Top 11 Nursing Instructor Certifications

Certifications for a nursing instructor are important because they demonstrate competency and expertise in the field, as well as provide evidence of professional development. Nursing instructors with certifications have a competitive edge in the job market, as employers are more likely to hire those who can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the profession. Certifications also allow nursing instructors to stay up-to-date on best practices and new developments in their area of expertise. Additionally, certifications provide teaching credibility and may open up opportunities for career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Nursing Instructors and explain how they can help advance a nursing instructor's career.

What are Nursing Instructor Certifications?

Nursing instructor certification is a process that requires nurses to meet certain requirements in order to become qualified to teach nursing courses. It is designed to ensure that individuals who choose to pursue the role of nursing instructor have the necessary qualifications and skill set to provide quality instruction to nursing students.

Earning a nursing instructor certification provides nurses with the credentials they need to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in teaching. Most states require that nurse educators hold an active license as a registered nurse as well as additional certifications or qualifications in order to be eligible for teaching positions. Certification also allows nurses to stay up-to-date on new developments within their field of specialty, which can help them better prepare their students for their careers.

Having a certification in nursing instruction can also help nurses advance their careers by providing them with additional opportunities for professional growth and development. With the right credentials, nurses can take on more advanced roles such as program directors, department heads, or even college professors. This not only helps them further develop their skillset but also gives them greater job security and better salary potentials.

Overall, obtaining a nursing instructor certification is beneficial for both current and aspiring nurse educators because it provides them with the credentials they need to gain credibility among employers and peers alike. It also allows them to stay abreast of the most recent advances within their field and offers more career advancement opportunities than ever before.

Pro Tip: When considering a nursing instructor certification, make sure to research the program and its accreditation status. A certified program will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful nursing instructor. Additionally, it will give you access to resources and networking opportunities that can help advance your career.

Related: What does a Nursing Instructor do?

Top 11 Nursing Instructor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Nursing Instructors today.

1. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

A Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) is a nurse who has achieved advanced certification in the field of nursing education. The CNE credential demonstrates that the nurse has met specialized standards for knowledge and expertise in the area of teaching and developing educational programs for nurses.

The CNE credential is awarded by the National League for Nursing (NLN). To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by the NLN. The eligibility requirements include having a current, unencumbered RN license; a master’s degree in nursing or related field; at least two years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited nursing program; and at least three years of practice as a registered nurse.

The NLN Certified Nurse Educator Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as curriculum design, evaluation strategies, instructional methods, and professional roles. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for NLN members and $495 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or review courses.

2. Certified Clinical Nurse Educator (CCNE)

A Certified Clinical Nurse Educator (CCNE) is a credential that recognizes nurses who have demonstrated expertise in the field of nursing education. The CCNE credential is awarded by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). To obtain the CCNE, nurses must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass an exam.

To be eligible to take the CCNE exam, applicants must have:

• A current, unencumbered RN license;
• At least two years of full-time experience as a clinical nurse educator or faculty member in an NLNAC-accredited program;
• A minimum of a master’s degree in nursing or related field from an accredited institution; and
• A minimum of 500 hours teaching experience within the past three years.

The CCNE exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that are divided into four sections: Foundations of Nursing Education, Curriculum Development and Evaluation, Teaching/Learning Strategies, and Professional Role. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost to take the CCNE exam is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within six weeks. The certification is valid for five years at which time you will need to renew it by completing continuing education credits or retaking the examination.

3. Certified Nursing Education Administrator (CNAA)

Certified Nursing Education Administrator (CNAA) is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of nursing education. This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To qualify for this certification, applicants must have a Master’s degree in nursing or a related field, be licensed as an RN in their state of residence, and have at least two years of experience teaching nursing courses.

The CNAA certification process includes passing an exam that covers topics such as curriculum development, evaluation of student learning outcomes, and educational leadership. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CNAA certification exam is $395 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ANCC within four to six weeks. You will also receive an email notification with instructions on how to access your digital badge. The CNAA credential must be renewed every five years through continuing education activities.

