Veterinary Continuing Education
California Veterinary CE Requirements
Continuing education requirements for veterinarians licensed in California, with the rule sources and board link.
Re-verification pending · last reviewed February 18, 2026. This page is informational only and is dated per jurisdiction. Requirements change. Verify every requirement with your own licensing board before you rely on it.
Veterinarians
- Total required CE
- 36 hours · 2 years
- Renewal frequency
- Every 2 years
- Next renewal date
- Renewal date: check with your board
- Online CE allowed
- 36 hours · California classifies on-demand/non-interactive online courses (even with quiz) as self-study, sharing a combined 6-hour cap. Live interactive webinars are not explicitly addressed as a separate category in BPC §4846.5 but are generally accepted as interactive CE.
- Additional information
- Antimicrobial stewardship 1hr every 4 years (SB 27). CRITICAL: California classifies on-demand/non-interactive online courses (even with quiz) as self-study — combined cap of 6 hours. Remaining 30+ hours must be live interactive.
- Rule reference
- BPC §4846.5; 16 CCR §2015
Required Subjects
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Stewardship (SB 27) |
Delivery Limits
| Format | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Live interactive | Unlimited | Live webinars, conferences, wet labs — all 36 hours can be earned this way CCR 16 §2085.1(a)(1); BPC §4846.5 |
| Non interactive online | Max 6 hours (combined with self-study) | IMPORTANT: California classifies on-demand courses WITH quiz as self-study. This shares the 6-hour cap below. BPC §4846.5; CCR 16 §2085(f) |
| Self study | Max 6 hours total | Includes ALL non-interactive formats: on-demand with quiz, journals, correspondence. Single combined 6-hour cap. BPC §4846.5; CCR 16 §2085(f) |
Veterinary Technicians
Technician CE requirements are set separately and are not listed here. For current technician requirements, check with your board.
Sources
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §4846.5(a): The board shall issue renewal licenses only to those applicants that have completed a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education in the preceding two years.
- CA BPC § 4846.6: "A veterinarian shall, within two years of initial licensure, and at least once every four years thereafter, complete a minimum of one credit hour of continuing education in antimicrobial stewardship." — CA Bus & Prof Code § 4846.6 (SB 27, 2015)
- CA BPC § 4846.5: "A person applying for renewal of a veterinarian's license shall submit proof satisfactory to the board of compliance with the continuing education requirements." — CA Bus & Prof Code § 4846.5(b)
Licensing Board
Earn CE with Vet On It
RACE Approved Provider #50-29055. Courses are offered as Live Online Interactive Webinars and on demand. Confirm with your board which formats and how many hours count toward your renewal.
This page is informational only and is dated per jurisdiction. Requirements change. Verify every requirement with your own licensing board before you rely on it.