2026 North Carolina Nurse Practitioner License Renewal Guide | Renew Now CE

Is your 2026 North Carolina RN or LPN license renewal deadline causing you stress? Between balancing shifts, patient care, and your personal life, finding the time to complete your continuing education can feel overwhelming. Imagine meeting 100% of your CE requirements with one simple, board-approved package designed to make your renewal effortless and worry-free.

Renew Now CE offers the perfect solution: a 30-hour package tailored for North Carolina nurses, fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. For only $49.00, you can satisfy your entire renewal obligation with relevant, engaging courses. Join thousands of your peers who trust our platform for instant certificate access and a seamless renewal experience.

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📋 North Carolina RN & LPN Renewal Quick Facts

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know for your 2026 renewal.

  • Renewal Frequency: Your North Carolina RN or LPN license is renewed every two years.
  • Total CE Hours: 30 contact hours of continuing education are required.
  • Renewal Deadline: The deadline is the last day of your birth month.
  • State Renewal Fee: The biennial renewal fee is $100 for both RNs and LPNs.
  • First-Time Renewal: CE is required starting with your first renewal after initial licensure. There are no exemptions.

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📚 A Deep Dive into North Carolina’s CE Requirements

How many CE hours do North Carolina RNs and LPNs need?

For your 2026 renewal cycle, the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) requires you to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. This is a mandatory component of the continuing competence requirement needed to maintain an active nursing license in the state. Our package provides exactly 30 hours, ensuring you meet this requirement perfectly.

What subjects are approved for CE in North Carolina?

The NCBON requires that your continuing education activities be provided by a board-approved provider. The courses should enhance your nursing knowledge, skills, and professional development. All courses offered by Renew Now CE are approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and CE Broker (Provider #50-18921), guaranteeing their acceptance by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

What does the Renew Now CE North Carolina package include?

Our all-inclusive $49.00 package provides the full 30 contact hours you need, covering timely and critical topics for your nursing practice. You get immediate access to these five courses:

Cannabis
Ketamine, Esketamine and Treatment-Resistant Depression
Opioids
Pharmacology 10 hours – Common Primary Care and Med-Surg Medications
The Obesity Epidemic and Nutrition


These courses are designed to be practical and directly applicable to your daily work, helping you provide the best possible patient care.

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💰 Costs and Timeline for Your 2026 Renewal

What is the total cost of renewing my RN or LPN license?

Planning for your renewal helps you budget and avoid last-minute financial stress. Here is a clear breakdown of the investment:

License Renewal Fee: $100.00 paid directly to the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Continuing Education Costs: The cost of CE can add up quickly. Purchasing 30 hours of CE one course at a time could easily cost over $200 from other providers.

Our package offers unbeatable value. For just $49.00, you satisfy your entire 30-hour CE requirement. This saves you significant money and the hassle of searching for multiple approved courses.

What is the recommended timeline for completion?

You can begin your online renewal through the NCBON’s “Nurse Gateway” portal up to 90 days before your license expires. We strongly recommend completing your CE at least 30-60 days before your birth month deadline. This gives you a comfortable buffer to handle any potential issues, ensures you aren’t rushed, and lets you submit your renewal to the state well ahead of schedule.

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🔍 Your Step-by-Step Guide to the NC Renewal Process

What is the pre-renewal checklist for RNs and LPNs?

Before logging in to the state’s portal, make sure you have the following items ready for a smooth renewal:

  • CE Certificates: Have your 30 hours of CE completion certificates downloaded and saved.
  • License Number: Know your North Carolina RN or LPN license number.
  • Login Information: Have your username and password for the NCBON Nurse Gateway.
  • Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card will be needed to pay the renewal fee.

How do I renew my license online?

The entire renewal process is handled online through the NCBON Nurse Gateway.

