How to Verify and Renew Your Healthcare License
Before every new job and before every MyShyft credentialing session, you’ll want to confirm your license or certification is active and in good standing. An expired, inactive, or flagged credential doesn’t just block your next shift; it can create compliance issues for the facility you’re working with. Here’s exactly how to verify your status in every state we operate in, what “active” actually means, and what to do if something has lapsed.
Where to verify your license by state
Every state uses its own lookup tools for different credential types. CNAs and nurse aides are typically on a separate registry from licensed nurses and medication aides have their own verification path. Use the correct tool for your role.
What “active” actually means
Different credential types have different requirements to stay active. “Active” isn’t just about the expiration date, there are additional conditions that must be met, particularly for CNAs and nurse aides where work-hour requirements apply.
- Current, not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Work-hour requirements met (CNAs/STNAs: 8 hours of paid nursing-related work within 24 months)
- Required CE completed and documented
- No unresolved disciplinary actions, holds, or pending investigations
- Registry listing reflects current employer (where applicable)
- Expired, past the stated expiration date
- Inactive, CNA didn’t meet 8-hour work requirement within 24 months
- Suspended or revoked, disciplinary action by the board
- Probationary or restricted, conditions placed on practice
- CE not completed before renewal submission
MyShyft credentialing automatically verifies active status against the relevant state registry before approving you for shifts. If your record shows anything other than active, you’ll be notified what needs to be resolved before you can schedule. Catching this early before you need a shift gives you time to fix it without a gap in work.
Mandatory CE topics by state: the ones people miss
Most states require specific CE content not just any 20 or 24 hours of approved content. These topic requirements are where nurses most often get tripped up, because a provider can sell you hours that count toward the total but don’t satisfy a mandatory topic.
| State | Total CE | Mandatory topics (must be included each cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois |
20 hrs / 2 yrs (RNs) 20 hrs / 2 yrs (LPNs) |
|
| Texas | 20 hrs / 2 yrs |
|
| Michigan | 25 hrs / 2 yrs |
Note: Max 12 CE hrs in any 24-hour period;
CE must be spread across multiple days.
|
| Indiana | None required for standard RN/LPN renewal |
Indiana is one of the few states with no CE requirement
for RN/LPN renewal.
Verify requirements at renewal time,
as rules can change.
|
| Ohio | 24 hrs / 2 yrs |
First renewal after NCLEX:
CE requirement waived.
|
| Tennessee | 5 CE hrs + 1 competency item / year |
Tennessee uses a 2-item competency model,
not just CE hours alone.
|
| Florida | 24 hrs / 2 yrs |
CE must be reported in CE Broker
before renewal submission.
|
Renewal deadlines and expiration dates by state
| State | RN expiration | LPN expiration | CNA activity req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | May 31, even years | May 31, even years | 8 hrs paid work / 24 months |
| Texas | Last day of birth month, biennial | Last day of birth month, biennial | Active registry status required |
| Michigan | March 31, even years | March 31, even years | 8 hrs paid work / 24 months |
| Indiana | Oct 31, odd years | Oct 31, odd years | 8 hrs paid work / 24 months |
| Ohio | Oct 31, odd years | Oct 31, odd years | 8 hrs paid work / 24 months |
| Tennessee | Last day of birth month, biennial | Last day of birth month, biennial | 8 hrs paid work / 24 months |
| Florida | Group-based: April 30 or July 31, biennial | Group-based: April 30 or July 31, biennial | Perform nursing duties / 24 months |
Set calendar reminders 90 days before every expiration date for your license AND your BLS/ACLS certifications, which expire on separate schedules. Missing any one of them can pause your shift access until it’s resolved.
Common renewal mistakes and how to avoid them
If there’s one thing to prepare for specifically, it’s the megacode. This is a high-fidelity simulation where you lead a mock code from start to finish. You’re not just watching, you’re directing. The examiner plays team members, and you call the shots.
Using CE Broker incorrectly (Florida)
In Florida, CE must be reported in CE Broker before you can submit renewal — not just completed. If your provider hasn’t uploaded your hours to CE Broker, your renewal application will be blocked. Verify reporting before your deadline.
