Questions About CE Requirements

Back to CE Home Page

• How many CEs do I need to renew?

  All RCPs who wish to maintain an active license are required to complete 30 hours (15 for first renewal) of continuing education (CE) for license renewal as follows:

  • A minimum of 15 hours of CE directly related to the Clinical Practice of respiratory care.
  • A minimum of 10 hours must be directly related to RCP Leadership.
  • Up to 5 hours may be indirectly related to the clinical practice of respiratory care and includes attendance at meetings provided by the Respiratory Care Board, California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC), or American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) as designated by and at each provider’s discretion.

• Does the "live" requirement mean I have to physically attend an in-person course?

  No. A minimum of 15 of the total 30 required CE hours must be earned from live courses or meetings which include in-person AND on-line platforms where licensees can directly interact with the instructor in real time during the instructional period.

  Live courses or meetings include in-person lecture, educational sessions that are part of conventions, courses, seminars, workshops, lecture series, and online meetings with participatory interaction between the licensee and the instructor via computer networks or the internet such as via web casts, video conferences, and audio conferences in which the licensee can directly interact with the instructor in real time during the instructional period.

• How do I know if I am required to complete the Ethics course?

  The RCB-approved Law and Professional Ethics course is required as part of your CE during every other renewal cycle. The Law and Professional Ethics course can be taken through the AARC or CSRC. Successful completion of the course will constitute 3 CE hours towards the “Leadership” CE requirements. To determine if ethics is due as part of your license renewal, you can check the RCB's License Search system.

• How and when will the new CE requirements affect my license?

  Please review the Implementation Schedule and Information to see how and when the new CE requirements will affect your license renewal. The first group of licensees that must meet the new requirements beginning January 1, 2024, are those with licenses that expire December 31, 2023.

• How many CEs do I need for my first renewal?

  If this is your first renewal since initial licensure, you are only required to complete 15 hours of CE.

If you have additional questions or need clarification regarding continuing education, you may call the RCB's office at (916) 999-2190 or send your question(s) by email to rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.