Cornell copy of the Board's rules, not tn.gov or the state code. Before you pay for a course, check that it fits an item the rule lists.

Questions

Is the list different for LPNs and RNs?

The same list covers both. One item, having taken part in educating students in a program that leads to LPN or RN licensure or to a bachelor's or advanced nursing degree, is limited to Registered Nurses.

What if I return after years away from nursing?

A nurse who reactivates after more than 5 years away submits proof of one of several options. One is 10 contact hours of CE for each year of inactivity.

What happens if I skip the competence activities?

A licensee who fails to complete the activities, or who falsely certifies completing them, may be subject to disciplinary action under three sections of the Tennessee Code, T.C.A. 63-7-115, 63-7-116 and 63-7-207.

When did the current rule take effect?

The current rule took effect 10/8/2024, with repeal and new rules filed July 10, 2024.

What to do next

Start with the Cornell LII copy of Tennessee Rule 1000-01-.18, the rule this page follows. Check your license type there before you pay for a course.

www.law.cornell.edu

Sources we read