Accredited vs. Non-Accredited CE: What Every Nurse Should Know

As a nurse, maintaining your license requires completing continuing education hours on a regular cycle. But not all continuing education courses are created equal. Understanding the difference between accredited and non-accredited CE can save you time, money, and potential headaches when it’s time to renew your license.

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation is a formal recognition process where an authoritative body evaluates and approves continuing education providers based on specific quality standards. For nursing CEUs, accreditation signals that courses meet rigorous educational criteria and will be accepted by state boards of nursing and professional certification organizations.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center is widely recognized as the gold standard for nursing continuing education accreditation. When a provider receives ANCC approval, it means their courses have been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy, relevance, and educational value. These courses are developed using evidence-based literature and current nursing best practices.

State boards of nursing also provide their own approval processes. Each state has unique requirements for license renewal, and courses must meet these specific standards to count toward your renewal hours. Some states accept ANCC-approved courses automatically, while others require separate state approval.

Why Accreditation Matters for Your Career

Choosing accredited CE courses protects your professional investment. When you complete an accredited course, you can trust that those hours will count toward your license renewal requirements. Non-accredited courses may seem appealing due to lower costs or easier content, but they carry significant risks.

State boards of nursing have the authority to reject non-accredited CE hours during the renewal process. If this happens, you may find yourself scrambling to complete additional courses at the last minute. In some cases, nurses have faced delayed renewals or even disciplinary action because they relied on courses that didn’t meet state requirements.

Accredited courses also support your professional development in meaningful ways. These courses are designed by nursing education experts who understand current healthcare challenges and best practices. The content is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and clinical guidelines, ensuring you’re learning information that’s truly relevant to your practice.

How to Identify Accredited Courses

Before enrolling in any continuing education course, take time to verify its accreditation status. Reputable providers clearly display their approvals on their websites and course materials. Look for statements indicating ANCC approval and specific state board approvals.

Check the provider’s website for a list of states where they hold approval. CE Ready, for example, is an ANCC-approved CEU provider, meaning any CEU you complete with CE Ready is already approved and will count toward your requirements, assuming the credits you complete are required for your state.

Be wary of providers who use vague language about their approval status or who claim their courses are “accepted everywhere” without providing specific documentation. Legitimate providers will proudly display their accreditation credentials and provide clear information about which states and certification bodies recognize their courses.

State-Specific Requirements

Each state has unique continuing education requirements for license renewal. These requirements vary not only in the total number of hours needed but also in the specific topics that must be covered. Florida, for example, requires specific courses on topics like domestic violence, human trafficking, and HIV/AIDS for license renewal.

When selecting CEU courses, make sure you understand your state’s requirements. Some states require courses to be completed through providers specifically approved by their board of nursing. Others accept any ANCC-approved course. Knowing these details helps you choose courses that will actually count toward your renewal.

State-specific course bundles can simplify this process. These packages are designed to meet all the requirements for a particular state’s license renewal, including both the total hours needed and any mandatory topic areas. This approach eliminates guesswork and ensures you’re completing everything necessary for renewal.

The Role of CE Broker

Many states use CE Broker as a centralized system for tracking continuing education credits. When you complete an accredited course through an approved provider, your credits are automatically reported to CE Broker. This automated reporting saves you the hassle of manually entering your course completion information.

CE Broker provides a convenient way to track your progress toward renewal requirements. You can log in anytime to see which courses you’ve completed and how many hours you still need. The system also sends reminders as your renewal date approaches.

Not all states participate in CE Broker, so check whether your state uses this system. If your state does participate, choose CE providers that report directly to CE Broker. This integration streamlines the renewal process and reduces the risk of errors or missing documentation.

National Certification Renewal

If you hold a national certification in addition to your state license, you’ll need CE hours for certification renewal as well. Most certification bodies accept ANCC-approved courses for their renewal requirements, though specific requirements vary by certification.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with certifications like Family Nurse Practitioner or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner need to verify that their CE courses meet both state licensure requirements and certification renewal requirements. Some certifications require courses in specific topic areas or pharmacology hours.

Review your certification requirements carefully before selecting courses. In many cases, the same ANCC-approved courses can count toward both license renewal and certification renewal, maximizing the value of your continuing education investment.

