Regulation 088-23 adopted September 16, 2024

Key Changes for Licensees:

• Flexible Timing: Licensees may now complete their continuing education at any time during their licensure period. (The previous requirement for annual hours has been removed.)
• New Hour Requirement: Renewal now requires 90 clock hours, 6 semester credit hours, or an equivalent combination of both per licensure period.

Approved Sources for Professional Development:
To ensure your hours count toward renewal, activities must be completed through an approved provider.

• Automatic Approval: The following entities are automatically approved:
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Schools and School Districts (Local Education Agencies)
  • Regional Professional Development Programs (RPDPs)
  • Employee Organizations (e.g., Unions/Associations)
• External Providers: All other providers must have specific approval from the Nevada Department of Education. A comprehensive list is available on the Approved Continuing Education Providers webpage.

Valid Documentation Requirements

Before uploading your certificate or letter, ensure the document clearly states:

• Provider Name
• Activity name/title
• Participant’s full name
• Activity date(s)
• Total instructional hours

Tip: If any of this information is missing, request a corrected document from the provider immediately.

Reporting Requirements

• Upload to OPAL: Educators must upload proof of professional development to their OPAL account to verify the 90-hour requirement.
• Educator Responsibility: It is the educator’s responsibility to track and report their own hours. NDE recommends uploading documents as you receive them.

Submission Rules for College Transcripts

If you are using college credits for renewal (where 1 semester credit = 15 instructional hours), please observe the following:

• Official Transcripts Only: For transcripts, the NDE needs originals submitted to our office in Las Vegas in person, via mail, or sent by e-Script to: transcripts@doe.nv.gov from the college, university, or clearing house.
• No Personal Uploads: Transcripts uploaded by the educator (including student portal copies) are considered unofficial and will be rejected.

Q: I am currently working on my National Board Certification (NBC). How does this affect my professional development requirements for licensure renewal?
A: Your NBC will satisfy the professional development requirements for license renewal. As you work through your NBC process, upload each component submission confirmation into your OPAL account to ensure accurate professional development hours are recorded. Upon successful certification, upload your National Board Certificate.

Q: What are instructional hours?
A: Instructional hours include time spent actively participating in the professional development activity. They do not include registration, breaks, meals, networking, or independent reading/reflection (unless there is a specific deliverable, such as an assignment).

Q: Who is responsible for tracking my professional development activity?
A: You are. Educators must maintain their own records and upload proof of activity into their OPAL account.

• Opal Account Login