2022 CERTIFICATION RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
© ANCC 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PURPOSE OF CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
Healthcare technology, strategies, and research can change professional practice and healthcare
and can impact public safety. Due to these changes, ANCC’s Commission on Board Certification
(COC) established a policy for a five (5) year period for certification. Renewing certification every
five (5) years provides evidence to the public that the certified individual is meeting requirements
for continued competence in their certification role and population by updating their knowledge and
showing commitment to lifelong learning. Certification can be renewed through various professional
development and practice activities. Certification renewal may permit you to seek continued
licensure, reimbursement of services, and potential employer recognition.
All certification related materials listed on the website are reviewed on an annual basis for compliance
with the Certification Non-Discrimination Policy, found at https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/
certification-policies/non-discrimination/. Certification renewal is required for you to continue to use
your ANCC credentials. If you do not renew your ANCC certification, you are prohibited from using
the ANCC credential and must immediately cease using the ANCC credential after the certification
has expired. Important information about the use of ANCC Certification Credentials is available at this
URL https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/certification-policies/certification-credentials/
Certification Renewal Policies
A. Certification, initial or renewal, is valid for a period of 5 years.
B. Certification must be renewed before it lapses.
1.
Certificants are required to know when their certification expires and are solely responsible for timely
completion of the application and all requirements for renewal.
2.
Failure to receive a notice or reminder of expiration does not excuse failure to renew on time.
C.
Lapse of Certification
1.
A certification has lapsed when it is not renewed on or before the certification expiration date.
2.
Individuals with a lapsed certification are prohibited from displaying the certification credentials,
holding themselves out as ANCC certified or otherwise representing themselves as ANCC-certified.
The ANCC Commission on Board Certification (COC) has established a policy on reactivation of a
lapsed certification.
1.
An individual whose certification has lapsed and is within two (2) years from the date on which the
certification expired, may reactivate the certification by completing the renewal requirements in
effect at the time you submit an application, and pay all required fees.
2.
An individual whose certification has lapsed more than two (2) years from the date on which it
expired, and the same test is available, may reactivate the certification by submitting an application
for reactivation, completing the mandatory 75 continuing education hours, retesting, and passing the
certification examination in the same role and population or specialty as the lapsed certification, and
paying all required fees.
3.
An individual who holds a retired certification, e.g., the same test is no longer available, and the
certification has lapsed for more than 2 years from the date in which it expired, cannot reactivate the
certification.
4.
For hardships caused by unforeseen medical conditions or natural disaster, the COC may consider
brief extensions, if requested prior to the lapse and supported by sufficient and applicable
documentation. All requests will be subject to review and approval.
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