Making Smart CE Choices

Quality continuing education supports your growth as a nursing professional. Accredited courses provide opportunities to learn about new clinical practices, healthcare trends, and patient care strategies that you can apply directly in your work setting.

Consider your professional development goals when selecting courses. While meeting basic renewal requirements is important, you can also use continuing education as a tool for advancing your career. Courses in leadership, specialized clinical areas, or emerging healthcare topics can enhance your expertise and open new career opportunities.

Budget for continuing education as part of your professional expenses. While cost is a factor, the lowest-price option isn’t always the best value. Accredited courses from reputable providers offer quality content, reliable credit reporting, and peace of mind that your hours will be accepted for renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions: Accredited vs. Non-Accredited CE

General Accreditation Questions

What is the difference between accredited and non-accredited CE courses?

Accredited CE courses have been reviewed and approved by recognized authorities like the American Nurses Credentialing Center or state boards of nursing. These courses meet specific quality standards and are guaranteed to count toward your license renewal. Non-accredited courses have not undergone this formal review process and may not be accepted by your state board of nursing or certification body.

Who accredits nursing continuing education courses?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the primary national accrediting body for nursing CE courses. Individual state boards of nursing also approve courses specifically for their state’s requirements. Some courses carry both ANCC approval and multiple state approvals, making them accepted across different states.

Are all ANCC-approved courses accepted in every state?

While ANCC approval is widely recognized, each state has its own board of nursing that sets specific requirements. Most states accept ANCC-approved courses, but some states require additional approval from their state board. Always verify that courses meet your specific state’s requirements before enrolling.

How can I tell if a CE course is accredited?

Accredited courses will clearly display approval statements on the course description or provider’s website. Look for phrases like “Approved by ANCC” or “Approved by [State] Board of Nursing.” Reputable providers list all their approvals prominently and provide approval numbers when applicable.

State Requirements

Does CE Ready offer courses approved for my state?

All courses are also ANCC-approved, which means they are accepted in all states. Check with your state board of nursing to confirm their acceptance of ANCC-approved courses.

My state isn’t listed in your approvals. Can I still use your courses?

Yes. All CE Ready courses carry ANCC approval, which is accepted by state boards of nursing nationwide. Even if CE Ready doesn’t hold specific state approval in your state, ANCC-approved courses will count toward your license renewal requirements.

What if I have licenses in multiple states?

If you hold nursing licenses in multiple states, you’ll need to meet the renewal requirements for each state separately. ANCC-approved courses can often be used for multiple state renewals, but make sure to check each state’s specific requirements. Some states have mandatory topic areas that must be covered.

How do I know which specific courses my state requires?

Your state board of nursing website lists all continuing education requirements, including total hours needed and any mandatory topics. CE Ready offers state-specific course bundles designed to meet all requirements for particular states, eliminating the guesswork from the renewal process.

Course Quality and Content

Are accredited courses harder than non-accredited courses?

Accredited courses aren’t necessarily more difficult, but they do meet higher quality standards. The content is evidence-based, regularly updated, and developed by qualified nursing educators. The assessments are designed to ensure you’ve understood the material, not just to make the course difficult.

How often are accredited courses updated?

Reputable CE providers regularly review and update their accredited courses to reflect current evidence-based literature and nursing best practices. This ensures the information you’re learning is relevant and applicable to current healthcare practice.

Can I fail an accredited CE course?

Most accredited CE courses require you to pass a quiz or assessment with a certain score, typically 70% or higher. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can usually retake the quiz. The goal is to ensure you’ve learned the material, not to create barriers to completion.

Are accredited courses more expensive?

While prices vary, accredited courses aren’t necessarily more expensive than non-accredited options. The value of accredited courses is that you know they’ll count toward your renewal requirements. Paying for a non-accredited course that isn’t accepted by your state board is more costly in the long run.

Credit Reporting and Documentation

How are my CE credits reported to my state board?

For states that participate in CE Broker, accredited providers like CE Ready automatically report your completed credits to the system. Your credits appear in your CE Broker account shortly after course completion. For states that don’t use CE Broker, you’ll receive a certificate that you can submit to your state board during renewal.

