by Margaret A. Fitzgerald, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, FAANP, CSP, FAAN, DCC
If you have recently completed your NP studies, you will likely become certified within the first months after graduation. With NP certification in hand, you feel proud and relieved. You have achieved an important professional landmark. Here are some frequently asked questions about maintaining your hard-earned NP certification.
I just became certified. When do I need to recertify?
The (ANCC) and the (AANP) require certification renewal every 5 years. For example, if you become certified in 2006 or 2007, you will need to renew your certification in 2011 or 2012.
What are my options for certification renewal?
The certifying organizations offer two options for recertification. The most commonly used method is meeting the certification renewal requirements through a combination of professional continuing education, professional activities and clinical practice. The other option is to recertify by taking the NP certification exam again.
Do I have to practice as an NP to maintain my certification?
The ANCC and the AANP require a minimum of 1,000 practice hours during the certification period. It is important to remember that you must meet the requirements that are in place in the year you certify.
Aside from practice, what other activities are required to renew ANCC, adult or family NP certification?
You will need to earna minimum of 75 continuing education hours. At least 51% of the total continuing education credits must be in your certification specialty. In addition, at least 50% of the total continuing education credits must be from an approved continuing education provider. Examples of these are the AANP, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH). For the complete list, visit http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/cert/recert/cats/pdrecertcat1.html.
In addition to continuing education, you must fulfill at least one of the following professional development requirements.
Category 1: beyond the basic requirement
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4: publication and research
Category 5: precepting nursing students in bachelor’s programs or higher.
For specific information about these requirements, visit: http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/cert/recert/reqs/nprecert.html.
What type of continuing education and professional activities are required for AANP and ANCC certification renewal?
The AANP requires 75 contact hours of continuing education relevant to the area of specialization. These contact hours must be issued by a recognized continuing education provider such as the AANP or ANCC. For a complete list of approved providers, visit http://www.aanp.org/Certification/Recertification/Recertification.asp
What are my options if I do not complete the practice, continuing education or professional activity requirements for recertification?
If you do not fulfill the practice or continuing education requirements for certification renewal, you can apply to retake the NP certification exam. You must also meet all current criteria for initial NP certification. The ANCC requires evidence of continuing education prior to exercising this option.
Is there a special examination for the NP who opts to use retesting as a recertification option?
There is no recertification examination; the NP seeking recertification takes the same certification exam as the first-time examinee. This is a broad-based examination that reflects the knowledge based needed for entry-level NP practice. The NP who is an experienced provider, accustomed to thinking like an expert rather than a novice, could find this a surprisingly challenging test.
How will I know when I need to renew my NP certification?
Between 3 and 6 months before the expiration of certification, the certifying organizations generally send notice that your certification period will be ending. However, it is your responsibility to keep track of this important credential. Make sure your certifying body is kept apprised of change of address or name.
When do I need to submit my certification renewal application?
To ensure that your certification does not lapse, submit your application at least 2 months prior to the end of your certification period.
This article originally appeared in my quarterly certification column in Advance for Nurse Practitioners and is made available here by the courtesy of Advance. For other articles of interest to Nurse Practitioners, be sure to this outstanding journal.