West Virginia RNs and LPNs now operate on a two-year licensing cycle, requiring 12 contact hours of continuing education per period. With the current cycle expiring on June 30, 2026, understanding the recent rule changes—including the new drug diversion training requirements—is essential.
If you’re looking to renew your West Virginia nursing license, here’s a quick summary of what you need. Click below to download your West Virginia nursing CE checklist.
Download your West Virginia Nursing CE Checklist here
What do I need to renew my LPN license in West Virginia?
LPNs in West Virginia must complete twenty-four (24) hours of approved CE every two years. This includes 5 mandatory and 19 elective hours.
Mandatory subjects:
- Substance Abuse – 3 hours
- This is a recurring requirement. Effective with the reporting period ending in 2014, each licensee must have completed at least three (3) contact hours in the topic of substance abuse to renew the LPN license. This must be completed during each subsequent reporting period.
- Mental Health Conditions Common to Veterans and Veteran Family Members – 2 hours.
- This is a recurring requirement. Effective with the reporting period ending in 2018, each licensee must have completed at least two (2) contact hours in the topic of mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans to renew the LPN license. This must be completed during each subsequent reporting period.
- End-of-Life Care – 2 hours
- This is a one-time requirement. In 2004, the West Virginia Legislature changed a previous law regarding the requirement for two (2) contact hours in end-of-life care including pain management. Effective July 1, 2005, this is a one-time requirement. Therefore, those who reported end of life CE for renewal in 2004 will not be required to complete it again. Those new licensees, individuals reinstating licenses, etc., will be required to report it with their CE during their first renewal in which CE reporting is required or at the time of reinstatement.
Subject limitations:
The following activities are not acceptable for continuing education credit:
- Job related clinical practice
- Development and presentation of programs as part of the licensees on-going job responsibilities
- Orientation and update of policies and procedures specific to the licensee’s employing facility
- Activities which are part of a licensee’s usual job responsibility
Explore West Virginia nursing CE courses
What do I need to renew my RN license in West Virginia?
RNs in West Virginia must complete twelve (12) hours of approved CE every two years.
Update – New License Expiration Date and Deadlines
- HB 4110 took effect in May of 2024 and directs the RN Board to change their license expiration and renewal end dates to June 30. As a result:
- This year: When you renew your RN license, it will expire on June 30, 2026.
- Future renewals: Starting in 2026, renewals will begin on May 1 and end on June 30, with renewed licenses expiring on June 30, 2028.
Additional requirement for RNs prescribing, administering, or dispensing controlled substances:
- Drug Diversion and Safe Prescribing Practices – 3 contact hours within 1 year of initial licensure
What do I need to renew my APN license in West Virginia?
APNs in West Virginia must complete twenty-four (24) hours of approved CE every two years.
Mandatory Subjects:
- Pharmacotherapeutics – 12 contact hours every 2-year renewal period; 8 contact hours may be used for renewal/reinstatement of Limited Prescriptive Authority.
- Clinical Management of Patients – 12 contact hours every 2-year renewal period.
Additional requirements for APNs pursuant to WV Code 30-1-7a:
- Drug Diversion and Safe Prescribing Practices – complete 3 contact hours initially of CE for drug diversion training, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances training and training on prescribing and administration of an opioid antagonist if they prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances, within one year of receiving his or her initial license from the Board.
Frequently Asked Questions About WV CE Changes
Q: What are the new renewal cycle dates for WV RNs?
RN licenses now renew every two years on even years. The current cycle will expire on June 30, 2026.
Q: What are the new renewal cycle dates for WV LPNs?
LPN licenses also renew every two years on even years. The current cycle will expire on June 30, 2026.
Q: How many total contact hours do I need?
- RNs: 12 contact hours for each 2-year reporting period.
Newly licensed RNs must complete 3 contact hours in drug diversion, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances, and prescribing/administering an opioid antagonist within one year of initial licensure.
- LPNs: 24 contact hours, 3 hours in substance abuse/drug diversion, and 2 hours in mental health for veterans and their families.
- New nurses or nurses new to West Virginia must also complete a one-time 2-hour course in end-of-life care with pain management.
Q: What is the new drug diversion requirement?
If you prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances, you must complete a one-time, 3-hour CE course in drug diversion, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances, and prescribing/administering an opioid antagonist within your first year of licensure. This applies to both RNs and APNs.
Q: Are there any exemptions for new LPNs?
Yes! LPNs who obtain a license for the first time in West Virginia during the second twelve (12) months of any twenty-four (24) month reporting period are exempt from the continuing education requirements for the entire reporting period.
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Important Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure that he or she is meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation accredits Colibri Healthcare, LLC as a provider of nursing continuing professional development. Nursing boards in all states requiring continuing education (CE) accept courses offered by ANCC accredited providers.
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses – (provider #50-4007). Colibri Healthcare, LLC submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful course completion.
