Understanding Your 2025 Arizona Nursing License Renewal

• 2025 Arizona nursing license renewal guidelines stipulate that nurses cannot legally work with an expired license.
• Many nurses in Arizona 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 Arizona.

The 2025 Arizona 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 Arizona nursing CEUs. 

1. What are the continuing competency requirements for 2025 Arizona nursing license renewal? 

The Arizona Board of Nursing does not require continuing education for LPNs or RNs at this time. However, the board accepts the following methods as evidence of continued competence: 

• Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years. 
• Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past five years. 
• Completed an Arizona Board of Nursing-approved refresher course in the past five years. 
• Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate). 

Nurses must complete one of these methods prior to renewal, according to the Arizona Board of Nursing.

APRNs need to submit a separate application from their RN application to receive an APRN renewal certificate. If you hold an Arizona RN license, renew that first, and then you’ll be promoted to renew your Arizona APRN certificate.

APRN renewal applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Practiced as an APRN for 960 hours or more in the past five years. 
• Hold an active Arizona RN or current RN license with multistate privileges in another compact state. 
• Hold active national certification. 
• APRNs who hold an active DEA license and are authorized to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances must complete three hours of opioid-, substance use disorder-, or addiction-related continuing education (as required by Arizona Revised Statute 32-3248.02).  

2. Is Nursing CE Central an Arizona Board of Nursing-approved provider?

Yes! Courses from Nursing CE Central are approved and accepted by the Arizona Board of Nursing.

3. What do I need to have ready when starting my renewal online with the Arizona Board of Nursing?

Nurses must have evidence that they have completed the continuing competency requirements prior to renewal. Applications must be completed on the Nurse Portal.

 The renewal fee for RNs and LPNs is $160. 

4. How can I renew my license?

You can renew your license online through the Nurse Portal.  

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

No. You must complete all required CEUs prior to renewal. 

6. Do I need to complete a test for my Arizona CE requirements?

No. The Arizona Board of Nursing doesn’t require a test to complete CE requirements. 

7. Do I need to submit completed CE when renewing my license?

No. The Arizona Board of Nursing does not require submission of completed CE activities. During the renewal process, you must attest that you have met all requirements. 

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

Yes. All Arizona nurses are subject to random audits of CE compliance. You are required to keep your certificates for two years as proof of CE completion in the event of an audit. 

9. When is the license renewal deadline?

Nurses must renew their licenses by April 1, 2025.  

10. How can I check that my renewal application is complete?

You can check the status of your renewal through the Nurse Portal. 

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

According to the Arizona Board of Registered Nursing, if you fail to renew on or before the expiration date, you have until Aug. 1 to renew. You’ll incur a $50 late fee for each month you are late renewing.

You cannot practice after Aug. 1 if you failed to renew your license, and it will be considered expired. If you work with an expired license, you’re subject to penalties. 

12. How can I get my license active again?

 If you fail to renew by Aug. 1 of your license expiration year, you must apply for licensure reinstatement through the online portal. The RN/LPN reinstatement fee is $150.  

Still have questions?

The Arizona Board of Nursing can be contacted at (602) 771-7800, online, via email, or at the following location”:

1740 West Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Enroll for an Arizona nursing license renewal bundle today! 

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