Texas Registered Nurse (RN) Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
Under Board Rule 216.3, Texas registered nurses are required to complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) during each 2-year licensing period. All CNE must be obtained from providers approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency, such as ANCC, AACN, or NLN. CME (Continuing Medical Education) is not acceptable for RNs — only APRNs may use Category I CME.
As an alternative to completing 20 hours of CNE, nurses may demonstrate achievement, maintenance, or renewal of a Board-approved national nursing certification in their area of practice. However, certification cannot be used to satisfy the Nursing Jurisprudence and Nursing Ethics requirement. Excess hours cannot be carried over to the next licensing period.
Additional targeted CE requirements apply based on practice setting and population served. Nurses working in emergency rooms must complete forensic evidence collection training, and those caring for geriatric populations need 2 hours in older adult care each cycle. All nurses providing direct patient care must complete human trafficking prevention training every renewal period.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Jurisprudence and Nursing Ethics | 2 | Every 3rd renewal | Must contain information related to: the Texas Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules (including §217.11, Standards of Nursing Practice), the Board's position statements, principles of nursing ethics, and professional boundaries. Certification may NOT be used to fulfill this requirement. APRNs may not use CME. |
| Forensic Evidence Collection | 2 | One-time | Required for any nurse employed in an ER setting, including nurses who could float to an ER or have shifts scheduled in an ER. Content may include documentation, history-taking skills, use of sexual assault kit, survivor symptoms, and emotional and psychological support interventions. Maintain record indefinitely. Board-approved certification may be used. APRNs may use CME. |
| Older Adult or Geriatric Care | 2 | Every renewal | Required for nurses whose practice includes older adult or geriatric populations. May contain information related to: elder abuse, age-related memory changes and disease processes (including chronic conditions), end of life issues, health maintenance, and health promotion. Board-approved certification may be used. APRNs may use Category I CME. |
| Human Trafficking Prevention | — | Every renewal | Must complete HHSC-approved course covering identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking. CNE contact hours may count towards the 20 hours but the HHSC-approved course may or may not provide Board approved CNE. Certification may NOT be used. APRNs may use Category I CME from an approved course. |
First Renewal vs. Standard Renewal
Exemptions
- First Renewal Exemption — Nurses are exempt from most continuing competency requirements for the first renewal following initial licensure as long as the initial renewal is timely.The Forensic Evidence Collection targeted CE requirement still applies if the nurse's practice requires it.
- Delinquent Renewal Exemption — If license has been delinquent for less than four years, the nurse is exempt from continuing competency requirements for the immediate licensing period following renewal of the delinquent license.Must show proof of 20 contact hours of CNE or current approved certification to renew. Forensic Evidence Collection requirement still applies if applicable.
- License Reactivation Exemption — If license has been inactive for less than four years, the nurse is exempt from continuing competency requirements for the immediate licensing period following reactivation.Must show proof of 20 contact hours of CNE or current approved certification to reactivate. Forensic Evidence Collection requirement still applies if applicable.
- Certification In Lieu Of CNE — A Board-approved national nursing certification in the nurse's area of practice may be used in lieu of completing 20 contact hours of CNE.Certification may NOT be used to fulfill the Nursing Jurisprudence and Nursing Ethics CNE requirement.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
CNE must be approved by a Board-recognized credentialing agency or provider: AACN, AANA, AANP, ACNM, ANCC, Colleges and Universities in the USA, ENA, LVNAT, NAPNES, NALPN, NAPNAP, NLN, Other State Boards of Nursing, TLVN. Organizations accredited through these agencies (e.g., state nursing associations accredited by ANCC) are also acceptable.
Tips for Texas RNs
- Texas conducts random CE audits — keep your records for at least three consecutive licensing periods (6 years). Forensic evidence collection records must be maintained indefinitely.
- Your license renewal is tied to your birth month and expires on its last day. Set a reminder at least 3 months before to ensure you have enough time to complete all required hours.
- The 2-hour Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics requirement comes due every third licensing period (every 6 years). Track which cycle you're in, as this requirement cannot be met through national certification.
- Verify that your CE provider is approved by a Board-recognized agency before enrolling. In-service programs, BLS/CPR, orientation sessions, and self-improvement courses do not count toward your 20 hours.