Georgia RN License Renewal Guide

Georgia Board of Nursing Continuing Education Requirements for RNs

All registered nurses will be required to complete continuing education/competency requirements as a condition of licensure renewal, effective as of January 31, 2016. Georgia law provides RNs with these five options to choose from in order to satisfy the continuing competency requirements. Unlike some states, Georgia does not have any specific mandatory courses.

1. Complete 30 continuing education hours. Submit transcript or certificates of completion documenting 30 continuing education hours by a Board approved provider. Continuing education hours must be completed during the biennial renewal period. Transcripts and certificates need to include the provider’s approval or accreditation information and the number of contact hours awarded.

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2. Maintenance of certification by a national certifying body. Another continuing education requirement option is maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board. Submit evidence of recertification completed during the biennial renewal period. For a complete list of Board approved certifying bodies, visit www.sos.ga.gov/plb/nursing, click on “Laws, Rules and Policies” and view Rule 410- 11-.12.
3. Completion of an accredited academic nursing program. Completion of an accredited academic program of study in nursing or a related field as recognized by the Board. Course of study must be a minimum of two credit hours. Acceptable areas of study include respiratory therapy, informatics, health care administration and business administration. Submit transcripts showing completion of courses during the biennial renewal period. Be sure to include course descriptions.
4. Verification of competency at a facility with 500 hours worked. Verification of competency by a health care facility or entity licensed under O.C.G.A. §31-7 or by a physician’s office that is part of a health system and at least 500 hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board. To document this requirement option, have your employer complete and submit the verification of competence/active practice form. You can find more details about this option here.
5. Completion of a board reentry program or nursing education program. Completion of a Board approved reentry program or graduation from a nursing education program. Submit documentation showing completion of a Board approved reentry program or graduation from an approved nursing education program within the biennial renewal period.

How to Find an Accredited CE Provider

Please note, Georgia Board of Nursing does not actually approve individual CE providers. Instead, the Board provides a list of accepted CE providers, including American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Certification (ANCC).

Activities the Board does NOT accept as continuing education include:

• Offerings designed for lay persons
• Offerings less than 30 minutes in duration
• On-the-job orientation
• On-the-job training related to new policies, procedures or equipment
• Other educational activities not sufficiently professional in character to reasonably qualify as continuing education.

For more information on CE providers accepted by the Georgia Board of Nursing, click here. Visit the Georgia Board of Nursing website for more information on Georgia’s continuing education requirements for RNs. Still have questions? Visit the Board’s FAQ page here.