Kentucky · Nursing license renewal

Kentucky RN & LPN CE requirements

What Kentucky RNs and LPNs need for license renewal: hours, renewal cycle and required topics.

RNs
14 contact hours (or an approved alternative such as certification)
LPNs
Same as RN
Renewal
Every year
Required topics
4

Free · for nurses

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Required topics

  • Suicide prevention: 2 hours
  • Domestic violence: 3 hours
  • Pediatric abusive head trauma: 1.5 hours
  • Alzheimer's disease and dementia: 1 hour

Ways to earn your hours

Contact hours usually come from accredited online courses, conferences, webinars and hands-on skills courses like an IV refresher. Make sure each course awards contact hours from a provider your board accepts, and keep your certificates in case you're audited.

Take the free IV therapy practice test → · What to look for in an IV refresher

Frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do nurses need in Kentucky?

RNs: 14 contact hours (or an approved alternative such as certification). LPNs: Same as RN. Renewal: every year.

Does Kentucky require specific CE topics for nurses?

Yes: Suicide prevention: 2 hours; Domestic violence: 3 hours; Pediatric abusive head trauma: 1.5 hours; Alzheimer's disease and dementia: 1 hour.

Does an IV refresher course count toward CE in Kentucky?

It can, if the course awards contact hours from a provider your board accepts. Check the course's accreditation before you enroll.

Summary of Kentucky board of nursing rules for general RN and LPN renewal as of September 2026. APRN, prescriber and DEA requirements are not included. Requirements change; always confirm with the Kentucky board of nursing before you renew.

CE requirements for all states · LPN CE requirements · Required topics: Implicit bias · Human trafficking · Suicide prevention · Child abuse and mandated reporter · Alzheimer's disease and dementia · Pain management · Substance use and opioids · Cultural competency and LGBTQ · Domestic violence

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