4. National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (NLN CNE)

The National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (NLN CNE) is a certification program designed to recognize excellence in nursing education. It is the highest credential available for nurse educators and is recognized as a mark of distinction in the field of nursing education.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited nursing program, hold a master’s degree or higher in nursing, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as curriculum design, evaluation strategies, and educational technology.

The NLN CNE certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must submit an online application and fee ($400). After submitting the application, applicants will be sent an eligibility packet with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any Prometric testing center across the country.

After passing the exam, applicants will receive their NLN CNE certificate within four weeks. The certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.

5. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certified Nurse Educator (AACN CNE)

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certified Nurse Educator (AACN CNE) is a credential that recognizes nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of nursing education. The AACN CNE certification is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated expertise in the field of nursing education and are committed to providing quality educational experiences for students, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

To qualify for the AACN CNE certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including:

• Possess an active, unencumbered RN license
• Have a minimum of two years of experience as a nurse educator
• Hold a master’s degree or higher in nursing or related field from an accredited college/university
• Have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in nursing education within the past three years
• Submit evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Pass the AACN CNE examination with a score of 75% or higher.

The AACN CNE certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost to take the exam is $395 for non-members and $295 for members. The fee includes access to an online practice test, study guide, and online resources. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within six weeks.

6. American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Professional Development Certification (ANCC NPDC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Professional Development Certification (ANCC NPDC) is a certification program that recognizes nurses who have achieved and maintained excellence in their specialty area of nursing professional development. The ANCC NPDC provides nurses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide quality care for patients and families.

The ANCC NPDC certification process involves completing an application form and submitting it to the ANCC for review. Once approved, applicants must successfully complete an examination that covers topics related to nursing professional development such as leadership, communication, teaching strategies, and evidence-based practice. After passing the exam, applicants are awarded the ANCC NPDC credential.

The certification process typically takes four to six months from start to finish. Applicants should plan ahead by researching the requirements for each step of the process before beginning their application.

The cost of obtaining the ANCC NPDC credential varies depending on whether you are applying as a new applicant or renewing your existing certification. For new applicants, the cost is $385; for renewal applicants, it is $295. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any portion of the examination or submit additional documentation during the application process.

7. American Organization of Nurse Executives Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (AONE-CENP)

The American Organization of Nurse Executives Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (AONE-CENP) is a voluntary certification program for nurse executives. It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in executive nursing practice. The AONE-CENP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to executive nursing practice.

To become AONE-CENP certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a current, unrestricted RN license or equivalent;

2. Have a minimum of five years’ experience as an executive nurse leader;

3. Have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in executive nursing practice within the last three years;

4. Submit an application and documentation demonstrating eligibility;

5. Pass the AONE-CENP exam with a score of 75% or higher; and

6. Agree to abide by the AONE Code of Professional Conduct for Nurse Executives.

The process for obtaining AONE-CENP certification typically takes about six months from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete your application and exam preparation materials. The cost for taking the exam is $400 for members of AONE and $500 for non-members, plus any additional fees associated with submitting your application materials.

8. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Certified Nurse Educator Program (CCNE CNEP)

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Certified Nurse Educator Program (CCNE CNEP) is a professional certification program for nurse educators. This certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in nursing education and demonstrates their commitment to the profession. The CCNE CNEP is designed to provide recognition and validation of advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful teaching and leadership in nursing education.

The CCNE CNEP requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time experience as a nurse educator and hold a master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit evidence of having completed at least 15 graduate semester hours in nursing education courses, including at least one course in each of the following areas: curriculum development, evaluation/assessment, teaching/learning strategies, educational technology, and educational leadership.

