Source-Verified Data

California Veterinary
CE Requirements

California requires 36 hours of CE every 2 years (vmb.ca.gov). 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.

Verified Feb 18, 2026 vmb.ca.gov ↗

Requirements change; always confirm with the board. We cite primary sources and show last verification date.

36 hours every 2 yrs
36
Total Hours
1
2yr
Cycle
Unlimited
Live Interactive
6 hrs
Self-Study Cap

Delivery Methods

Unlimited
Unlimited

Live webinars, conferences, wet labs — all 36 hours can be earned this way

Max 6 hours (combined with self-study)
Max 6 hrs

IMPORTANT: California classifies on-demand courses WITH quiz as self-study. This shares the 6-hour cap below.

Max 6 hours total
Max 6 hrs

Includes ALL non-interactive formats: on-demand with quiz, journals, correspondence. Single combined 6-hour cap.

Mandatory Topics

Antimicrobial Stewardship (SB 27) — 1 hr/4yr

What Counts as CE in California

Accepted Formats
  • ✓ Live lectures, conferences, wet labs
  • ✓ Live interactive webinars
  • ✓ RACE-approved online courses
  • ⚠ Self-study (6 hrs cap)
Rules & Policies
  • ✗ No carryover — excess hours don't roll over
  • ✓ RACE accepted — Vet On It is Provider #50-29055

Compare with Other States

StateHoursCycleCarryoverStatus
California362 yearsNo✓ Verified
Arizona202 yearsNo✓ Verified
Nevada201 yearsNo✓ Verified
Oregon302 yearsNo✓ Verified

Sources & Citations

  1. 1
    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. — Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §4846.5(a) View source ↗
  2. 2
    A licensee applying for license renewal shall certify in writing that during the preceding renewal period the licensee has completed at least thirty-six (36) hours of approved continuing education. No restriction on live or interactive delivery format. — CCR 16 §2085.1(a)(1); BPC §4846.5 View source ↗
  3. 3
    Up to six hours may be of self-study. Self-study means a form of orderly learning that does not offer participatory interaction between the licensee and the instructor during the instructional period, including correspondence courses, independent study, reading journals, viewing of videotapes, or listening to audiotapes. — BPC §4846.5; CCR 16 §2085(f) View source ↗
  4. 4
    Up to six hours may be of self-study. Self-study includes correspondence courses, independent study and home study programs, reading journals, viewing of videotapes, or listening to audiotapes. — BPC §4846.5; CCR 16 §2085(f) View source ↗
Data compiled by Vet On It CE (RACE Provider #50-29055). Verified against primary California regulatory sources on Feb 18, 2026. This page is for informational purposes only. Always confirm with the vmb.ca.gov.

Cite This Page

APA:
Vet On It CE. (2026). California veterinary CE requirements. Vet On It CE Requirements. https://vetonitce.org/ce-requirements/california/
MLA:
"California Veterinary CE Requirements." Vet On It CE Requirements, Vet On It CE, 2026, vetonitce.org/ce-requirements/california/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are California's veterinary CE requirements?
California requires 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Mandatory topics: Antimicrobial Stewardship (SB 27) (1 hr/4yr). 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.
Does California accept online CE for veterinarians?
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.
What mandatory CE topics does California require?
California requires: Antimicrobial Stewardship (SB 27) (1 hr/4yr).
Does California allow CE hour carryover?
No. California does not allow carryover. Excess hours earned in one cycle are lost.

Stay Compliant

Get notified when California CE requirements change.

Remind Me Before Renewal Notify Me of Changes

No spam. Only sends when California rules change or your renewal is approaching.

Licensed in multiple states?

Compare requirements side-by-side to plan your CE efficiently.

Compare States →