Online Nursing Certification Requirements: Preparing for Certification
As a Registered Nurse (RN), you can increase your earning potential by attaining and maintaining a certification in your specialty field. Certified nurses can earn up to $9,000 more than uncertified nurses. But certification doesn't just mean more money: it allows you to provide care for patients in the specialized field of your choice. Online nursing certification centers are available to help you meet your goals.
Online Nursing Certification Step-By-Step
To attain certification, you must undergo a rigorous testing process proctored by an organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Board of Nursing Specialty or the National Certification Corporation. Although you can earn certification in nearly any nursing specialty, it is most commonly sought by these four types of nursing professionals:1
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Nurse anesthetists
- Nurse-midwives
- Nurse practitioners
First, you'll want to choose an accredited nurse credentialing center that offers a variety of study materials, sample tests and exam prep courses. Many are available online, and the best online nursing certification centers also offer online study aides that will help nursing students pass their certification exams:2
- Test references
- Test content outlines
- Sample Q&As
- Test review manuals
- Test review study groups
Next, take advantage of prep courses offered through online nursing certification centers. They will help you prepare for the national certification exam in your specialization. These seminar-style classes are held on specified weekends throughout the country. To accommodate all types of learners, some of these courses require physical attendance, while others are offered online, and still others can be accessed via conference call. These exam prep courses can include the following:
- Certification review seminars
- Online narrative review courses
- Test strategy review courses
Taking the National Certification Exam
Once you've reviewed your nursing skills, refreshed your knowledge and taken a few practice quizzes, it's time to register for the nursing certification exam in your specialty. You can register through an accredited nursing certification center. Most tests are available year-round, and certification is recognized nationally. The computer-based test will be tailored to your nursing specialty and usually takes three to four hours to complete.3
Nursing Certification Renewal
When you pass your exam, you will be nationally certified in your nursing specialty. On average, certification lasts for five years, after which, you will be required to apply for certification renewal. However, different specialty certifications last for different lengths of time. The paper certificate you'll receive will include an expiration date for easy reference.4
The process of certification renewal usually requires fulfilling a specified amount of continuing education courses, as well as completing a set amount of "contact hours" within your field. Check an accredited online nursing certification organization website for your specialty area to see specific certification renewal guides.
Taking the Next Step
Now that you're armed with the knowledge to take the next step in your nursing career, there's nothing stopping you from pursuing your nursing specialization. Not only will certification be personally and professionally satisfying, but your coworkers and your patients will thank you for it.
