Ohio RN Continuing Education Requirements, Explained
Last reviewed June 2026 against the official sources linked below. Requirements change — always confirm with your board before relying on them.
Total hours
24 contact hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Category A
1 hr Ohio law and rules
Issued by
Ohio Board of Nursing
Ohio asks for 24 contact hours every two years, which is a touch lower than the common 30-hour states. The detail nurses miss is the Category A hour - at least one of those 24 has to be specifically about Ohio nursing law and rules, from a qualifying Ohio-based source.
Here is what counts and what to watch for, in plain English.
The base requirement: 24 hours every 2 years
Under Ohio Administrative Code 4723-14-03, an RN renewing an active license must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during the reporting period, unless an exception applies. If this is your first renewal after passing the NCLEX in Ohio, you do not need CE for that first renewal - but you still have to renew on time.
Category A and other specifics
- Category A - at least 1 of the 24 hours must be Category A continuing education directly related to Ohio nursing law and rules. It must be approved by the Board, by an OBN approver, or offered by an approved provider headquartered in Ohio. This is the hour people forget.
- Human trafficking - one contact hour related to recognition and handling of human trafficking victims or victims of sexual assault may count toward your 24 hours.
- Keep proof of completion. The Board can audit, and you are responsible for producing certificates.
Stop tracking this in a spreadsheet
Progress rings per requirement, private certificate storage, deadline reminders, and a one-click audit packet. Set up in two minutes — free for your first license.
Start tracking — freeWhen is your deadline?
Ohio RN licenses renew every two years. The CE reporting period runs from November 1 of the prior odd-numbered year through October 31 of the current odd-numbered year, with renewal due by the deadline. Your exact status is in the Ohio eLicense system. Complete all 24 hours, including the Category A hour, before you renew.
How CredTally keeps this on autopilot
- Enter the 24-hour target once, then add a sub-requirement for 1 hr Category A (Ohio law and rules) - the dashboard shows exactly what is still owed in each bucket.
- Snap a photo of each certificate as you finish a course; it is stored privately with the credit it proves.
- Reminder emails at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your renewal date, with your remaining hours in the subject line.
- If the Board audits you, export a dated PDF packet of your whole cycle - summary plus every certificate - in one click.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does an Ohio RN need to renew?
Twenty-four contact hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period, unless an exception applies. At least one of those hours must be Category A education on Ohio nursing law and rules.
What is Category A continuing education in Ohio?
Category A is education directly related to Ohio nursing law and rules. At least 1 of your 24 hours must be Category A, and it must be approved by the Board, by an OBN approver, or offered by an approved provider headquartered in Ohio.
Do I need CE for my first Ohio nursing renewal?
No. If it is your first renewal after passing the NCLEX in Ohio, you are exempt from the CE requirement for that first renewal - but you still must renew on time.
Does Ohio count human trafficking training toward CE?
Yes. One contact hour related to recognition and handling of human trafficking victims, or victims of sexual assault, may qualify as part of your 24 required hours.
Official sources
CredTally is a record-keeping tool and is not affiliated with any licensing board. This guide is general information, not legal or compliance advice.
CredTally tracks all of this for you
Progress rings per requirement, private certificate storage, deadline reminders, and a one-click audit packet. Set up in two minutes — free for your first license.
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