Understanding Your 2025 North Carolina Nursing License Renewal

• 2024 North Carolina nursing license renewal guidelines stipulate that nurses cannot legally work with an expired license
• Many nurses in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

The 2024 North Carolina 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 North Carolina nursing CEUs. 

1. How can I renew my nursing license in North Carolina?

Nurses must renew their license online by accessing the North Carolina Nurse Gateway portal.

The only time you should mail license or nursing continuing education unit information to the North Carolina Board of Nursing is if you are being audited.

2. Am I required to complete a test or quiz for the North Carolina nursing license renewal?

No. 

3. What happens if I don’t renew my license before its current expiration date?

The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) places all nurses with expired licenses on an expired status. Nurses with an expired status will not be allowed to practice until their license is reinstated.

4. What do I need to have ready to start my renewal online with the North Carolina Board of Nursing?

Most nurses will only need fulfilled continuing education requirements, along with a valid method of payment. Payment with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card is required.

 5. What are the nurse license renewal continuing education requirements?

Nurses must meet North Carolina’s Continuing Education Competency requirements to renew their license. While there are several different ways to meet the requirement for the 2024 North Carolina nursing license renewal period, most choose to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider (such as Nursing CE Central).

6. Can I renew now and complete my CE requirements later?

No. All North Carolina nurses must complete their CE course requirements before they renew their license. The North Carolina Board of Nursing must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed.

 7. How can I check that my nursing licensure renewal application is complete?

North Carolina RNs and LPNs can access their nursing license renewal online application and status through the Nurse Gateway portal.

8. Do I have to keep documentation proving I completed my 2025 CE requirements for renewal?

Yes. All nurses must retain proof of continuing education course completion. If audited, nurses must provide certificates or other documentation proving that they fulfilled their CE requirements for the given renewal period.

Still have questions?

The North Carolina Board of Nursing can be contacted by calling (919) 782-3211, via email, or by mail:

P.O. Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602

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

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