Last reviewed: July 2026
New Jersey advanced practice nurses (APNs) renewing a nursing license that expires May 31, 2027 generally must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education during the two-year period preceding renewal. For the 2027 renewal, that means completing the required CE between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2027.
APNs must also account for required prescription opioid education, end-of-life care, applicable organ and tissue donation education, and pharmacology education. APNs who qualify to practice independently under New Jersey’s March 30, 2026 APN Law have additional pharmacology requirements related to controlled substances and independent practice.
New Jersey APN CE Requirements: Quick Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Profession: Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
- Renewal year: 2027
- License expiration date: May 31, 2027
- CE completion window: June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027
- General CE requirement: 30 contact hours
- Renewal cycle: Biennial
- Prescription opioid education: 1 contact hour
- End-of-life care: 2 contact hours for APNs
- Organ and tissue donation: 1 contact hour when the one-time requirement applies
- Independent-practice APN pharmacology: 14 continuing education hours in pharmacology related to controlled substances, plus other existing pharmacology requirements and 10 pharmacology continuing education hours each biennial period
- Online CE: Permitted
- Certificate retention: The Board recommends keeping CE certificates for at least five years
Complete the New Jersey RN & NP 30-Hour CE Package
How Many CE Hours Do New Jersey Advanced Practice Nurses Need for 2027?
The New Jersey Board of Nursing requires each licensee to complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education during the two-year period preceding renewal.
For a nursing license expiring May 31, 2027, the applicable CE period is June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027.
For an advanced practice nurse, however, simply completing 30 hours of general nursing CE may not address every applicable requirement. APNs must also review mandatory CE topics and pharmacology requirements based on prescriptive authority and whether they qualify to practice independently under New Jersey law.
New Jersey APN Mandatory CE Topics for 2027
1-Hour Prescription Opioid Education Requirement
As a condition of biennial nursing license renewal, New Jersey requires registered professional nurses to complete 1 contact hour of continuing education concerning prescription opioid drugs.
The required education includes:
- Alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain
- Risks and signs of opioid abuse
- Addiction
- Diversion
The Renew Now CE New Jersey Nursing License Renewal Package includes a 6-contact-hour Opioids course with 6 pharmacology hours. The course provides opioid-focused pharmacology education while contributing toward the package’s total contact hours.
2 Hours of End-of-Life Care for New Jersey APNs
New Jersey advanced practice nurses must complete 2 contact hours related to end-of-life care during the applicable renewal period.
The package includes the New Jersey End-of-Life Care CE course, which provides 2 contact hours covering end-of-life nursing topics.
These hours contribute toward the overall CE total while addressing the APN end-of-life care topic requirement.
1-Hour Organ and Tissue Donation Education
New Jersey has a one-time organ and tissue donation education requirement for nurses who did not receive the required instruction as part of their nursing education.
The package includes a 1-contact-hour New Jersey Organ Donation course.
If you received equivalent organ and tissue donation education during nursing school or previously completed the applicable one-time requirement, verify whether you need to repeat this course.
What Are the New Jersey APN Controlled-Substance Pharmacology Requirements?
Pharmacology requirements are especially important for New Jersey advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority.
Existing New Jersey requirements include controlled dangerous substance pharmacology education addressing topics such as:
- Pharmacologic therapy
- Addiction prevention and management
- Prescription opioids
- Responsible opioid prescribing
- Alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain
- Risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion
The Renew Now CE package includes multiple pharmacology-designated courses addressing opioids, medications with potential for misuse, pain management, and other pharmacology topics.
New for 2026: Independent Practice for Certain New Jersey APNs
On March 30, 2026, New Jersey enacted a new law allowing certain experienced advanced practice nurses (APNs) to practice independently without a joint protocol for prescriptive authority. The law went into effect on April 2, 2026.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing refers to this law as the “March 30 APN Law.”
Under current Board guidance, the independent-practice pathway applies to qualifying APNs authorized to practice advanced practice nursing within a population focus of:
- Family or individual across the lifespan
- Adult gerontology
- Pediatrics
- Women’s health
- Behavioral health
Among other conditions, the APN generally must have 5,000 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in a role with the applicable population and must be providing primary or behavioral health care.
The law does not apply in the same way to every APN. The Board specifically identifies limitations involving general obstetrics and elective aesthetic or cosmetic services.
Pharmacology CE for New Jersey APNs Practicing Independently
The New Jersey Board of Nursing states that the March 30 APN Law includes the following pharmacology education requirements for independent practice:
- 14 continuing education hours in pharmacology related to controlled substances, including pharmacologic therapy and addiction prevention and management
- The 14 hours are in addition to any other existing pharmacology education requirements for advanced practice nursing
- 10 pharmacology continuing education hours each biennial period
The Board has stated that it will issue rules to effectuate the March 30 APN Law.
