Top 11 Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications
Updated 20 min read
Certifications are important for a clinical nurse specialist in the job market because they provide evidence that the individual has met certain standards of practice and knowledge. Certification can also differentiate an individual from other applicants and demonstrate expertise in a particular area of nursing. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or may give an individual preference when applying for a job. Finally, certifications can lead to increased salary and career advancement opportunities.
The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Clinical Nurse Specialists and explain how they can improve a clinical nurse specialist's career prospects.
What are Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications?
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification is a post-graduate level nursing credential that recognizes the advanced education, knowledge and experience of an individual in a specialty area of practice. It offers evidence of excellence in patient care and demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning. By obtaining CNS certification, individuals demonstrate their mastery of advanced clinical practice and theory as well as their expertise in the specialty area.
CNS certification can be beneficial for nurses who wish to advance their careers and expand their scope of practice. It can help them gain credibility within the healthcare field and gain recognition from employers, peers, patients and other healthcare professionals. Furthermore, having CNS certification may lead to increased opportunities for nursing leadership positions or higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge that CNSs possess. Finally, it can also provide nurses with an opportunity to stay current on the latest advances in clinical practice through continuing education requirements associated with maintaining their certification status.
Pro Tip: Before beginning the process of becoming a certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, make sure to research the different types of certifications available to ensure you select the one that best fits your needs. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the requirements and expectations associated with each certification so that you can adequately prepare for the exam.
Related: What does a Clinical Nurse Specialist do?
Top 11 Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Nurse Specialists today.
1. Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS)
A Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS) is a specialized advanced practice registered nurse who has achieved certification in a specific area of nursing practice. CCNSs are highly trained and experienced nurses who provide direct patient care, clinical leadership, and consultation services to improve patient outcomes.
To become a CCNS, one must have an active RN license, a master's degree in nursing from an accredited program, and at least 500 hours of clinical experience in the specialty area for which they are seeking certification. After meeting these requirements, candidates must pass the CCNS examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The cost of taking the CCNS exam varies depending on your state or country of residence. In the United States, it typically costs around $400-$500 to take the exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.
Once certified as a CCNS, nurses must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education activities related to their specialty area and passing an ANCC recertification exam.
2. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP)
A Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in pediatric primary care. CPNPs are qualified to diagnose and treat common acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care, manage medications, order diagnostic tests, and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to become a CPNP. During this time, students must complete an accredited master’s or doctoral program in nursing with a focus on pediatric primary care. This includes courses such as pediatrics pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and pediatric clinical management.
In addition to completing their educational program, CPNPs must also pass the national certification exam offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). This exam covers topics such as child development and growth; nutrition; family dynamics; psychosocial health; and professional roles and responsibilities.
The cost of becoming a CPNP varies depending on the individual’s educational program and the fees associated with taking the PNCB certification exam. The cost of tuition for an accredited master’s or doctoral program can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. The fee for taking the PNCB certification exam is currently $395 for members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or $495 for non-members.
3. Certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (CAGPCNP)
A Certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (CAGPCNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed a master’s degree program in nursing and has specialized training in the care of adults and older adults. CAGPCNPs provide comprehensive primary care services to individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses.
It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to complete the requirements for certification as a CAGPCNP. The educational program must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It includes coursework in adult-gerontological primary care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, health promotion and disease prevention.
To become certified as a CAGPCNP, applicants must have an active RN license and have completed their graduate degree program with at least 500 hours of clinical experience in adult-gerontological primary care nursing. They must also pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.
The cost of becoming certified as a CAGPCNP varies depending on the school or university attended and any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam. Generally speaking, tuition costs can range from $15,000-$30,000 per year depending on the school chosen. In addition to tuition costs there may be additional fees associated with taking the ANCC certification exam which can range from $200-$400 depending on whether you are already an ANCC member or not.
4. Certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (CAGACNP)
Certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (CAGACNP) is a certification for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing acute care to adult and geriatric patients. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
To become certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, you must first have a valid RN license and meet the educational requirements of an accredited graduate program in nursing. You must also have at least two years of experience as an RN in acute care settings. After meeting these requirements, you can apply for the certification exam through ANCC. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.
