Competency Requirements

As of January 1, 2026, practice hours will no longer be required to assure competency for Oregon licensed nurses. Going forward, continuing education hours will be used to prove competency.

Competency Requirements as of January 1, 2026

LPN, RN, or APRN Renewal Applicants

One-hour pain management education in the last 36 months. This course is available through the Oregon Pain Management Commission. To complete this requirement or for more information, please visit the Oregon Pain Management Commission's website. 
Two hours of cultural competency education in the past 48 months. To complete this requirement or for more information, please visit the Oregon Health Authority : Cultural Competence Continuing Education (CCCE) : Equity and Inclusion Division : State of Oregon.

CNA Renewal Applicants

Two hours of cultural competency education in the past 48 months. To complete this requirement or for more information, please visit the Oregon Health Authority : Cultural Competence Continuing Education (CCCE) : Equity and Inclusion Division : State of Oregon.

CMA Renewal Applicants

Eight hours of continuing education related to medication aide authorized duties. (This is in addition to the cultural competency continuing education required for your CNA certificate.)

Coming in 2028...

Beginning January 1, 2028, the following will also be required for renewal:

LPN and RN applicants will need to provide evidence of 20 hours of continuing education.
APRN applicants will need to provide evidence of national certification or 75 hours of continuing education related to their advanced practice role.

Learn more on our Nurse Practice Act Modernization webpage.

LPN/RN/APRN License Reinstatement Applicants (license has been expired for 90-days or longer)

In addition to the continuing education in pain management and cultural competency described above—which may be applied toward the total required hours—other continuing education is required starting January 1, 2026, as outlined in the table below.

If your license or certificate has been expired:	90 days – 2 years	2-3 Years	3-4 Years	4-5 Years	5+ Years
Amount of Continuing Education (CE) Needed (total may include pain management and cultural competency hours):	20 hours	30 hours	40 hours	50 hours	60 hours