This distinction matters for the 2027 renewal period. An APN who qualifies for and relies on the new independent-practice pathway should review the additional pharmacology requirements rather than assuming the same requirements apply as under a joint protocol.
How the New Jersey RN & NP CE Package Covers APN Pharmacology Topics
The Renew Now CE New Jersey Nursing License Renewal – 30-Hour Total Compliance CE Package (RN & NP)includes 34 contact hours and 16 pharmacology hours.
The package’s pharmacology-designated courses include:
- Opioids — 6 contact hours / 6 pharmacology hours
- Medications with Potential for Misuse — 6 contact hours / 6 pharmacology hours
- Pain and Pain Symptom Management — 2 contact hours / 2 pharmacology hours
- Heart Failure Management — 6 contact hours / 2 pharmacology hours
That provides 16 total pharmacology hours within the package.
14 Hours Focused on Controlled Substances and Related Pharmacology
Three included courses provide a combined 14 pharmacology hours focused on opioids, medications with misuse potential, pain management, controlled-substance-related risks, and pharmacologic therapy:
- Opioids — 6 pharmacology hours
- Medications with Potential for Misuse — 6 pharmacology hours
- Pain and Pain Symptom Management — 2 pharmacology hours
Total: 14 pharmacology hours
The package also includes 2 additional pharmacology hours through Heart Failure Management, bringing the package total to 16 pharmacology hours.
For APNs practicing under the existing prescriptive-authority framework, the package includes controlled-substance and opioid pharmacology education along with the other New Jersey mandatory CE topics included in the package.
For APNs who qualify to practice independently under the March 30 APN Law, the package includes 14 pharmacology hours focused on controlled substances and related pharmacologic therapy plus 2 additional pharmacology hours.
Because the New Jersey Board of Nursing has stated that implementing rules will be issued for the March 30 APN Law, independently practicing APNs should verify current Board guidance concerning how completed pharmacology coursework is applied to the new independent-practice requirements.
Regular APN vs. Independent-Practice APN: Why the Difference Matters
Not every New Jersey advanced practice nurse has the same pharmacology education requirements.
APNs Practicing Under a Joint Protocol or Existing Prescriptive-Authority Framework
These APNs should review the existing controlled dangerous substance pharmacology and mandatory nursing CE requirements that apply to their license and prescriptive authority.
The Renew Now CE package includes:
- Prescription opioid education
- Controlled-substance pharmacology coursework
- Medications with potential for misuse
- Pain management pharmacology
- 2 hours of end-of-life care
- Organ and tissue donation education when applicable
- Additional clinical CE toward the 30-contact-hour requirement
APNs Qualifying for Independent Practice
APNs who meet the March 30 APN Law’s independent-practice requirements must account for the law’s additional pharmacology education provisions.
The package includes:
- 14 pharmacology hours focused on controlled substances and related pharmacologic therapy
- 16 total pharmacology hours
- Opioid education
- Pain-management pharmacology
- Medication-misuse education
- 2 hours of end-of-life care
- Organ and tissue donation education when applicable
- Additional clinical CE toward the 30-contact-hour biennial requirement
Independent-practice APNs should confirm current Board rules and guidance before renewal because the Board has stated that additional implementing rules will be issued.
New Jersey APNs Also Have Underlying Nursing Renewal Requirements
New Jersey uses the professional designation advanced practice nurse (APN). The Board certifies advanced practice nurses and licenses registered professional nurses.
That means an APN should not look only at advanced-practice pharmacology requirements when preparing for renewal.
The underlying nursing continuing education requirements and applicable mandatory topics also matter.
The Renew Now CE package combines:
- Prescription opioid education
- Organ and tissue donation education when applicable
- End-of-life care for APNs
- Controlled-substance-related pharmacology
- Additional pharmacology hours
- Implicit bias education for applicable perinatal providers
- Additional nursing CE toward the 30-contact-hour total
Do I Need to Complete Every Course in the Package?
Not necessarily.
The package includes 34 contact hours, while New Jersey generally requires a minimum of 30 contact hours during the two-year period preceding renewal.
Complete the courses that apply to your license, APN certification, prescriptive authority, practice status, and practice setting.
For example, organ and tissue donation education is a one-time requirement when applicable. Implicit bias education applies to healthcare professionals providing perinatal treatment and care to pregnant persons.
APNs practicing independently should pay particular attention to the pharmacology-designated courses included in the package.
How to Complete Your New Jersey APN CE Online
- Confirm that your nursing license expires May 31, 2027.
- Complete applicable CE during the June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027 renewal period.
- Determine whether you practice under a joint protocol or qualify for independent practice under the March 30 APN Law.
- Review the pharmacology education requirements that apply to your practice status.
- Enroll in the New Jersey RN & NP CE package.
- Complete the mandatory topic courses that apply to you.
- Complete the applicable pharmacology-designated courses.
