Utah 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
400 practice hrs, or 200 + 15 CE, or 30 CE
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years (expires Jan 31, odd years)
Mandatory training
Suicide prevention (one approved course)
Issued by
Utah DOPL - Board of Nursing
Utah does not hand you a single CE number. Instead, it asks every RN to show continued competency at each two-year renewal and gives you three ways to do it. The path most working nurses use is 400 hours of licensed practice. If you worked less, you can pair 200 practice hours with 15 hours of continuing education, or take 30 hours of continuing education on their own.
On top of whichever competency path you choose, there is a separate one-time suicide prevention training that applies to renewing nurses. Here is exactly what you owe and when, in plain English.
The three competency paths
To renew an active RN license, the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) requires you to complete one of the following during the two-year cycle:
- At least 400 hours of licensed practice as a nurse.
- At least 200 hours of licensed practice plus 15 hours of approved continuing education.
- At least 30 hours of approved continuing education on their own.
The one-time suicide prevention training
Separate from the competency paths, Utah requires renewing nurses to complete at least one approved online suicide prevention training. Acceptable options include Suicide Safety Planning with Patients, Talking to Patients About Suicide, or Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, each worth half an hour.
Note that advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority carry additional controlled-substance education requirements. This guide covers the standard RN license; if you also prescribe, check the DOPL rules for the extra prescribing hours that apply to you.
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?
Utah RN licenses renew every two years and expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years - the date is the same for every RN rather than tied to your birthday. DOPL typically sends a renewal notice at least 60 days before expiration. Make sure your chosen competency path is satisfied within the two-year window, and keep your proof.
How CredTally keeps this on autopilot
- Pick your path once - '400 practice hours,' '200 hours + 15 CE,' or '30 CE' - plus the one-time 'suicide prevention training,' and the progress rings show exactly what is still owed in each bucket.
- Snap a photo of each certificate, including your one-time suicide prevention training, and it is stored privately with the credit it proves.
- Reminder emails at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your January 31 odd-year renewal, with your remaining hours in the subject line.
- Hold licenses in more than one state? Track Utah's fixed date alongside the others, and export a dated PDF packet - summary plus every certificate - in one click if DOPL asks for proof.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does a Utah RN need to renew?
It depends on your path. You can use 400 practice hours and owe no CE, pair 200 practice hours with 15 CE hours, or take 30 CE hours on their own - every two years.
Does Utah require suicide prevention training for nurses?
Yes. Renewing nurses must complete at least one approved online suicide prevention training, such as Suicide Safety Planning with Patients, each worth half an hour.
When do Utah RN licenses expire?
On January 31 of odd-numbered years, with renewal every two years. The date is the same for every RN rather than tied to your birthday.
Can practice hours replace CE in Utah?
Yes. Completing at least 400 hours of licensed practice satisfies the competency requirement without any continuing education, which is the route most working RNs use.
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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