Last reviewed: July 2026
If you’re renewing a Texas nursing license on or after September 1, 2026, the answer is yes. Under Texas Senate Bill (SB) 912, nurses must upload their continuing education (CE) certificates through the Texas Nurse Portal before completing license renewal. While the submission process has changed, Texas continuing education requirements themselves have not changed. You must still complete the CE that applies to your license and practice before renewing.
Texas SB 912: Quick Facts
- State: Texas
- Effective date: September 1, 2026
- Who is affected: Texas nurses renewing their licenses
- What’s new: CE certificates must be uploaded through the Texas Nurse Portal before renewal
- Did the CE requirements change? No. Existing continuing education requirements remain in effect.
- Renewal schedule: Based on your birth month
Need to complete your Texas nursing CE before renewing?
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What Is Texas SB 912?
Texas Senate Bill 912 changes how nurses document continuing education for license renewal.
Previously, nurses generally certified that they had completed the required continuing education and retained certificates in case they were selected for an audit.
Beginning with renewals on or after September 1, 2026, nurses must upload their continuing education certificates through the Texas Nurse Portal as part of the renewal process.
Importantly, the Texas Board of Nursing has stated that SB 912 does not change the underlying continuing education requirements. Nurses must still complete the education required for their license type and practice area.
What Changed Under SB 912?
Before September 1, 2026
Most Texas nurses:
- Completed their required continuing education
- Kept certificates with their records
- Certified compliance during license renewal
- Submitted certificates only if requested during an audit
Beginning September 1, 2026
Texas nurses renewing their licenses must:
- Complete the required continuing education
- Download and save their certificates
- Upload CE certificates through the Texas Nurse Portal
- Complete the renewal process using the new documentation requirements
The biggest change is how continuing education is documented, not the number of required CE hours.
What Didn’t Change?
SB 912 did not create new continuing education requirements for Texas nurses.
You are still responsible for completing the continuing education required for your:
- License type
- Practice area
- Renewal cycle
- Mandatory Texas CE topics, when applicable
The Texas Board of Nursing has emphasized that SB 912 changes the submission process rather than the continuing education requirements themselves.
Why Your CE Certificates Matter More Than Ever
Because certificates must now be uploaded before renewal, it’s important to:
- Complete all required continuing education before renewing
- Download each certificate after successful course completion
- Save copies for your records
- Have your certificates available when accessing the Texas Nurse Portal
Waiting until the last minute to locate certificates could delay your renewal.
Complete Your Texas Nursing CE Before You Renew
Renew Now CE offers a Texas Nursing License Renewal CE Package designed to help Texas nurses complete their required continuing education online.
The package includes:
- Texas-required continuing education topics included in the package
- Fully online, self-paced courses
- Instant certificates after successful course completion
- Mobile-friendly access
With SB 912 requiring certificate uploads during renewal, having your certificates available immediately after completing your courses can simplify the renewal process.
View the Texas Nursing License Renewal CE Package
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Texas nurses have to upload CE certificates?
Yes. Beginning with renewals on or after September 1, 2026, Texas nurses must upload continuing education certificates through the Texas Nurse Portal as part of the renewal process.
Did SB 912 change the number of CE hours I need?
No. The Texas Board of Nursing states that SB 912 changes the documentation and submission process, not the underlying continuing education requirements.
Do I still need to keep my CE certificates?
Yes. Download and retain your certificates after completing each course. You’ll need them for the Texas Nurse Portal upload process and should also keep copies for your records.
Can I complete Texas nursing CE online?
Yes. Texas nurses may complete qualifying continuing education through approved online providers.
Does the Renew Now CE package provide certificates?
Yes. Renew Now CE provides an instant certificate after successful completion of each course, allowing you to download and save your documentation for renewal.
Final Checklist Before Renewing
Before renewing your Texas nursing license:
- Complete all continuing education required for your license
- Download every CE certificate after successful course completion
- Save your certificates in an easily accessible location
- Upload your CE certificates through the Texas Nurse Portal when renewing
- Submit your renewal before your license expiration date
Preparing your continuing education documentation in advance can help make the new SB 912 renewal process smoother.
This article summarizes current Texas nursing renewal requirements for informational purposes only. Requirements may change. Always verify current renewal requirements with the Texas Board of Nursing before renewing your license.