Alaska Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements

Alaska registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Alaska Board of Nursing, under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Alaska is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	Alaska Board of Nursing
Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years (biennial, even-numbered years)
Renewal Deadline	November 30 of even-numbered years
Compact State (NLC)	No
Online Renewal	Yes — MyAlaska / MY LICENSE portal

Continuing Competency Requirements

Alaska uses a continuing competency model rather than a simple CE-hours model. RNs and LPNs must complete two of the following four methods during each 2-year renewal period:

1. 30 contact hours of continuing education from an approved provider (ANCC, ANA, AMA, or advanced practice certifying body accredited programs)
2. 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities (volunteering, committee work, mentoring, etc.)
3. 320 hours of employment as an RN or LPN during the renewal period
4. Alternative methods: Completion of a Board-approved nursing refresher course, attainment of a degree or certificate in nursing beyond original licensure requirements (minimum 6 academic credits), or passing the NCLEX exam

CE-Specific Rules

• At least 20 of the 30 contact hours must be from an accredited continuing education program (ANCC, ACPE with "P" designation, or similar)
• CPR and BLS courses do not count. ACLS, PALS, and other advanced courses are accepted for RNs.
• 1 contact hour = 50 minutes of organized instruction
• Academic credit conversion: Available per Board guidelines

APRN Requirements

• 30 contact hours including 15 hours on advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy (for prescriptive authority)
• Current national certification required
• 2 contact hours in pain management and opioid use/addiction (if holding current DEA registration and controlled substance authority)

Alaska-Specific Notes

• No grace period. If you don't renew by November 30 of the even year, your license lapses and you cannot practice.
• Random audits: The Board conducts random audits. If audited, you have 30 days to submit proof of competency completion.
• New licensees: If your original license was issued on or after December 1 of an odd-numbered year (the year before renewal), you are exempt from continuing competency requirements for the first renewal only.
• Prorated fees: If you received your license within 12 months of the expiration date, you pay half the renewal fee at first renewal.
• Renewal window: Renewals can be submitted approximately 2 months before expiration.

How to Renew

1. Complete two of the four continuing competency methods during the renewal period
2. Log in to your MyAlaska account at the MY LICENSE portal
3. Select "Renew License" and complete the renewal forms
4. Pay the renewal fee online
5. Retain competency documentation for at least 4 years in case of audit

Fees

Fee Type	Amount
RN Renewal	Check Board website for current fees
Prorated First Renewal	Half of standard fee (if licensed within 12 months of expiration)

Contact Information

Alaska Board of Nursing

• Website: commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing/boardofnursing
• Email: BoardofNursing@Alaska.gov
• Phone: (907) 269-8160
• Records and Licensing Supervisor: (907) 269-8892
• Address: 550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567

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This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Alaska Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.

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