Understanding Your 2025 Kentucky Nursing License Renewal

• 2025 Kentucky nursing license renewal guidelines stipulate that nurses cannot legally work with an expired license.
• Many nurses in Kentucky do not have time to keep current with each update they must understand in order to renew their license.
• Nursing CE Central makes renewal easy to manage, with options for RN, LPN, and APRN continuing education in Kentucky.

The 2025 Kentucky nursing license renewal requirements exist for good reason. Our nurses must keep up as best practices evolve, so they are empowered to provide the highest level of care for their patients. 

However, we know you are facing burnout, staffing shortages and the high demands of a complex healthcare system. Nursing CE Central offers quick, effective courses that earn Kentucky nursing CEUs. 

1. What Are the CE Requirements for 2025 Kentucky Nursing License Renewal?

Nurses must meet the Kentucky Board of Nursing continuing education requirements by Oct. 31, 2025.

These requirements include 14 total contact hours each year, with a minimum of seven hours from a KBN-approved CE provider.

Our Kentucky Renewal Bundle includes courses for:

• LPN license renewal CE
• RN license renewal CE
• APRN license renewal CE

Annually required contact hours for LPNs, RNs and APRNs:

• Three contact hours for domestic violence, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation
• Two contact hours for suicide prevention
• One-and-a-half contact hours for pediatric abusive head trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome)
• One-and-a-half contact hours for implicit bias
• NEW IN 2024: One contact hour for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• SANEs must complete five hours for sexual assault, forensic medicine, or domestic violence

Additional details for APRN CEU requirements in Kentucky are available on the KBN APRN CE page.

2. Which nurses are required to complete mandatory CE for renewal?

All practicing nurses — APRN, LPN, RN, SANE and DT — are required to complete mandatory CE to maintain their Kentucky nursing licensure.

3. Does Nursing CE Central offer a state-approved course for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia?

Yes. Nursing CE Central provides an Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia nursing CEU course approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

4. Am I required to take a test to complete the CE requirements?

No.

5. Do I need to submit my CE through CE Broker?

Nursing CE Central automatically submits certificates to CE Broker upon completion of a course.

6. Do I have to retain CE completion documentation?

The KBN requires all licensees to keep proof of CE completion from each nurse license renewal period for a minimum of five years. This documentation is needed if a nurse is selected for an audit by the board within that time frame. We retain your CE certificates of completion, which are easy to access in your account.

7. When is the nursing licensure renewal deadline?

Nursing licenses must be renewed for this year no later than midnight on Oct. 31, 2025.

8. When can I renew my license this year?

Visit the KY Nurse Portal between Sept. 15 and Oct. 31, 2025, to complete the nursing licensure renewal process.

9. What do I need to have ready when I start the nursing license renwal process online?

You’ll need a valid method of payment and ID to complete your nursing license renewal through the KY Nurse Portal. However, the portal does not support mobile browsers; it is recommended that you use Chrome or Edge on a desktop device.

10. Can I renew now and complete my CEUs later?

Yes. The Kentucky BON requires that all CE requirements be met by Oct. 31, 2025. However, you can renew online ahead of CE completion.

11. How can I check that my Kentucky nursing license renewal application is complete?

The KBN will send you a confirmation email once your license is renewed. You may also check its status via the license verification portal.

12. What happens if I don’t renew my license before the deadline?

Your nursing license will lapse. You can file with the KBN for license reinstatement, though nurses are not eligible to work without an active nursing license in the state of Kentucky.

Still have questions?

Visit the KBN website for general contact information, or find a specific person on the directory.

The KBN can also be reached at (502) 429-3300 or at the following location:

312 Whittington Pkwy #300
Louisville, KY 40222

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., monday through Friday

Visit our Kentucky nursing license renewal page for more information or to enroll for a Kentucky nursing license renewal bundle today!

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