Top 10 Nurse Recruiter Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for nurse recruiters in the job market, as they provide assurance that a nurse has been properly trained and qualified to perform their duties. Certifications also demonstrate to prospective employers that the nurse has attained a certain level of expertise and knowledge in their chosen field. A certified nurse recruiter is more likely to be sought after by hospitals and other healthcare organizations, as they can be trusted to understand the needs of the organization and find qualified nurses who will meet those needs. Certification also provides evidence that a nurse recruiter is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and practices, which can help them stay ahead of competition in terms of marketability.

This article reviews and explains the value of some of the top certifications for Nurse Recruiters, showing how they can contribute to a successful career in this field.

What are Nurse Recruiter Certifications?

Nurse Recruiter Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have mastered the core competencies of nurse recruiting. The certification is issued by the National Association for Healthcare Recruiters (NAHCR) and provides recognition of those who demonstrate professional excellence in their field. Nurse recruiters are responsible for finding, interviewing, and hiring qualified nurses to fill various positions within healthcare organizations.

The certification program was designed to provide an opportunity for nurse recruiters to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and commitment to the profession. It consists of two parts: a course and an exam. In order to earn the certification, candidates must successfully complete both components and pay a fee. The course covers topics such as recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, legal considerations in recruitment, and ethical considerations in recruitment. The exam tests knowledge of these topics as well as other areas related to nurse recruiting.

Having Nurse Recruiter Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market by demonstrating a high level of expertise in the field of nurse recruitment. It also shows potential employers that these individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recruit quality nurses for their organization. Additionally, certified nurse recruiters may be eligible for salary increases or promotions at their current job or when applying for new positions. Having this certification can open up many doors for career advancement opportunities in the field of nurse recruitment.

Pro Tip: Before applying for nurse recruiter certification, make sure you have the necessary qualifications and experience in the field. Additionally, research the requirements for certification and seek out resources to help you prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Nurse Recruiter do?

Top 10 Nurse Recruiter Certifications

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

1. Certified Nurse Recruiter (CNR)

A Certified Nurse Recruiter (CNR) is a professional certification for those who specialize in recruiting nurses for healthcare organizations. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nurse recruiters in the areas of recruitment, selection, interviewing, onboarding, retention and other related activities.

The CNR certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Recruitment (NAHCR). To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a nurse recruiter or in a related field such as human resources or staffing. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as legal issues, interviewing techniques and recruitment strategies. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for NAHCR members and $495 for non-members. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CNR certification which is valid for five years.

2. Certified Nursing Recruiter (CNR)

Certified Nursing Recruiter (CNR) is a credential earned by recruiters who specialize in recruiting and hiring nurses. This certification is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge needed to effectively fill nursing positions. It also serves as a measure of professional development for those in the field of nursing recruitment.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least two years of experience in healthcare recruitment or related fields;
• Have successfully completed an approved CNR training program;
• Pass an examination administered by the National Association of Healthcare Recruiters (NAHCR).

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete the required training and pass the exam. The cost for the CNR certification varies depending on your chosen program, but it generally ranges from $500-$1,000.

3. Certified Nurse Recruiting Professional (CNRP)

Certified Nurse Recruiting Professional (CNRP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of nurse recruitment. This certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Recruiters (NAHCR).

The CNRP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in healthcare recruiting, and to pass an exam that covers topics such as interviewing, job analysis, sourcing, and recruiting technology. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about two hours to complete.

To apply for the CNRP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and a non-refundable fee of $250. Once approved, they will receive access to the online study materials and can schedule their exam.

The cost of the CNRP certification includes the application fee, study materials, and exam fees. The total cost is approximately $500.

4. Certified Healthcare Recruiter (CHR)

Certified Healthcare Recruiter (CHR) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of healthcare recruiters in sourcing, recruiting and hiring qualified healthcare professionals. The certification is offered by the National Association of Healthcare Recruiters (NAHCR) and is designed to demonstrate a recruiter’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CHR program. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as healthcare laws, regulations, recruitment strategies, job postings and interviewing techniques. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in healthcare recruitment and submit letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are an NAHCR member or non-member. For members, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $295 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $495 for the application fee plus $345 for the exam fee.