  1. Log in to your Nurse Gateway account.
  2. Select the “Renewal/Reinstatement” option.
  3. Carefully complete the renewal application, attesting that you have met all continuing competence requirements.
  4. Pay the $100 renewal fee online.
  5. Save and print a copy of your confirmation receipt for your personal records.

What are the record-keeping requirements?

The North Carolina Board of Nursing requires you to keep documentation of your completed CE for at least five years. This means you must save your certificates of completion. If you are randomly selected for an audit, you must be able to provide this proof. Our platform makes it easy, giving you instant, downloadable certificates that you can store securely.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Renewal

What happens if I wait until the last minute?

Procrastination is the biggest risk in license renewal. Waiting until the final few days of your birth month can lead to major problems, including website crashes from high traffic, payment processing errors, and the simple stress of rushing. If you fail to renew on time, your license immediately expires, and you cannot legally work as a nurse in North Carolina until it is reinstated.

Can I take CE courses from any provider?

No. A frequent and serious mistake is taking courses from a provider that is not approved by the NCBON. If your CE is rejected during an audit, you could face disciplinary action. Our courses are fully approved by the ANCC and CE Broker (Provider P0557), giving you the peace of mind that your hours will be accepted without question.

Why is proper record-keeping so important?

Failing to save your CE certificates is a preventable error with serious consequences. The NCBON conducts random audits to ensure compliance. If you cannot produce documentation for your 30 hours, you may face fines or other penalties. Using Renew Now CE ensures you get clear, professional certificates immediately upon course completion.


💼 The Professional Value of Quality Continuing Education

How does continuing education advance my career?

Completing your CE is more than just checking a box; it’s a direct investment in your professional growth. Engaging with relevant topics like new pharmacology trends and public health issues keeps your skills sharp and demonstrates a commitment to excellence. This dedication makes you a more valuable employee and can lead to new opportunities, promotions, and greater job satisfaction.

How does completing CE benefit my patients?

The heart of nursing is patient care, and continuing education is essential for maintaining the highest standards. By staying informed on the latest evidence-based practices and treatment options, you directly improve patient safety and outcomes. Your commitment to learning ensures the individuals and communities you care for receive the best, most current nursing care possible.

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🏥 Special Situations and FAQs

What if this is my first time renewing my RN or LPN license?

In North Carolina, you must meet the full 30-hour CE requirement starting with your very first renewal cycle. There are no exemptions for newly licensed nurses.

What if I have a multi-state license?

If you hold a multi-state license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and North Carolina is your primary state of residence, you must comply with all North Carolina renewal requirements, including the 30 hours of CE.

Are there CE extensions for military deployment?

Yes. Under state law (G.S. 93B-15), nurses serving in the armed forces may qualify for an extension to complete their CE. You must contact the NCBON directly to inquire about the specific process and required documentation.

What should I do if I am audited?

If the NCBON selects you for an audit, you will be formally notified and asked to provide copies of your CE completion certificates. With our platform, you can easily download your certificates, which contain all the necessary information (provider name, approval number, hours, etc.) to satisfy the audit.

What if I renew late?

If you miss your renewal deadline, your license will become expired. It is illegal to practice nursing in North Carolina on an expired license. You will be required to go through the reinstatement process, which involves extra paperwork and fees.


🎯 Your Final Checklist for a Successful Renewal

Make your 2026 North Carolina RN or LPN renewal the easiest one yet. Our all-in-one package is the smart, simple, and affordable way to get it done.

  • NC Board-Approved: Renew Now CE is an ANCC accredited provider
  • 30 Contact Hours: Fulfills your entire CE requirement in one package.
  • Unbeatable Value: Just $49.00 for everything you need.
  • Instant Certificates: Download your proof of completion immediately.
  • Relevant & Engaging Topics: Sharpen your skills and improve patient care.

🎯 Secure Your NC RN/LPN CE Package – $49.00 →


  • Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is based on North Carolina Board of Nursing regulations as of late 2025. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the NCBON before your renewal date.