Top 11 Clinical Nurse Educator Certifications

Certifications for a clinical nurse educator are important in the job market because they provide evidence that the individual is qualified to teach and practice in their field. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to staying up-to-date with best practices and standards of care, which employers highly value. Additionally, certifications can help set a candidate apart from other applicants and provide assurance to employers that they are hiring someone who is knowledgeable and competent.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clinical Nurse Educators and explains how they can benefit a clinical nurse educator's career.

What are Clinical Nurse Educator Certifications?

Clinical nurse educator certification is a credential that recognizes the expertise of nurses who have specialized in teaching, training, and educating other healthcare professionals. It provides evidence of the nurse’s knowledge, skills, and experience in clinical education. With this certification, nurses can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality education within their organization or institution.

The certification process requires completion of a rigorous program that includes coursework in clinical instruction techniques, curriculum development, evaluation methods, and educational technology. This program helps nurses to become more effective educators by developing their knowledge base and skills. Through this program, nurses are able to gain a better understanding of how to effectively teach and mentor students in the classroom and clinical settings.

The primary benefit of obtaining clinical nurse educator certification is that it allows nurses to demonstrate professional excellence in their field. With this certification, they can show employers that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide quality instruction to healthcare professionals. Additionally, having this credential can open up new career opportunities for nursing educators including positions such as faculty members or educational consultants.

Overall, becoming certified as a clinical nurse educator is an important step for those looking to advance their careers in nursing education. The credentials offered through the certification process provide evidence of expertise in teaching and training other healthcare professionals which can help them stand out from other applicants when seeking employment or promotion opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering clinical nurse educator certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and find one that meets your specific educational needs. Additionally, look into any continuing education requirements associated with the certification you're considering in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in the field.

Related: What does a Clinical Nurse Educator do?

Top 11 Clinical Nurse Educator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Nurse Educators today.

1. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) is a credential awarded by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It is designed to recognize excellence in nursing education, and it is the only national certification program that focuses specifically on nurse educators. The CNE credential is intended to demonstrate an individual's commitment to excellence in nursing education, as well as their expertise in teaching and curriculum development.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing or higher and at least two years of experience teaching in an accredited nursing program. They must also have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing education within the past three years.

The process of becoming certified takes approximately four months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application packet with required documentation and fees to the NLN. Once approved, applicants will be invited to take the CNE exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at a designated testing center. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CNE certificate from the NLN within six weeks.

The cost for applying for certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the NLN. For members, it costs $250; for non-members, it costs $400 plus a one-time application fee of $50.

2. Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Educator (CAPNE)

A Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Educator (CAPNE) is a credential offered by the National League for Nursing to recognize advanced practice nurses who have demonstrated expertise in nursing education. This certification is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of advanced practice nurses in teaching and educational leadership roles.

To become a CAPNE, applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Hold an active license as an advanced practice nurse in their state or country

- Have at least two years of experience as an advanced practice nurse educator

- Have completed at least 45 hours of continuing education related to nursing education within the past three years

- Submit evidence of current involvement in professional activities related to nursing education

- Pass the NLN CAPNE exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost for taking the exam is $400 USD. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours. There are no prerequisites for taking the exam other than meeting the eligibility requirements listed above.

3. Certified Nursing Education Administrator (CNEDA)

Certified Nursing Education Administrator (CNEDA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence in the field of nursing education. The CNEDA certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The CNEDA certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in nursing education administration, as well as a master’s degree in nursing or related field. Applicants must also complete an approved CNEDA course and pass the corresponding exam.

The course and exam take approximately six months to complete, depending on the applicant's schedule and availability. The cost for the course and exam vary depending on the provider, but typically range from $500-$1000 USD.

4. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Clinical Nurse Educator Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Clinical Nurse Educator Certification is a certification program for nurses who are interested in teaching and educating other nurses. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills that nurse educators possess in order to effectively teach and mentor other nurses.

