Wisconsin 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
None for renewal
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years, by Feb 28/29 of odd years
Other requirement
Nursing Workforce Survey at renewal
Issued by
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Good news if you are a Wisconsin RN: the state does not require continuing education to renew your license. There is no mandatory contact-hour count and no rotating list of topics to chase down every cycle.
That does not mean renewal is automatic. You still have a firm deadline, a workforce survey to complete, and a fee to pay. Here is the full picture in plain English.
No CE required for RN renewal
The Wisconsin Board of Nursing, part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), does not require RNs or LPNs to complete continuing education for license renewal. This is current Wisconsin policy, and it is consistent across the Board and independent CE trackers.
If you hold a national certification or your employer requires CE, you may still be earning hours - but the state itself does not mandate any for renewal.
What Wisconsin does require
- Renew on time - RN licenses renew every two years, by February 28 (or 29) of odd-numbered years.
- Complete the Nursing Workforce Survey, which the Board folds into the renewal application questions.
- Pay the renewal fee (currently $57).
- If you ever let the license lapse or have not practiced, the Board may ask for proof of competency before reinstating.
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?
Wisconsin RN licenses expire on February 28 (or 29 in a leap year) of each odd-numbered year, regardless of when you were first licensed. The renewal window opens several weeks beforehand.
Even with no CE to track, missing the date means late fees and a lapsed license, so the deadline itself is the thing to guard.
How CredTally keeps this on autopilot
- No CE is required, so CredTally focuses on the one thing that matters here: your renewal deadline. The progress ring shows exactly how many days remain.
- Store your renewal confirmation and workforce-survey completion privately alongside the license.
- Reminders fire at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your February deadline so it never sneaks up.
- Hold a multi-state or compact license? Track each state's separate rules and deadlines in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wisconsin require CE for RN renewal?
No. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing does not require continuing education for RN or LPN license renewal.
How often do Wisconsin RN licenses renew?
Every two years, due by February 28 or 29 of odd-numbered years.
What is the Nursing Workforce Survey?
A short survey the Board includes in the renewal application; completing it is part of renewing.
What if I hold a multistate (compact) license?
Wisconsin is a compact state. Your home-state rules govern CE, but if you change your home state, check that state's requirements.
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.
Start tracking — free