Continuing Education (CE) FAQs

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• How many CE hours do I need to renew my license?

  Most licensees must complete 30 total hours of CE during each two-year renewal cycle.

  • At least 15 hours must be directly related to Clinical Practice
  • At least 10 hours must be directly related to RCP Leadership
  • Up to 5 hours may be indirectly related to respiratory care
  • At least 15 total hours must be completed as live CE

  See Continuing Education Requirements for details.

• How many CE hours are required for my first renewal?

  If this is your first renewal since initial licensure, you must complete 15 total hours of CE.

  • At least 7 hours in Clinical Practice
  • At least 5 hours in RCP Leadership
  • Up to 3 hours may be indirectly related
  • At least 7 hours must be live CE
• Do I have to take CE courses from specific providers?

  Yes. To count toward license renewal, CE must be provided by (or approved by) an approved CE provider. Approved providers include certain accredited schools, licensed health care facilities, professional associations, and other entities recognized by the Board.

  Before taking a course, you should confirm that the provider is approved and that the course meets CE requirements. The CE certificate should clearly identify the provider and include all required information.

  For a full list of approved providers and what must appear on CE certificates, see Information for CE Providers.

• Do I need to submit CE certificates when I renew?

  No. When you renew your license, you report compliance with the CE requirements, but you do not submit CE certificates with your renewal. You must keep your CE documentation (such as certificates of completion and transcripts) for four years in case you are selected for a CE audit.

• Does “live CE” mean I must attend in person?

  No. Live CE includes both in-person courses and real-time interactive online courses. You must be able to interact with the instructor during the instructional period, either verbally or in writing. Watching a previously recorded course without live interaction does not meet the live CE requirement.

• Does ACLS/NRP/PALS/ATLS certification count toward CE? How many hours do I get?

  Yes. Certain certification examinations may be applied toward CE, but the number of hours that may be used for license renewal is set by regulation.

  • Initial certification may be applied as 15 CE hours.
  • Renewal or recertification may be applied as 5 CE hours.

  Even if a course completion certificate lists a higher number of contact hours, only the regulatory amount may be applied toward license renewal. These hours are applied toward Clinical Practice CE (not Leadership).

• I completed ACLS/NRP/PALS/ATLS for the first time. Is that different from a renewal?

  Yes. Initial certification and renewal/recertification are treated differently for CE purposes.

  • Initial certification may be applied as 15 CE hours.
  • Renewal or recertification may be applied as 5 CE hours.

  The same certification examination may not be claimed more than once during the same renewal cycle.

• Does ACLS/NRP/PALS/ATLS certifications count as live CE?

  These certifications may count toward live CE only if the course is completed in a live format with real-time instructor interaction.

  Whether the course qualifies as live depends on how it was delivered, not the name of the certification.

• Why does my ACLS/NRP/PALS/ATLS certification show more hours than the Board allows?

  The number of CE hours that may be applied toward license renewal is set by regulation.

  For ACLS/NRP/PALS/ATLS:

  • Initial certification: 15 CE hours
  • Renewal or recertification: 5 CE hours

  Even if a certificate lists more contact hours, only the regulatory maximum may be applied.

• Does Basic Life Support (BLS) count toward CE?

  No. Basic Life Support (BLS) does not qualify for CE credit.

• How do I know if the Law and Professional Ethics course is required for me?

  The Law and Professional Ethics course is required every other renewal cycle. You can check your requirement by using the RCB’s License Search system.

  Under your license details, the Secondary Status will indicate either “Ethics Course Required” or “Ethics Course Not Required” for your current renewal cycle. This information is also included on your renewal postcard.

• Can employer-provided training count toward CE?

  Sometimes. Employer-provided training may count toward CE only if it meets the Board’s CE requirements (including content requirements) and is provided by, or approved by, an approved CE provider.

  Many hospitals and health care facilities are approved CE providers, including hospitals approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Training offered by these facilities may qualify for CE when it is offered under the facility’s CE provider approval and all CE requirements are met.

  Employer orientation, onboarding, or other job-specific training that does not meet CE requirements does not count toward CE.

  For more information on approved providers and what must be on a CE certificate, see Information for CE Providers.

• Can I earn CE for serving as a preceptor?

  Some licensees may qualify to earn CE credit by serving as a preceptor and providing direct supervision and instruction to students enrolled in an approved respiratory care education program. Preceptorship CE does not apply to orientation, training, or supervision of new employees. See Qualified Preceptorship for eligibility requirements and credit amounts.

• What happens if I am selected for a CE audit?

  If selected for a CE audit, you will be required to submit documentation showing completion of your CE hours. You must respond by the deadline listed in your audit notice. See CE Audits and Compliance for details.

If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, you may contact the Respiratory Care Board using the form below.