In addition to passing the exam and submitting a portfolio, applicants must also complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain their certification status.

5. Certified Medical Staffing Professional (CMSP)

Certified Medical Staffing Professional (CMSP) is a certification program designed to help medical staffing professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care and services. The certification program is offered by the National Association of Medical Staffing Professionals (NAMSP).

The CMSP certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in medical staffing, as well as completion of an approved training program. The training program includes topics such as medical staffing regulations, recruitment and selection processes, performance management, and patient safety. Upon successful completion of the training program, candidates must pass an examination administered by NAMSP.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CMSP certification process. Candidates must first register with NAMSP and submit their application materials. They then need to attend an approved training course or complete an online course before taking the exam.

The cost of the CMSP certification varies depending on which type of training you choose. If you opt for an online course, it will cost around $400-$600; if you take a classroom-based course, it could cost up to $1,000 or more. Additionally, there is a $200 fee for taking the exam.

6. American Association of Nurse Recruiters Certification (AANRC)

The American Association of Nurse Recruiters Certification (AANRC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize nurse recruiters who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recruit and retain nurses. The AANRC Certification Program is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

It takes approximately six months to complete the AANRC Certification Program. The program consists of three components: a self-study course, an online examination, and a practical application project.

To get certified, applicants must first complete the self-study course, which covers topics such as recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, legal issues in recruiting, and retention strategies. Once the self-study course has been completed, applicants must take an online exam that tests their knowledge of nurse recruitment principles. Finally, applicants must complete a practical application project that demonstrates their ability to apply what they have learned in the self-study course and online exam.

The cost for the AANRC Certification Program is $500 USD for members of NCSBN or $650 USD for non-members.

7. National Association for Health Care Recruitment Certification (NAHCR)

The National Association for Health Care Recruitment Certification (NAHCR) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Health Care Recruiters (NAHCR). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in health care recruitment. The NAHCR certification program provides recruiters with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively recruit qualified healthcare professionals.

The NAHCR certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as recruiting techniques, legal issues, and best practices in health care recruitment. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired from the online exam.

In order to receive the NAHCR certification, applicants must pass both the online exam and the practical assessment with a score of 80% or higher. Once certified, individuals are required to complete continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of obtaining NAHCR certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAHCR. For non-members, the cost is $295 USD; for members, it is $195 USD.

To get started with your application process for NAHCR certification, you will need to register for an account on the NAHCR website and pay the applicable fee. After your payment has been processed, you will be able to access all of the materials needed for both parts of the certification process. You can then begin studying for your online exam and preparing for your practical assessment.

It typically takes about three months from start to finish in order to complete all requirements for NAHCR certification; however, this may vary depending on individual circumstances such as availability of testing centers or scheduling conflicts with other commitments.

8. National Council of State Boards of Nursing Certification in Healthcare Recruitment and Retention (NCSBN-CHRRR)

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Certification in Healthcare Recruitment and Retention (NCSBN-CHRRR) is a voluntary certification program offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NCSBN-CHRRR certification is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in healthcare recruitment and retention.

The NCSBN-CHRRR certification requires successful completion of an online exam that covers topics such as job analysis, recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, selection methods, onboarding processes, retention initiatives, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

In order to take the NCSBN-CHRRR exam, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of professional experience in healthcare recruitment or retention; having a valid RN license; completing a minimum number of continuing education credits; and holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The cost for taking the NCSBN-CHRRR exam is $350 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their NCSBN-CHRRR certification which is valid for five years.

9. Society for Human Resource Management Senior Professional in Human Resources – Healthcare Certification (SHRM-SPHR-HC)

The Society for Human Resource Management Senior Professional in Human Resources – Healthcare Certification (SHRM-SPHR-HC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and abilities of experienced human resource professionals in the healthcare industry. It is an advanced credential that demonstrates mastery of HR concepts, principles, and practices related to healthcare organizations.

