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License Renewal Requirements FAQ -
Practice & Continuing Education (CE)

Practice Requirements

Are there practice requirements for license renewal in North Dakota?
Yes, all individuals renewing a nursing license must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding four (4) years.  Hours practiced in another regulated profession cannot be used for nursing practice hours.

• Nurses who have completed a refresher course within the preceding year or graduated from a nursing undergraduate or nursing graduate program in the last four (4) years with less than 400 hours of nursing practice will be able to renew their license without meeting this requirement.

CE Requirements

Is CE required for license renewal in North Dakota?
Yes, all individuals renewing a nursing license must complete 12 contact hours of CE obtained within the preceding two (2) years.

• An applicant that obtained initial licensure through examination will not need to complete additional contact hours of approved CE before first renewal of  a nursing license.  The requirements have been met through the academic coursework.
• An applicant for reactivation of a license can use refresher course contact hours for the first renewal cycle after reactivation of a license.
• An APRN with Prescriptive Authority must complete 15 contact hours of education during the previous two (2) years in pharmacotherapy related to the scope of practice.  The pharmacotherapy CE must be itemized on the certificate of completion.  These contact hours fulfill the registered nurse renewal CE requirement.

Am I required to obtain CE in specific areas?
No

What is the time frame for getting my CE?
The CE is to be completed within the 2 years prior to the expiration date on the license.

I completed 40 contact hours last licensure period and only needed 12. Does that mean that I can use the other 28 hours for this licensure period?
No. Contact hours do not carry over from one license renewal period to another.  You must complete at least 12 contact hours of approved CE in each two (2) year license renewal period to renew a license to practice nursing in North Dakota.

What if I am unable to complete the required contact hours needed for renewal.  Can I get an extension?
No, the Board does not issue extensions - the CE requirement must be met before renewal.  Failure to meet the CE requirement may result in disciplinary action and penalty fees.

• CE completed after December 31 in the year of renewal will be assessed a fee of $50 per contact hour earned after that date (i.e. - $600 for 12 contact hours done after December 31).
• If audited, failure to provide proof of CE may result in sanctions against your nursing license (i.e. - $500 for LPN Reprimand or $600 for RN Reprimand).

I am currently maintaining my certification in another health care profession.  Can I use the CE to fulfill my license renewal requirements for contact hours? 
The North Dakota Board of Nursing will accept, at face value, the number of hours awarded for an educational activity that has been approved for CE, provided it was approved by one of the following:

• The North Dakota Board of Nursing
• A health care regulatory board or professional organization of any state that is nationally/internationally accredited to approve CE.
• Accredited college or university credit may be used to meet the CE requirement. 

Contact hours obtained for renewal of license or certification in another regulated profession cannot be used for maintaining nursing licensure.

Do I send my CE records to the Board?
No.  You willl ONLY need to provide proof of CE if you receive a notice of continuing education audit.  You are required to submit your CE documents through CE Broker if you are audited.

Who keeps track of my CE?
You do.  As a professional, you are responsible for keeping track of your own CE records.  You must keep your CE documents for at least four (4) years.  The Board may audit your CE records for up to four (4) years.  

How does the Board know I met the CE Requirement?
Each time you renew your license you verify by attesting to the statement on the renewal form that you have completed the 12 contact hours.  It is important that you have completed the CE when you attest to this.

I was just licensed in North Dakota for the first time.
License by Exam - If you recently received your first license in North Dakota and took an examination to receive it, and this is your first renewal of that nursing license, you are NOT REQUIRED to have completed CE courses.  You have met the requirement through your academic coursework and MUST verify by attesting to the statement on the renewal form.

License by Endorsement - If you recently received your first license in North Dakota and have moved from another state, you are considered to have received your license or certificate by "ENDORSEMENT". Even though this may be your first renewal you MUST verify by attesting to the statement on the renewal form that you have completed the required 12 contact hours. Credit received for successful completion of a course taken through an accredited college or university may be used to meet the CE requirement.

I 'm not working right now.
Whether you are working or not has no bearing on your CE requirement.  The CE requirement is directly related to renewal of your license in ND.

I do not plan to renew my license. What do I need to do?
Inactive Status – If you do not renew your license it will become "Inactive".
You may not work as a nurse if your license is inactive.  There is an additional fee to reactivate a license from an inactive status. 

View the Approved Continuing Education FAQ here

Board approved: 3/04
Reviewed/Revised:  09/20