Vermont RN and LPN Continuing Competency
Vermont RNs and LPNs must demonstrate continuing competency when renewing their licenses. Nurses may qualify through recent nursing practice, continuing education, or current national certification.
C-E-U.com can support Vermont nurses who choose the continuing education pathway. Vermont allows RNs and LPNs to satisfy renewal competency by completing 20 hours of qualifying continuing education during the two years immediately preceding renewal.
Vermont Nursing Continuing Competency Requirements at a Glance
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | |
|---|---|---|
| General CE Requirement | No fixed CE requirement if another competency pathway is used | No fixed CE requirement if another competency pathway is used |
| CE-Only Pathway | 20 contact hours in previous 2 years | 20 contact hours in previous 2 years |
| Practice Pathway | 400 hours in previous 2 years or 960 hours in previous 5 years | 400 hours in previous 2 years or 960 hours in previous 5 years |
| Certification Pathway | Current nationally recognized nursing certification | Current nationally recognized nursing certification |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Governing Body | Vermont Office of Professional Regulation | Vermont Office of Professional Regulation |
Vermont RN and LPN Continuing Education Options
RNs and LPNs may satisfy Vermont’s renewal competency requirement through one of the following:
400 hours of nursing practice during the previous 2 years
960 hours of nursing practice during the previous 5 years
20 hours of qualifying continuing education during the previous 2 years
Current nationally recognized nursing certification
Vermont RN and LPN Continuing Education — 20 Contact Hours
C-E-U.com offers self-paced online nursing continuing education that can support Vermont RNs and LPNs who choose the 20-hour CE pathway. Nurses should retain and upload completion documentation as required by Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation during renewal. Vermont’s online renewal system requires licensees in professions with CE requirements to attest to completion and upload course-completion documentation.
Practice-Based Continuing Competency
Nurses who meet Vermont’s recent-practice standard do not need to use the 20-hour CE pathway. A nurse may qualify with at least 400 hours of practice in the preceding two years or 960 hours during the preceding five years.
National Certification Option
A current nationally recognized nursing certification may also satisfy Vermont’s RN/LPN continuing competency requirement, providing another alternative to practice hours or continuing education.
Vermont Nursing Continuing Education References and Resources
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Nursing — Official source for Vermont RN and LPN licensing, renewal, applications, and Board information.
Vermont Nursing Administrative Rules — Official rules governing nursing licensure, renewal, continuing competency, and practice requirements.
Vermont OPR Online Services — Online licensing services for applications, renewals, and account management.
Vermont OPR Online Services FAQs — Guidance on renewal, continuing education documentation, uploads, and other online licensing questions.
Vermont Statutes — Nursing — Vermont statutes governing nursing licensure and professional practice.
Vermont Find a Professional — License Lookup — Official Vermont OPR tool for verifying current or former licensees, including license number, type, status, issue date, and expiration date.
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Main state regulatory agency overseeing nursing and other licensed professions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vermont Nursing Continuing Competency
Vermont nurses may satisfy continuing competency by completing 20 hours of qualifying continuing education during the two years before renewal.
No. Vermont also allows nurses to qualify through recent nursing practice or current national nursing certification.
Yes. Qualifying C-E-U.com nursing courses can be used toward Vermont’s 20-hour continuing education pathway.
Yes. Nurses may qualify with at least 400 hours of nursing practice in the previous two years or 960 hours in the previous five years.
Yes. Qualifying online nursing continuing education may be used toward Vermont’s CE pathway.
No. Vermont does not require routine CE reporting through CE Broker. Nurses should maintain and submit documentation through Vermont’s licensing system as required.
Start Your Continuing Education Today!
Complete online continuing education and training at your own pace. Access practical courses, downloadable certificates, and eligible CE Broker reporting for one year.