Texas Nurses: A New CE Upload Requirement Begins September 1, 2026
What Is Changing for Texas Nurses?
In the past, Texas nurses were generally responsible for maintaining their own CE documentation. Nurses typically had to provide their certificates to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) if they were selected for an audit or needed to reactivate an inactive license.
Beginning September 1, 2026, all nurses renewing their licenses will need to provide proof of their required CE.
The Texas BON is developing a CE Module within the Texas Nurse Portal where nurses will be able to upload their CE documentation.
The Board has indicated that the system will be part of the existing Nurse Portal, meaning nurses will not need to maintain a separate login or account.
Are Texas CE Requirements Changing?
Here’s an important distinction: SB 912 changes how CE compliance is documented and verified, but it does not, by itself, change the existing CE requirements for Texas nurses.
You’ll still need to determine which continuing education requirements apply to your license and practice.
What changes is the documentation process.
Instead of simply retaining your certificates in case you are audited, nurses renewing beginning in September 2026 will need to upload proof of the required education as part of the renewal process.
When Does the New Requirement Begin?
The new upload requirement begins September 1, 2026.
According to the Texas BON, nurses renewing their licenses in September 2026 and afterward will need to upload proof of their required CE.
The Board has also clarified that nurses do not need to go back and upload CE documentation from previous licensure cycles.
Why Is Texas Making This Change?
SB 912 established new requirements for healthcare licensing agencies to verify continuing education compliance before renewing a healthcare practitioner's license.
The law requires applicable licensing entities to establish electronic continuing education tracking systems.
For Texas nurses, the new system is intended to provide a centralized location for CE documentation while allowing the Board to verify that CE requirements have been satisfied before license renewal.
Over time, the Texas BON says it also plans to explore allowing approved CE providers to upload completion certificates on behalf of nurses.
What Should Texas Nurses Do Now?
Even if your renewal date is still months away, now is a good time to get organized.
1. Keep copies of every CE certificate.
Download and save your completion certificate whenever you finish a continuing education course. Don’t assume you’ll always be able to retrieve it from the provider later.
2. Review the CE requirements that apply to you.
Texas nurses may have requirements beyond general continuing education depending on their license, area of practice, or other circumstances. Make sure you understand the requirements that apply to your renewal.
3. Make sure your CE comes from an acceptable source.
Before completing a course for renewal credit, verify that the continuing education meets Texas BON requirements and is offered or approved through an appropriate credentialing organization.
4. Start organizing your certificates now.
Consider creating a dedicated folder for your current renewal period and naming certificates clearly so they are easy to identify when it is time to upload them.
5. Watch for instructions from the Texas BON.
The Board is still developing and testing the new CE functionality and has indicated that additional instructions, including guidance for uploading CE documentation, will be released as implementation progresses.
What This Means for Your Next Renewal
For many Texas nurses, the biggest adjustment will simply be moving from “keep my certificates in case I’m audited” to “have my certificates ready to upload before I renew.”
That makes planning ahead especially important.
Waiting until your license expiration date to locate certificates, confirm requirements, or complete missing education could make renewal more stressful—and potentially delay your ability to complete the renewal process.
If your Texas nursing license will be renewed on or after September 1, 2026, start preparing your CE documentation now.
Need Continuing Education?
Pedagogy Education offers online continuing education designed to help healthcare professionals continue building their knowledge and skills.
As you plan for your next Texas nursing license renewal, keep copies of your completion documentation and verify that the education you complete satisfies the requirements applicable to your Texas license.
The key takeaway: Beginning September 1, 2026, Texas nurses should be prepared to document their required CE through the Texas Nurse Portal before completing license renewal.
This article is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Continuing education and licensure requirements can change. Nurses should verify current requirements and renewal instructions directly with the Texas Board of Nursing.
