Washington RN CE Courses (2026)

To renew your RN license in Washington you need to satisfy the Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health's continuing education (CE) requirement — about 8 hours per 1-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 Washington requires for RN renewal

CE hours required8 hours per cycle
Renewal cycle12 months
Governing bodyWashington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health

Each one-year renewal period requires 8 continuing-education hours plus 96 active practice hours; of the 8 CE hours, 2 must cover health equity (phased in by each licensee's 2026 renewal). A one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training also applies. CE does not carry over between periods.

Full RN renewal guide for Washington (deadlines, fees & CE) →

Washington RN 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 Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health before purchasing.

Washington RN CE courses: frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my RN license in Washington?

Washington requires about 8 continuing-education hours per renewal cycle. Each one-year renewal period requires 8 continuing-education hours plus 96 active practice hours; of the 8 CE hours, 2 must cover health equity (phased in by each licensee's 2026 renewal). A one-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training also applies. CE does not carry over between periods.

Do online RN CE courses count in Washington?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health. Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my Washington RN CE?

Washington generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health.

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health. Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission), WA Dept of Health site →