Washington Nursing CE Requirements (2026): 8 Hours Every Year
Requirements Overview
Washington operates on an annual renewal cycle, requiring registered nurses to complete 8 contact hours of continuing education plus 96 hours of active nursing practice each year. The annual CE total must include 2 hours of health equity training that covers implicit bias, and trainers must have demonstrated knowledge and experience in health equity.
A one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training from a qualified program must be completed by the end of the nurse's first full year of licensure. Nurses providing clinical services via telemedicine must also complete telemedicine-specific training (effective January 2021). These are in addition to the standard 8-hour annual requirement.
Washington uses a continuing competency model that accepts a broad range of activities as CE, including employer training, self-study, accredited courses, CPR/ACLS/PALS certification, and journal articles. No specific provider approval is required for general CE, though health equity trainers must meet qualification standards. Hours cannot carry over between renewal periods.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Equity | 2 | Every renewal | 2 hours required every renewal period. All licensed RNs must complete by their 2026 renewal date. Must include implicit bias training. Trainers must have demonstrated knowledge and experience related to health equity. Counts toward the 8-hour total. |
| Suicide Prevention Training | 6 | One-time | One-time 6-hour training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from a qualified suicide prevention training program. Must be completed by the end of the first full year of licensure. |
| Telemedicine Training | — | Conditional | Required if providing clinical services via telemedicine. Effective January 1, 2021. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Military Service — Active military service members may have modified requirements.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Washington CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Washington that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Annual minimum — at least 8 hours must be completed each year of the cycle, not just by the renewal deadline.
- Carry-over — CE requirements must be completed in the renewal period and cannot carry over to the next period.
- Washington uses a 'continuing competency' model, not strictly CE hours. Broad range of activities accepted.
- 96 hours of active nursing practice required annually in addition to CE.
- E-Notify registration and Nursys online survey required.
- Nurses must maintain their own continuing competency records.
- Audits may occur if a formal complaint is filed with the Board of Nursing.
- Submit demographic data through online renewal portal per state law.
- Governing rules: WAC 246-840-220, WAC 246-840-222, WAC 246-12-830.
- Contact: Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, 360-236-4703.
Provider Requirements
No specific provider approval required for general CE. Any CE related to the practice of nursing is acceptable, including employer training, self-study, accredited courses, CPR/ACLS/PALS, and journal articles. Health equity CE must be from trainers with demonstrated knowledge and experience related to health equity.
Tips for Washington RNs
- Washington renews annually, not biennially like most states. Set a yearly reminder and budget time for 8 CE hours plus practice hour documentation each cycle.
- The 2-hour health equity requirement must include implicit bias training. Verify the course content and trainer qualifications before enrolling.
- Complete the one-time 6-hour suicide prevention training early in your career — it must be done by the end of your first full licensure year and cannot be postponed.
- Washington accepts a wide range of CE activities including employer training, self-study, and journal articles. Take advantage of this flexibility to combine learning with your daily practice.
Sources
Each figure on this page is taken directly from the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's official rules and continuing-education sources and recorded with the exact source excerpt. Last verified Mar 2026. Read how we compile and verify this data.