The cost of the CAGACNP certification exam varies depending on your state of residence, but typically ranges from $400-$600. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional fees for application processing or other related services.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CAGACNP certification from ANCC. This credential is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.
5. Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP)
A Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic illnesses. CFNPs are qualified to provide primary care services to individuals, families, and communities. They are able to diagnose and treat common medical conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, counsel patients on health maintenance and disease prevention, refer patients to specialists as needed, and perform minor surgical procedures.
It typically takes two years of full-time study beyond a bachelor’s degree in nursing for an individual to become a certified family nurse practitioner. Depending on the program chosen by the student, it may take longer or shorter than two years to complete the necessary coursework.
To become a certified family nurse practitioner, individuals must first obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. After completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, students must then enroll in an accredited master’s program that offers courses specifically designed for family nurse practitioners. Upon completion of the master’s program, students must then pass the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Examination (AANPCB) before they can be considered certified family nurse practitioners.
The cost of becoming a certified family nurse practitioner will vary depending on the school attended and type of program chosen by the student. Generally speaking, tuition costs for master's programs range from $10,000-$30,000 per year depending on whether or not you attend an online or traditional campus-based program. Additionally there will be additional fees associated with taking the AANPCB certification exam which currently costs $210 for members of AANP and $310 for non-members.
6. Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
A Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. PMHNPs are qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage the full range of mental health issues for individuals across the lifespan. They provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
It typically takes 3-4 years to become a PMHNP-BC. The first step is to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). After that, you must complete an accredited Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program focusing on psychiatric mental health nursing. During this time, you will need to complete supervised clinical hours in order to be eligible for certification.
To become certified as a PMHNP-BC, you must pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but is generally around $400-$500 USD.
7. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Board Certified (APRN-BC)
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Board Certified (APRN-BC) is a registered nurse who has completed additional education and training beyond the basic nursing degree. This advanced education and training allows them to provide specialized care in areas such as family practice, acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and more.
In order to become an APRN-BC, nurses must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing from an accredited institution and pass a national certification exam. Depending on the program chosen, this can take anywhere from two to four years. Additionally, some states may require nurses to have additional clinical experience or continuing education credits before they are eligible for certification.
The cost of becoming an APRN-BC varies depending on the program chosen and any additional requirements needed for state licensure. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $20,000-$50,000 and there may be additional fees associated with the certification exam.
Once all of these requirements have been met and the nurse has successfully passed their certification exam, they will receive their APRN-BC credential and be able to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in their state of residence.
8. American Nurses Credentialing Center's Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience of nurses who have chosen to specialize in a particular area of practice. The CNS certification is designed to validate the expertise of nurses who provide direct patient care and serve as clinical experts in their specialty areas.
The CNS certification requires applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having an active registered nurse license, completing a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area within the past three years, and holding a master’s degree or higher from an accredited nursing program. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills related to their specialty area.
The process for obtaining the CNS certification typically takes six months or more depending on when you apply and how quickly you complete all requirements. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application to ANCC along with all required documentation. Once your application has been approved, you will be allowed to register for the exam. After passing the exam, you will be issued your CNS credential which is valid for five years.
The cost of obtaining the CNS certification varies depending on when you apply and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts offered by ANCC. In general, it costs approximately $400-$500 for initial applications and $300-$400 for renewal applications.
9. Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation's Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (CNS-BC) for nurses who specialize in the care of cancer patients. The CNS-BC is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in oncology nursing.
To become certified, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Possess an active, unencumbered RN license
- Have at least two years of experience as an RN in oncology nursing
- Hold a master’s degree or higher from an accredited program in nursing with a major emphasis in oncology nursing
- Complete at least 500 hours of practice as an RN in oncology within the last three years
- Submit verification of practice hours from your employer or supervisor
- Pass the ONCC CNS-BC examination.
The process to get certified typically takes about six months. You can apply online through the ONCC website and submit all necessary documents. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to schedule and take the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your CNS-BC certification.
The cost for taking the exam is $395 for members of ONCC and $495 for non-members.