In order to be eligible for the SHRM-SPHR-HC certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional-level experience in a healthcare organization. Additionally, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment, total rewards, employee relations and risk management.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the SHRM-SPHR-HC exam. Preparation can include studying independently or taking a course offered by SHRM or another provider. The cost of preparation varies depending on the method chosen.

The exam fee is $400 for SHRM members and $450 for nonmembers. There are also fees associated with recertification every three years; these fees are $100 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

Overall, obtaining the SHRM-SPHR-HC certification requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities within the healthcare industry.

10. American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Staff Development and Retention Certification Program (ANCC-NSDRP).

The American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Staff Development and Retention Certification Program (ANCC-NSDRP) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved excellence in the areas of staff development and retention. This certification is intended to demonstrate a nurse’s commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and the promotion of quality patient care.

The ANCC-NSDRP is open to any registered nurse with a valid license in the United States or its territories. In order to be eligible for this certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in nursing staff development or retention. Applicants must also complete an approved continuing education program related to nursing staff development or retention within the past five years.

The ANCC-NSDRP requires applicants to complete an online application, submit official transcripts from their educational programs, provide proof of current licensure, and pay a $350 fee. Once all requirements are met, applicants will take an exam which covers topics such as leadership principles and practices; recruitment and selection; orientation and onboarding; performance management; coaching and mentoring; competency assessment; training design and delivery; evaluation of outcomes; career planning; and organizational change management. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants will receive their ANCC-NSDRP certification. This certification is valid for five years from the date of issue and can be renewed by submitting proof of at least 30 contact hours in continuing education activities related to nursing staff development or retention during that time period.

Overall, it takes approximately six months from start to finish to obtain the ANCC-NSDRP certification. The cost for this certification is $350 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Nurse Recruiter Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a nurse recruiter certificate. However, if you are looking to become a successful and competitive nurse recruiter, obtaining such a certificate could be beneficial.

Nurse recruiters play an important role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for finding qualified nurses who can fill open positions within hospitals and other medical facilities. A Nurse Recruiter Certificate can provide a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process, from understanding job qualifications and legal considerations to developing effective recruitment strategies. It may also provide additional instruction on interviewing techniques and how to evaluate potential candidates.

Having an understanding of these topics could be invaluable when recruiting nurses for positions within your organization or facility. The knowledge gained from such a certification program could help you more efficiently identify qualified candidates and ensure that your recruitment efforts are both effective and compliant with laws and regulations. This could lead to better job placement success rates and potentially save time in the long run by eliminating unnecessary interviews or candidate reviews.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to have a Nurse Recruiter Certificate in order to be successful as a nurse recruiter, having one can give you an advantage over other recruiters who do not have the same level of education or experience in the field of recruitment.

Related: Nurse Recruiter Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Recruiter Certifications

Q1. What is a Nurse Recruiter Certification?

A1. A Nurse Recruiter Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip healthcare recruiters with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively and efficiently recruit nurses for their organization. The program focuses on best practices in recruitment, interviewing techniques, and strategic planning.

Q2. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Nurse Recruiter Certification?

A2. Yes, most certifying organizations require that applicants have at least three years of experience in healthcare recruitment or a related field, as well as a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. In addition, many certifying organizations also require applicants to pass an exam.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain a Nurse Recruiter Certification?

A3. The length of time it takes to obtain a Nurse Recruiter Certification varies depending on the certifying organization and the type of certification you are seeking; however, most programs can be completed within 1-2 years with proper preparation and dedication.

Q4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Nurse Recruiter Certification?

A4. Obtaining a Nurse Recruiter Certification demonstrates your commitment to excellence in recruitment practices and provides employers with assurance that you are qualified to effectively manage their recruitment process from start to finish. Additionally, certified nurse recruiters may be eligible for higher salaries than those without certification, as well as more job opportunities within the industry.

Q5. How much does it cost to obtain a Nurse Recruiter Certification?

A5. The cost of obtaining a Nurse Recruiter Certification varies depending on the certifying organization you choose; however, most programs range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the type of certification you are seeking and any additional materials required for completion (eBooks, textbooks etc.).