Nebraska Registered Nurse (RN) Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
The Nebraska Board of Nursing requires 20 contact hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle under its continuing competency model. At least 10 of those 20 hours must be formally peer-reviewed and approved continuing education from ANCC-accredited providers. The remaining hours may come from other qualifying sources, though no more than 4 hours may be from CPR or BLS courses. All 20 hours may be completed online.
Nebraska offers six different competency pathways. The most common combines 500 hours of nursing practice within the past five years with 20 CE hours. Alternatives include national certification, a professional portfolio documenting competency goals and evidence, or recent nursing program graduation.
RN licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal fee is $123. The Board conducts random audits, and licensees should retain CE certificates for at least four years.
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- New Graduate Exemption — Nurses who graduated from a nursing program within the last two years are exempt from CE requirements.Only applies within the first two years after graduation.
- National Certification In Lieu Of CE — Current certification in a nursing specialty from a nationally recognized certifying organization satisfies the competency requirement.Must be current and maintained.
- Portfolio Option — A professional portfolio documenting competency goals and evidence of professional activities can satisfy the requirement in lieu of CE hours.Must be developed and maintained per Board requirements.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
Nebraska Board accepts courses from any provider who is ANCC accredited. At least 10 of the 20 hours must be formally peer-reviewed and approved continuing education.
Tips for Nebraska RNs
- Ensure at least 10 of your 20 hours come from ANCC-accredited or formally peer-reviewed providers. The other 10 hours have more flexibility, but this split is strictly enforced.
- CPR and BLS courses count for a maximum of 4 hours. Don't rely on them as a major portion of your CE plan.
- If you hold a current national certification (ANCC, etc.), it can satisfy the entire competency requirement — no additional CE hours needed.
- The professional portfolio option is available if you prefer documenting your own competency goals and evidence rather than accumulating CE hours.