In order to obtain this certification, applicants must have an active RN license, two years of full-time clinical nursing experience within the last three years, and 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing education within the last three years. Applicants must also pass an exam that consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as curriculum development, instructional design, evaluation strategies, educational technology, and legal aspects of nursing education.

The cost of the ANCC Clinical Nurse Educator Certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally, it costs between $320-$400 USD for the application fee and exam fee combined. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam.

5. National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination

The National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination is a comprehensive, computer-based exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of nurse educators. It is designed to measure the competencies of nurse educators in areas such as teaching/learning, curriculum development, evaluation, and leadership. The NLN Certified Nurse Educator Examination is offered twice a year in April and October.

To take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator Examination, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the NLN. These include having a current RN license in good standing and at least two years of full-time experience as a nurse educator within the last five years. Applicants must also have completed an approved graduate nursing program with a minimum of 18 credit hours in nursing education or hold an NLN recognized certification in nursing education.

Once eligible, applicants can register for the exam online through the NLN website. The cost of registration is $395 USD and includes access to practice tests and study materials. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

After completing the exam, applicants will receive their scores within four weeks via email or mail. A passing score on the NLN Certified Nurse Educator Examination is required to become certified as an NLN Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).

6. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Perioperative Nursing Education Program

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Perioperative Nursing Education Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice in the perioperative setting. The program consists of two components: an online course and a clinical practicum.

The online course provides students with the theoretical knowledge needed to practice in the operating room. It includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, infection control, patient safety, and professional ethics. The online course takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete depending on the student's availability.

The clinical practicum is an on-site experience that allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. During this practicum, students will gain hands-on experience in preoperative assessment, intraoperative care, postoperative management, and patient education. This portion of the program typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete.

In order to be eligible for the AORN Perioperative Nursing Education Program, applicants must have a current RN license and have completed an accredited nursing program or equivalent education. Additionally, applicants must pass a criminal background check prior to admission into the program.

The cost of the AORN Perioperative Nursing Education Program varies by institution; however, it typically ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for both components combined.

7. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Care Nursing

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Care Nursing (CNS-AC) is a certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise of nurses who specialize in providing care to acutely ill patients. The CNS-AC certification is designed for nurses who have a master’s degree in nursing with an acute care specialty and at least two years of clinical experience in the acute care setting.

To become certified as a CNS-AC, applicants must pass an exam administered by AACN Certification Corporation. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, diagnosis, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, leadership and management, and professional accountability. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CNS-AC certification exam, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including: having an active RN license; holding a master’s degree or higher from an accredited nursing program; having at least two years of full time clinical experience in acute care nursing; and completing at least 45 contact hours of continuing education related to acute care nursing within the past three years.

The cost for taking the CNS-AC certification exam is $395 for AACN members and $495 for nonmembers. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents necessary for application verification.

8. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certified Executive in Nursing Practice

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Certified Executive in Nursing Practice (CENP) is a credential that recognizes nurse executives who have achieved a high level of professional expertise and experience. It is designed to recognize nurse executives who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead and manage healthcare organizations.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an active RN license in good standing with no disciplinary action
• Have a minimum of five years of nursing practice experience
• Have a minimum of three years of nursing leadership/management experience
• Possess a master’s degree in nursing or related field from an accredited college or university
• Complete at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing leadership/management within the past three years
• Pass the CENP exam.

The CENP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as organizational management, financial management, human resources management, quality improvement, legal and ethical considerations, and strategic planning. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CENP certification program is $495 for AONE members and $595 for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials and the exam fee.

9. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Clinical Nurse Leader Certification

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Clinical Nurse Leader Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurses who wish to become certified in the specialty area of clinical nurse leadership. The program is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who have achieved a high level of professional practice in this specialty area.

