California LPN CE Courses (2026)

To renew your LPN license in California you need to satisfy the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)'s continuing education (CE) requirement — about 30 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying CE. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.

What California requires for LPN renewal

CE hours required30 hours per cycle
Renewal cycle24 months
Governing bodyCalifornia Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)

After the first renewal, an active LVN must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two years immediately preceding the renewal date. No CE is required for the first renewal after initial licensure, or for licenses renewed on inactive status. Courses must be related to the licensee's scope of practice; no specific mandatory topic is otherwise required by the board page.

Full LPN renewal guide for California (deadlines, fees & CE) →

California LPN CE course providers

Heads-up: These are independent, third-party CE providers — we are not affiliated with them and don't guarantee approval. Always confirm a course is accepted by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) before purchasing.

California LPN CE courses: frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my LPN license in California?

California requires about 30 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. After the first renewal, an active LVN must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two years immediately preceding the renewal date. No CE is required for the first renewal after initial licensure, or for licenses renewed on inactive status. Courses must be related to the licensee's scope of practice; no specific mandatory topic is otherwise required by the board page.

Do online LPN CE courses count in California?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my California LPN CE?

California generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) site →