Alabama Nursing CE Requirements (2026): 24 Hours Every 2 Years
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Requirements Overview
Alabama requires 24 contact hours of continuing education per biennial renewal cycle for registered nurses. Renewals are due by 4:30 p.m. on December 31 of even-numbered years, and CE requirements cannot be waived — if they are not satisfied, the renewal application cannot be completed.
First-time renewals carry an additional requirement: a 4-hour course on the Nurse Practice Act covering statutory and administrative frameworks, scope of practice, and standards of practice. This course is provided free by the Alabama Board of Nursing and counts toward the 24-hour total. It is a one-time requirement only.
Nurses licensed mid-cycle (by examination, reinstatement, or endorsement) have their CE hours prorated according to the Board's proration chart. The Board accepts CE from ANCC-accredited and ABN-approved providers, and also offers free CE courses through its website. CE records are tracked in the My Profile section of the ABN website.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practice Act | 4 | First renewal | All first-time renewals are required to complete a 4-hour, Alabama Board provided course related to statutory and administrative frameworks for nursing regulation, scope of practice, and standards of practice. Course is provided free by ABN. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Prorated Hours — If licensed by examination, reinstatement, or endorsement during the earning period, contact hours are prorated based on the Board's proration chart.Must still complete the prorated number of hours.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Alabama CE Rules & Limits
Details specific to Alabama that generic CE guides tend to miss:
- Carry-over — No carry-over provision documented. CE hours must be earned during the current earning period.
- RNs renew on even years by 4:30 p.m. On December 31st.
- First-time renewals must complete a 4-hour ABN-provided course on the Nurse Practice Act (one-time requirement).
- If licensed mid-cycle, CE hours are prorated per the Board's proration chart.
- The Board provides free CE courses through its website.
- If CE requirements are not satisfied, the renewal application cannot be completed.
- CE records are tracked in the My Profile section of the ABN website.
Provider Requirements
Alabama Board of Nursing accepts CE from ANCC-accredited providers and directly ABN-approved providers. The Board also provides free CE courses on its website. CE records can be reviewed in the My Profile section of the ABN website.
Tips for Alabama RNs
- Complete the free 4-hour Nurse Practice Act course on the ABN website before your first renewal. It's provided at no cost and counts toward your 24-hour total.
- Check the ABN website for additional free CE offerings. The Board periodically posts courses that can reduce your out-of-pocket CE costs.
- If you were licensed mid-cycle, look up the Board's proration chart to determine your actual CE requirement — it may be less than 24 hours.
- Track your CE progress in the My Profile section of the ABN website. Having records already in the system simplifies the renewal process.
Sources
- Cross-checked against the official published rules of the Alabama Board of Nursing
- Each stated figure recorded with its exact source excerpt
- 1 source cited — 1 primary (official board)
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