Nursing (RN)AL
Alabama Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
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Alabama Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Alabama registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN). Alabama is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses with multistate licenses to practice across participating states.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Deadline | December 31 of expiration year |
| CE Hours Required | 24 contact hours per renewal period |
| Renewal Fee | Check ABN website for current fees |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes |
| Online Renewal | Yes — ABN Licensee Portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN
- Total CE Hours: 24 contact hours every 2 years
- Mandatory Course (one-time): 4 contact hours of Board-provided CE covering Board functions, Nurse Practice Act, regulations, professional conduct, and accountability. This is required for newly licensed nurses (by exam or endorsement) and is available free from the ABN website.
- No specific topic requirements beyond the one-time mandatory course
- CE must be practice-focused and from an approved provider
APRN (Advanced Practice)
- 24 contact hours of general CE (same as RN)
- CRNPs and CNMs: Must complete a three-module ABN-provided course on collaborative practice, approval process, and protocols (effective January 1, 2024)
- QACSC holders (prescriptive authority): Must complete 4 AMA PRA Category 1 hours on prescribing controlled substances every 2 years. QACSC is renewed annually by January 1.
Alabama-Specific Notes
- Nurse Licensure Compact: Alabama is an NLC member. If your primary state of residence is Alabama, you may be eligible for a multistate license. If your primary residence is another compact state, you may practice in Alabama on your home state's multistate license without obtaining a separate Alabama license.
- If you fail to renew by December 31: Your license lapses and you cannot legally practice. There is no grace period.
- Random CE audits: The ABN conducts random audits. Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years.
- CPR/BLS courses do not count toward CE requirements.
- New licensees: If licensed on or after December 1 of the year prior to renewal, you may be exempt from CE for the first renewal period (except the mandatory 4-hour ABN course).
How to Renew
- Complete 24 contact hours of approved CE during the renewal period
- Complete the one-time mandatory ABN course (if not already done)
- Log in to the ABN Licensee Portal
- Complete the online renewal application
- Pay the renewal fee
- Retain CE documentation for audit purposes
Contact Information
Alabama Board of Nursing
- Website: abn.alabama.gov
- Renewal Info: abn.alabama.gov/licensing/renewal
- Phone: (334) 293-5200 or (800) 656-5318
- Address: 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 250, Montgomery, AL 36104
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Alabama Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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