Not tracking BLS and ACLS separately from your nursing license
These are separate 2-year certifications with separate expiration dates. Many nurses track one and forget the other. An expired BLS can block your shifts even if your RN license is current. Keep all expiration dates in one place.
Letting your license lapse and assuming it’s easy to fix
Most states charge late fees plus the renewal fee. Some have a hard window — after which you must reapply from scratch or complete a refresher. Renewing before expiration is always cheaper and faster.
Skipping mandatory CE topics
Completing 24 hours of general CE doesn’t satisfy the requirement if mandatory topics like Florida’s medical errors or Ohio’s Category A aren’t included. Verify your provider covers all required content before completing the course.
Not keeping CE documentation
You don’t submit CE when you renew in most states — you attest to completion. But boards audit randomly, and you need to produce certificates for the full renewal period plus previous one. Keep everything for at least 4–6 years.
Missing the employer reporting window (Illinois CNAs)
In Illinois, employers must report your hire and separation to the Health Care Worker Registry within 30 days. If they don’t, your registry status may flag as inactive. If you change jobs, follow up to confirm your new employer has reported you.
If your license has lapsed: what to do
What you need to do depends entirely on the credential type and how long it’s been expired. Here’s the honest breakdown by situation.
🔵 RN or LPN/LVN recently lapsed (within grace period): Most states offer a reinstatement path for recently lapsed licenses: pay the renewal fee plus applicable late fees, complete any missing CE, submit an attestation confirming you meet all requirements. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks. You cannot practice during this window.
🟡RN or LPN/LVN lapsed 1–5 years: Most states still offer reinstatement but may require additional documentation proof of CE completion, employer verification of continued competency, or a formal reinstatement application beyond a standard renewal. Processing is longer. Contact your state Board of Nursing directly to confirm the specific requirements before submitting.
🟠CNA / STNA inactive due to not meeting work-hour requirement: CNAs become inactive when they haven’t completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work within 24 months not when their registry listing expires. Reactivation typically requires completing a state-approved refresher training program and passing the competency exam again. This is a full retraining process, not just paying a fee.
⚪Medication aides varies significantly by state: Texas MA permits can be renewed up to 365 days late through TULIP before full reinstatement is required. Tennessee CMA renewal is tied to CNA status, if your CNA lapses, your CMA authorization lapses with it. Indiana QMA and Ohio MA-C have their own processes. Contact the issuing registry directly rather than assuming any general rule applies.
🔴RN or LPN/LVN lapsed 5+ years: Several states require a refresher course (typically 80–120 hours of clinical and didactic content) and potentially a competency evaluation before reinstatement. Some may require retaking the NCLEX. This varies significantly by state. Illinois specifically requires additional steps for licenses lapsed 5+ years. Contact your Board of Nursing do not assume standard reinstatement applies.
Pre-credentialing checklist before your first MyShyft shift
| Item to verify | Where to check |
|---|---|
| License / certification status is “Active” in state registry | State registry or board portal (see state links above) |
| License expiration date is more than 30 days out | Your license card, eCard, or state portal |
| BLS certification is active and not expired | AHA eCard portal (ecards.heart.org) or Red Cross certificate |
| ACLS is active (for acute care / ICU / ED shifts) | AHA eCard portal or Red Cross certificate |
| Mandatory CE completed for current renewal cycle | Your CE provider certificates; CE Broker (Florida); state board portal |
| CE documentation saved and accessible | Folder on phone/cloud with certificate photos + copies |
| Expiration reminders set (90 days before each) | Calendar app — one reminder per credential, including BLS/ACLS |
| Clear, legible photos of all credential cards ready to upload | Phone camera + cloud backup; use digital eCards where available |
Keep your credentials current and your shifts flowing
Active credentials unlock shifts. Expired ones pause them sometimes for weeks. MyShyft credentialing verifies your status automatically, and keeping everything current means you’re shift-ready when opportunities come up.
- Automatic credential verification before shift approval
- Notifications if your credential status needs attention
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer:
Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the State Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.