License renewal · CA
California veterinary
CE requirements.
California veterinarians need 36 hours every 2 years to renew. Registered veterinary technicians need 20 hours every 2 years.
Veterinarians
36hours
every 2 years
Vet techs
20
every 2 years
Pending legislation may change how self-study and spay/neuter service hours count. Confirm with the Veterinary Medical Board.
Your renewal at a glance
Pace it, don’t cram it.
Veterinarians
36hours
Registered veterinary technicians
20hours
Up to 4 hours may be self-study or non-interactive online courses.
What counts in California.
Veterinarians
Up to 6 hours may be self-study, such as journals or recordings.
Registered veterinary technicians
Up to 4 hours may be self-study or non-interactive online courses.
Registered veterinary technicians
Online hours are otherwise unlimited, but at least 16 must be interactive.
Exemptions, prorated first-renewal hours, and approved-provider rules can apply. Keep your certificates in case of an audit.
How California compares.
At about 18 hours a year, California sits above the middle of all states (15 hours a year). Totals are converted to a per-year pace so different cycles compare fairly.
Free CE to get started
Chip away at your 36 hours.
Many boards accept RACE-approved CE, but some states limit online and self-study hours. Confirm a course counts in California before relying on it.
California CE,
answered.
How many CE hours do veterinarians need in California?
California veterinarians need 36 hours every 2 years to renew their license (about 18 per year). Up to 6 hours may be self-study, such as journals or recordings. Source: Bus. & Prof. Code §4846.5; VMB RVT guidance.
How many CE hours do vet techs need in California?
Registered veterinary technicians in California need 20 hours every 2 years. Up to 4 hours may be self-study or non-interactive online courses. Online hours are otherwise unlimited, but at least 16 must be interactive.
Can California veterinarians complete CE online?
Up to 6 hours may be self-study, such as journals or recordings.