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Your RN renewal in Washington State requires meeting specific CE, fee, and timing rules set by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Below you’ll find renewal timing, CE requirements, how to renew, what to do if you’re late, and official links to the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).
✅ At-a-Glance
- License type: Registered Nurse (RN) — Washington State
- Agency: Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC), WA Dept. of Health
- Renewal cycle: Annual (tied to your birthday)
- Continuing education (CE): 8 hours per year (continuing competency)
- Practice hours: 531 hours in the past 3 years (for active status)
- Renew online: Washington DOH online renewal portal (links below)
🗓️ Renewal Frequency & Deadlines
- RN licenses renew on an annual cycle.
- Renewal due date is generally tied to your birth month / birthday.
- Renew before your expiration date to avoid practice interruptions and late fees.
📚 CE Requirements
Total CE: 8 hours every year (continuing competency). Maintain proof for audit.
| Requirement | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Nursing CE | 8 | Any NCQAC/Board-accepted CE relevant to practice. |
| Practice Hours (competency) | 531 hrs / 3 yrs | Practice requirement to maintain active status. |
- Online CE is accepted when Board/NCQAC-approved.
- Keep CE certificates for audit (recommended: retain for at least 4 years).
⭐ Recommended Resource for Nurses
If you’re feeling burned out from bedside nursing or looking for more flexible, remote options, this crash course walks you through the exact roles, skills, and pathways to transition into legitimate work-from-home RN jobs.
🧭 How to Renew (Online)
- Gather docs: Your credential number, CE records, and current contact info.
- Sign in: Go to the Washington DOH/NCQAC online renewal portal and log in (or create an account).
- Complete attestation: Confirm CE and practice hours and answer renewal questions.
- Pay fees: Submit payment by card/e-check; save your confirmation.
- Verify status: After processing, confirm your active status in the license lookup.
❗ If Your License Expires
- Do not practice if your license is expired.
- Late renewals typically require additional fees and completion of any missing CE.
- Extended lapses may require reissuance or reactivation steps per NCQAC guidance.
🔎 Need renewal requirements for another state or profession? Visit our complete renewal database — updated regularly with official board links, CE rules, deadlines, and fees.
📎 Helpful Links
- Washington Nursing Commission — Board of Nursing Homepage
- Washington RN License Renewal / Reactivation Portal
- Washington RN License Lookup & Verification
- Washington RN Continuing Competency / CE Requirements
❓ FAQ
Do I need to upload CE certificates during renewal?
Usually you attest to CE during renewal and keep certificates for audit. Uploads are only required when requested by NCQAC or during audit.
Can I complete all CE online?
Yes, as long as the coursework meets NCQAC’s continuing competency standards. Keep documentation with provider name, topic, and hours.
Are there specific topic requirements?
Washington focuses on overall competency (annual CE + practice hours). Topic-specific mandates may be introduced by rule; check NCQAC updates.
What if I was licensed late in the cycle?
First renewals close to your birthday may prorate timing. Always follow the renewal notice and confirm CE/practice requirements for your situation.
How long should I keep my CE records?
Keep CE documentation for at least 4 years in case of audit.
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