What is CE Broker and do I need it?

CE Broker is a centralized tracking system used by many states to manage continuing education credits. If your state participates in CE Broker, your credits from approved providers are automatically reported there. You can log in to track your progress toward renewal requirements. Not all states use CE Broker, so check with your state board.

How long does it take for credits to appear in CE Broker?

Credits from accredited providers are typically reported to CE Broker within 24-48 hours of course completion. Some providers report in real-time. You’ll receive a certificate immediately upon completing the course, even before the credits appear in CE Broker.

What if my credits don’t show up in CE Broker?

First, allow 48 hours for processing. If credits still don’t appear, contact the CE provider’s support team. Reputable providers will investigate and resolve reporting issues quickly. Always keep your course completion certificates as backup documentation.

Do I need to keep my CE certificates?

Yes. Even if your state uses CE Broker, keep copies of all completion certificates. Your state board may request documentation during an audit, and having certificates on hand protects you if there are any reporting discrepancies.

Certification Renewal

Can I use the same CE courses for both license renewal and certification renewal?

In most cases, yes. ANCC-approved courses are typically accepted for both state license renewal and national certification renewal. However, certification requirements vary by specialty, so verify your specific certification’s CE requirements before selecting courses.

Do certification bodies require specific types of accredited courses?

Some certifications require courses in specific topic areas or a certain number of pharmacology hours. Review your certification renewal requirements carefully. Many ANCC-approved courses meet both general CE requirements and specialty-specific requirements.

What certifications accept ANCC-approved courses?

Most nursing certifications accept ANCC-approved courses for renewal. This includes certifications from organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, and many others. Check your specific certification body’s requirements.

Selecting the Right Courses

Should I take individual courses or a state-specific bundle?

State-specific bundles are designed to meet all requirements for a particular state’s license renewal, including mandatory topics and total hours. They’re convenient and ensure you don’t miss any required content. Individual courses offer flexibility if you want to focus on specific clinical interests or if you’ve already completed some requirements.

Can I start courses before they’re due for renewal?

Yes, but be aware of your state’s renewal cycle and when credits must be earned. Some states require CE hours to be completed within a specific timeframe before renewal. Check your state’s requirements to ensure credits will still be valid when you need them.

What happens if I complete non-accredited CE courses by mistake?

If you discover you’ve completed non-accredited courses, contact your state board of nursing immediately. You’ll likely need to complete additional accredited courses to meet your requirements. Don’t wait until your renewal deadline to address this issue.

How do I choose between different accredited CE providers?

Look for providers with clear approval statements, automatic CE Broker reporting for participating states, responsive customer support, and a user-friendly platform. Read reviews from other nurses to learn about their experiences. Quality providers are transparent about their approvals and make the learning process straightforward.

Getting Help

What if I have questions about whether a course meets my requirements?

Contact the CE provider’s support team with questions about course approvals and requirements. Reputable providers have knowledgeable staff who can confirm whether specific courses meet your needs. You can also contact your state board of nursing directly for clarification.

Where can I find my state’s specific CE requirements?

Visit your state board of nursing website or contact them directly. State boards maintain detailed information about renewal requirements, mandatory topics, and approved providers. This information is also typically included in renewal notices sent to nurses.

Can CE Ready help me determine which courses I need?

Yes. CE Ready’s support team can help you understand your state’s requirements and recommend appropriate courses or bundles. Reach out through the contact page with questions about your specific situation.

Your Partner in Professional Development

Staying current with continuing education requirements doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing accredited CE courses from approved providers, you ensure that your time and money are well spent. Your credits will be recognized by your state board of nursing, reported accurately, and contribute to your ongoing professional growth.

CE Ready offers ANCC-approved courses accepted by state boards of nursing across the country. Our platform provides flexible learning options that fit your schedule, with courses you can complete at your own pace. All credits are automatically reported to CE Broker for participating states, making license renewal straightforward and stress-free.

Your nursing license represents years of education, training, and dedication to patient care. Protect that investment by choosing accredited continuing education courses that meet your state’s requirements and support your professional development. With CE Ready, meeting your licensure renewal requirements becomes one less thing to worry about in your busy nursing career.