VETINUITY
How many CE hours does California require for veterinarian license renewal?
California veterinarians must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
● ANSWER
Sourced & dated
California veterinary CE requirements
Review California veterinary CE requirements, including the 36-hour total, interactive online rules, and initial licensee exemptions.
● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED
California veterinarians must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education every two-year license renewal cycle, with at least 30 of those hours completed as interactive online education if taken online.
California renewal and CE
| Requirement | Board information |
|---|---|
| License renewal cycle | 24 months |
| Required CE | 36 hours |
| Online and live rules | Online education hours are unlimited, but at least 30 of those hours must be interactive online education. |
| Renewal deadline | License expiration date |
| Exemptions | There are no continuing education requirements for initial licensees who have been licensed in California for less than two years. |
| Reciprocity | The Board accepts courses approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) as well as statutorily approved providers. |
California official board source, checked 2026-11-06.
Confirm California requirements with the licensing board before renewing.
Veterinary CE requirements by state
California Credit Hour and Format Requirements
California requires veterinarians to complete 36 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period. While total online education hours are unlimited, at least 30 of those hours must consist of interactive online education.
Approved Providers and Initial Licensee Exemptions
Course approvals in California include programs accepted by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards as well as statutorily approved providers. Licensees in their first two years of California licensure are exempt from continuing education requirements for that initial renewal cycle.
Veterinarians should verify current requirements directly with the California Veterinary Medical Board prior to license renewal.
Vetinuity
In California, Vetinuity is a veterinary clinical assistant.
● SOURCES
- 1. California veterinary licensing board. Continuing education and renewal. Checked 2026-11-06.
● RELATED ANSWERS
- Alaska Veterinary CE Requirements
Alaska veterinarians must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years by December 31 of even-numbered years.
- Alabama Veterinary CE Requirements
Alabama veterinarians must complete 20 CE hours annually, featuring 16 scientific hours and up to 10 RACE approved online hours.
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- Colorado Veterinary CE Requirements & Deadlines
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- Connecticut Veterinary CE Requirements Guide
Summary of Connecticut veterinary continuing education requirements, including 24 contact hours every 2 years and approved provider rules.
- Delaware Veterinary CE Requirements
Overview of Delaware veterinary CE requirements, first-cycle prorated hours, and board-approved providers.
● FAQ
Are online CE hours allowed for California veterinarians?
Yes, online education hours are unlimited, provided that at least 30 of those hours are interactive online education.
Are new California veterinary licensees exempt from CE?
Initial licensees who have been licensed in California for less than two years do not have continuing education requirements for their first renewal.
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