AACN Certification Corporation drives patient health and safety through the comprehensive credentialing of acute and critical care nurses, advancing practice consistent with standards of excellence.
Accreditation for AACN certification programs is granted by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certifications (ABSNC) or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
All AACN certifications are accepted by the Magnet Recognition Program®.
Learn more about AACN Certification Corporation
How do you sum up your clinical expertise, vast experience, dedication to patients and personal commitment to excellence? In a word, certification. Certification not only contributes to optimal outcomes for acutely/critically ill patients and their families, it advances your professional and personal growth.
Be a clinician who sets the example for other nurses
How to Apply or Renew
First-Time Certification
Certification Renewal
1Validate your eligibility for certification
2Apply for certification online
3Prepare for your exam
4Schedule your exam date
5Take the exam
6Celebrate your certification!
7Learn about certification renewal
When it’s time to renew your certification, the steps below will get you there. For in-depth information about eligibility and the renewal process, consult the renewal handbook for your specific certification.
1Validate your eligibility for renewal
2Track your CE/CERP progress from your AACN dashboard
3Store your CE/CERP documentation, to submit if audited
4Apply for your certification renewal online
5Receive confirmation of your successful renewal
6Access online verification and/or wallet card
AACN is your committed partner on the road to certification. Be best prepared for your certification journey with our wide range of preparation tools and information designed to boost your test-taking confidence.
Employers and certificants can easily verify board certification. We also help employers stretch
certification dollars further with our volume discount programs.
AACN’s entry-level advanced practice credentials are for nurses educated at the graduate-level as acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to provide advanced healthcare services to patient populations with acute and/or complex healthcare needs. AACN's advanced practice board certifications meet the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Criteria for APRN Certification Programs and are accepted in all states.
Our Advanced Practice Certification Brochure describes the many benefits of partnering with AACN in your career as an ACNP or CNS.