10. National Certification Corporation's Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
The National Certification Corporation (NCC) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification is a credential that recognizes the advanced knowledge and expertise of a nurse in a specialty area. It is awarded to nurses who have met the rigorous standards of practice set forth by the NCC. The CNS certification demonstrates expertise in a specific area of nursing practice, such as adult health, pediatric health, gerontology, or mental health.
In order to be eligible for the CNS certification, applicants must have an active registered nurse license and at least two years of full-time clinical experience in their chosen specialty area within the last five years. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to their specialty area within the past three years.
The application process for the CNS certification involves an online application form and submission of supporting documentation. Once all required documents are received and reviewed by NCC staff, applicants will receive notification regarding their eligibility status. If approved, applicants will then be required to take and pass a computer-based exam administered by Prometric Testing Centers across the United States.
The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics related to clinical practice, research, leadership/management, education/consultation/collaboration, professional issues/ethics/legalities, and information systems/technology. Applicants are given four hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70% correct in order to pass.
Once an applicant has passed the exam they will become certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist through NCC for five years from their date of passing. To maintain their certification they must complete 45 contact hours of continuing education every three years or retake the exam before expiration.
11. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses' Acute and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Acute and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of nurses in acute and critical care settings. The certification recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing evidence-based care to acutely and critically ill patients.
The certification process takes approximately 6 months to complete. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must meet the following criteria: hold an active RN license, have a minimum of two years of experience as an RN in an acute or critical care setting, have completed at least 1,000 hours of practice as an RN in an acute or critical care setting within the past three years, hold a master’s degree from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or equivalent degree from another country, and pass a written examination.
The cost for the AACN Acute and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification is $375 for members of AACN and $475 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of registration, exam fees, study materials, and other related expenses.
Do You Really Need a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate?
The decision to pursue a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate is one that should be made after careful consideration of your goals and how the certificate can help you meet them. Although the certificate is not required to practice as a clinical nurse specialist, it can provide valuable evidence of expertise in a specialized area. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to further your education and gain additional knowledge and skills.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate requires that you complete an accredited program with coursework in areas such as advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, health care policy, and other related topics. In addition, you must complete a certain number of hours of clinical practicum experience in order to receive the certificate. The extra effort required to earn this credential can help demonstrate your commitment to professional development and enhancement of patient outcomes.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate may also open doors for advancement within an organization or allow you to transition into different roles within nursing. Having this certification may make you eligible for higher-level positions or give you more credibility when applying for jobs or promotions. It can also provide an opportunity to gain experience in new areas of practice or take on leadership roles in clinical settings.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate depends on your career goals and objectives. If having this credential will help advance your career and allow you to reach those goals, then it may be worth pursuing. However, if you do not feel that it is necessary for where you are currently at professionally, then it may not be necessary for you at this time.
Related: Clinical Nurse Specialist Resume Examples
FAQs About Clinical Nurse Specialist Certifications
1. What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification?
Answer: A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills acquired by nurses who specialize in a particular area of practice. The CNS credential demonstrates a nurse's commitment to providing quality care and expertise in their specialty area of practice.
2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification?
Answer: Requirements for obtaining a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification vary from state to state, but generally include holding an active license as an RN, completing an accredited master’s degree program in nursing, having at least one year of experience in their specialty area of practice, and passing both the written and clinical examinations administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
3. How long does it take to become certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?
Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) depends on how quickly you complete all of the necessary requirements, such as obtaining your master’s degree in nursing, gaining experience in your specialty area of practice, and studying for and passing the ANCC examinations. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from two to four years or longer depending on your personal circumstances.
4. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification?
Answer: Yes, maintaining your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification involves completing continuing education courses related to your specialty area of practice on a regular basis in order to keep up with changes in healthcare technology and best practices. Additionally, you must renew your CNS certification every five years with proof of completed continuing education hours.
5. Are there specific organizations that offer support for my Clinical Nurse Specialty Certifications?
Answer: Yes! The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers several resources and programs specifically designed to help nurses maintain their CNS certification, including webinars, conferences, publications and study guides. Additionally, many local chapters of professional nursing organizations also provide additional support through networking events and mentorship opportunities.