Kansas Nursing CE Requirements (2026): 30 Hours Every 2 Years

Requirements Overview

The Kansas State Board of Nursing requires 30 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) per biennial renewal cycle. Kansas is notably strict about what counts: courses must come from providers approved by the KSBN, other state boards of nursing, or national credentialing bodies like ANCC. Continuing Medical Education (CME) is explicitly not accepted unless it goes through the Individual Offering Approval (IOA) process.

College courses may count toward CNE, but only with IOA approval before renewal submission. Acceptable subjects include science, psychology, sociology, or statistics. One college credit hour equals 15 CNE contact hours. Courses in literature, composition, public speaking, basic math, or general education do not qualify.

First-time renewals (within 30 months of initial licensure) and renewals within 9 months of reinstatement or endorsement are exempt from the CE requirement.

First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal

Exemptions

• ✓
  Initial Licensure Exemption — Not required to complete 30 CNE contact hours if license expires within 30 months following initial licensure examination.

  Applies only to the first renewal after initial exam.
• ✓
  Reinstatement/Endorsement Exemption — Not required to complete 30 CNE contact hours for renewal of license that expires within the first 9 months following licensure reinstatement or endorsement.

  Only applies to the first renewal within 9 months of reinstatement or endorsement.

How You Can Complete Your CE

Kansas CE Rules & Limits

Details specific to Kansas that generic CE guides tend to miss:

• Carry-over — No carryover provision is mentioned on the Board's CNE page. CNE must be completed during the most recent licensing period.
• 1 CNE contact hour = 50 minutes of learning.
• CME (Continuing Medical Education) is NOT acceptable for any Kansas nursing licensure requirement unless approved through the Individual Offering Approval (IOA) process.
• College courses require IOA submission before renewal. Acceptable subjects include science, psychology, sociology, or statistics (prerequisites for nursing degree). 1 college credit hour = 15 CNE contact hours.
• Not recognized for CNE: incomplete or failed courses, or courses in literature/composition, public speaking, basic math, algebra, humanities, or general education requirements (unless meeting CNE definition).
• ACLS, PALS, etc. Must be from an approved provider or submitted via IOA to count as CNE.
• CNE must be completed before submitting the renewal application.
• Audit documentation must include: offering name, provider name/number, offering date, contact hours, licensee name and license number.

Provider Requirements

The KSBN accepts CNE from: any provider approved by other State Boards of Nursing; any provider approved by National Nursing Credentialing Associations (e.g., ANCC, AANA); any provider approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (Single offering SP#, Long term LT#); or an approved Individual Offering Approval (IOA). CME is NOT acceptable unless approved through the IOA process. College courses require IOA submission; 1 college credit hour = 15 CNE contact hours if approved.

Tips for Kansas RNs

• Verify your CE provider is KSBN-approved before enrolling. Kansas does not accept CME by default — using unapproved courses means wasted time and money.
• If you want college coursework to count, submit the Individual Offering Approval (IOA) before your renewal application. Retroactive approval is not guaranteed.
• ACLS, PALS, and similar certifications only count if the provider is approved or you submit an IOA. Don't assume they'll be accepted automatically.
• Complete all CNE before submitting your renewal application. Kansas requires hours to be finished, not in progress, at the time of renewal.

Sources

RN Requirements in Nearby States

Other Professions in Kansas

All Nursing CE Requirements by State

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