- Complete enough applicable coursework to satisfy your CE requirements.
- Download your certificate after successful completion of each course.
- Retain your CE certificates with your renewal records.
The New Jersey Board of Nursing permits continuing education contact hours to be obtained through successful completion of online courses.
Keep Your CE Certificates for at Least Five Years
The New Jersey Board of Nursing recommends retaining continuing education certificates for at least five years.
The Board may request copies of CE certificates during a random continuing education audit or disciplinary investigation.
Renew Now CE provides an instant certificate after course completion for your renewal records. Download and retain your certificates after completing each applicable course.
Common New Jersey APN Renewal Mistakes
Completing 30 Hours Without Checking Mandatory Topics
Thirty contact hours is the general biennial CE requirement, but APNs must also review applicable opioid, end-of-life, organ donation, and pharmacology requirements.
Using “NP” Requirements From Another State
New Jersey’s Board uses the designation advanced practice nurse (APN). Review New Jersey APN requirements rather than assuming another state’s nurse practitioner or APRN rules apply.
Assuming Every APN Has the Same Pharmacology Requirement
Independent-practice status, prescriptive authority, and other APN practice factors can affect applicable pharmacology requirements.
Missing the New March 30 APN Law
Certain experienced APNs may now qualify to practice independently without a joint protocol for prescriptive authority. The law includes additional pharmacology education requirements.
Confusing License Renewal With National Certification Renewal
New Jersey nursing license renewal and national certification renewal are separate processes. Confirm the requirements of your national certifying organization independently.
Not Keeping CE Certificates
Download and retain your continuing education certificates for at least five years, as recommended by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do New Jersey advanced practice nurses need for 2027 renewal?
New Jersey licensees generally must complete a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education during the two-year period preceding renewal. For a license expiring May 31, 2027, the applicable CE period is June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027.
What does New Jersey call nurse practitioners?
The New Jersey Board of Nursing uses the designation advanced practice nurse (APN). The Board certifies advanced practice nurses.
Do New Jersey APNs need opioid CE?
Yes. As a condition of biennial nursing license renewal, registered professional nurses must complete 1 contact hour concerning prescription opioid drugs, including alternatives to opioids for managing and treating pain and the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion.
Do New Jersey APNs need end-of-life CE?
New Jersey APNs must complete 2 contact hours related to end-of-life care during the applicable renewal period.
What is the March 30 APN Law?
The March 30 APN Law is New Jersey’s 2026 law allowing certain experienced advanced practice nurses to practice independently without a joint protocol for prescriptive authority when the statutory requirements are met. The law went into effect April 2, 2026.
How many pharmacology hours do independent New Jersey APNs need?
The New Jersey Board of Nursing states that the independent-practice pharmacology requirements include 14 continuing education hours in pharmacology related to controlled substances, including pharmacologic therapy and addiction prevention and management, in addition to other existing pharmacology education requirements for advanced practice nursing, and 10 pharmacology continuing education hours each biennial period.
Does the Renew Now CE package include 14 controlled-substance-related pharmacology hours?
The package includes 14 pharmacology hours focused on opioids, medications with potential for misuse, pain management, controlled-substance-related risks, and related pharmacologic therapy. The package includes 16 total pharmacology hours.
Does the package work for APNs who are not practicing independently?
The package includes controlled-substance pharmacology, opioid education, end-of-life care, applicable organ and tissue donation education, and additional CE toward the 30-contact-hour renewal requirement. APNs should complete the courses that apply to their prescriptive authority and practice status.
Does the package work for independent-practice APNs?
The package includes 14 pharmacology hours focused on controlled substances and related pharmacologic therapy and 16 total pharmacology hours. Because the Board has stated that it will issue rules to implement the March 30 APN Law, independently practicing APNs should verify current Board guidance concerning application of completed pharmacology coursework to the new requirements.
Can I complete New Jersey APN CE online?
Yes. The New Jersey Board of Nursing permits continuing education contact hours to be obtained through successful completion of online courses.
How long should I keep my CE certificates?
The New Jersey Board of Nursing recommends retaining continuing education certificates for at least five years.
2027 New Jersey APN Renewal Checklist
Before renewing, confirm that you have:
- Completed applicable CE between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2027
- Completed at least 30 required contact hours
- Completed the required prescription opioid education
- Completed 2 hours of end-of-life care
- Completed organ and tissue donation education if the one-time requirement applies
- Completed implicit bias education if it applies to your perinatal practice
- Verified the pharmacology requirements applicable to your APN status
- Determined whether the March 30 APN Law applies to your practice
- Completed applicable controlled-substance pharmacology education
- Maintained required national certification
- Downloaded and retained your CE certificates
View the New Jersey RN & NP 30-Hour CE Package
This article summarizes current renewal requirements for informational purposes only. Requirements may change. Always verify current rules with the relevant licensing board or certification organization before renewing.