The NCSBN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification is a two-step process that includes an online application and an examination. The online application requires applicants to provide information such as educational background, work experience, licensure status, and other relevant information. Once the application is approved, applicants must take and pass the NCSBN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, leadership principles, and more.

The entire process typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish. Applicants should allow at least 3 months for their applications to be processed before taking the exam.

The cost for the NCSBN Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Examination varies by state but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD depending on the state's requirements.

10. International Council of Nurses (ICN) Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification is a certification program designed to recognize the advanced practice of nursing. It is an international recognition that demonstrates excellence in clinical practice and leadership in nursing. The ICN Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurses who have achieved advanced clinical expertise and knowledge in their specialty area.

The process of obtaining the ICN Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification typically takes six to nine months to complete, depending on the individual's experience and qualifications. To become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include: having a current RN license; completing an accredited master’s degree or higher in nursing; passing a written examination; and completing at least two years of full-time clinical practice as a nurse specialist. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application online through the ICN website.

The cost of obtaining the ICN Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification varies depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. Generally, it costs between $200-$400 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees for testing or other services associated with obtaining certification.

Overall, obtaining the ICN Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification is a rigorous process that requires dedication and commitment from individuals seeking this recognition. However, once obtained, this certification serves as proof of excellence in nursing practice and can help nurses stand out amongst their peers.

11. Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of nurses who specialize in medical-surgical nursing. It is awarded to nurses who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies for medical-surgical nursing, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.

To become certified as a CMSRN, an individual must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have an active RN license in good standing
• Have a minimum of two years of full-time practice as a registered nurse in the past three years
• Have at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience in medical-surgical nursing within the past three years
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education related to medical-surgical nursing within the past three years
• Pass an exam administered by AMSN.

The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam is $320 for AMSN members and $420 for nonmembers.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Nurse Educator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a clinical nurse educator certificate to become a nurse educator. However, having such certification may be helpful in obtaining a position as a nurse educator and may also give you an edge in the competitive job market.

A clinical nurse educator certificate can demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to teach nurses in a clinical setting. It can also provide evidence of your commitment to continuing education and advanced practice nursing roles. Furthermore, having a certificate can indicate that you are up-to-date on current trends and best practices within the field of nursing education.

In addition, having a clinical nurse educator certificate can give you access to specialized resources and networking opportunities that other nurses may not have access to. This could include attending conferences for nurse educators and participating in professional development courses or seminars related to teaching and training new nurses. In some cases, it may even help open doors for further career advancement opportunities within the field of nursing education.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a clinical nurse educator certificate will depend on your individual career goals as well as your current level of experience as an educator. If you feel that obtaining certification would benefit your career then it is certainly worth considering; however, if it does not seem like something that would help advance your professional objectives then it may not be necessary for you at this time.

Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Nurse Educator Certifications

Q1. What is a Clinical Nurse Educator certification?

A1. A Clinical Nurse Educator certification is a credential that demonstrates a nurse’s knowledge and expertise in the field of nursing education. This type of certification allows nurses to teach courses, mentor students and provide guidance to other healthcare professionals.

Q2. What qualifications do I need to become a Certified Clinical Nurse Educator?

A2. To be eligible for the Certified Clinical Nurse Educator (CCNE) program, applicants must have an active RN license, at least two years of experience as a registered nurse, and either a master's or doctoral degree in nursing education or related field from an accredited institution.

Q3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Clinical Nurse Educator?

A3. The cost of the CCNE application process depends on the level of certification you are seeking and can range from $200 - $500 USD depending on your state's requirements.

Q4. Do I need to pass an exam for Clinical Nurse Educator Certification?

A4: Yes, applicants must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) as well as complete additional training specific to clinical nurse educator roles before they can be certified as a CNECP by their state board of nursing or equivalent regulatory body.

Q5. How often do I need to renew my Clinical Nurse Educator Certification?

A5: Most states require that CNECPs renew their certifications every two years by completing continuing education courses or other types of professional development activities related to their specialty area(s).