To receive the CCNE CNEP certification, applicants must pass an examination that assesses their knowledge and understanding of current trends in nursing education. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as curriculum design, assessment methods, instructional strategies, educational technology, and educational leadership. The exam fee is $350 USD.

The entire process typically takes 6-8 weeks from the time all application materials are submitted until the results are available.

9. National Council of State Boards of Nursing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NCSBN APRN)

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NCSBN APRN) is a certification that recognizes nurses who have achieved advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) status. This certification is issued by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). The purpose of this certification is to ensure that APRNs are qualified to provide safe and effective care to patients in all states.

To obtain the NCSBN APRN certification, nurses must meet the following requirements: hold an active, unrestricted RN license in their state; have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing or related field; complete an accredited APRN program; pass the national certification examination for their specialty area; and maintain continuing education credits.

The cost for taking the national certification exam varies depending on which specialty area you choose, but typically ranges from $200-$400. In addition to the cost of taking the exam, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining your APRN license or renewing it every year.

The amount of time it takes to get certified as an APRN varies depending on each individual’s experience and educational background. However, most individuals can expect to take between one and two years to complete all requirements for becoming an APRN.

10. International Council of Nurses Teaching and Learning Certificate Program (ICN TLCP)

The International Council of Nurses Teaching and Learning Certificate Program (ICN TLCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to become effective educators in the nursing profession. The program is offered in partnership with universities and other healthcare organizations around the world.

The ICN TLCP consists of four modules: Foundations of Nursing Education, Curriculum Development, Evaluation Strategies, and Professionalism. Each module contains online lectures, readings, activities and assessments that will help participants develop their teaching skills. The program also includes an e-portfolio assessment that allows participants to demonstrate their learning outcomes.

The ICN TLCP takes approximately six months to complete. Participants must complete all four modules before they can receive the certificate. Participants must also submit a final project at the end of the program for evaluation by an ICN-approved assessor.

To get started on the ICN TLCP, participants must first register with an approved provider or university offering the program. They then need to pay a fee which varies depending on the provider or university offering it. The fee typically covers tuition costs as well as any materials or assessments required for completion of the program.

In summary, the International Council of Nurses Teaching and Learning Certificate Program (ICN TLCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to become effective educators in the nursing profession. It takes approximately six months to complete and requires participants to pay a fee which varies depending on the provider or university offering it.

11. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Teaching/Learning Certificate Program (STTI TLCP).

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Teaching/Learning Certificate Program (STTI TLCP) is a professional development program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of nurses who are interested in teaching or learning in a variety of settings. This program consists of four courses that can be taken online or through self-study. The courses are designed to provide nurses with the necessary tools and strategies to become effective educators and learners.

The four courses included in the STTI TLCP are: Introduction to Teaching/Learning, Curriculum Development, Instructional Strategies, and Evaluation Strategies. Each course takes approximately 6 weeks to complete with an additional 2 weeks for review and assessment. Upon completion of all 4 courses, participants will receive a certificate from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

To get started with the STTI TLCP, applicants must first join Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing as a member. Once accepted into the society, members can then apply for the STTI TLCP by completing an online application form. Applicants must also submit transcripts showing proof of completion of a minimum of an associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university as well as verification of current registration with their state board of nursing.

The cost for the STTI TLCP varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or through self-study. For those taking the courses online, there is a fee for each course which includes access to course materials, instructor support and feedback, and certification upon successful completion. For those taking the courses through self-study, there is an overall fee that covers all four courses as well as certification upon successful completion.

Do You Really Need a Nursing Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A nursing instructor certificate is not required in order to teach nursing, but it can be beneficial for those who are interested in teaching nursing at a higher level or as a career.

Having a nursing instructor certificate demonstrates that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach nursing theory and practice. It also shows potential employers that the individual has taken the time to invest in furthering their education and professional development. In addition, having a nursing instructor certificate may increase an individual’s salary and job opportunities, as many employers prefer applicants with additional qualifications and certifications.

On the other hand, some individuals may choose not to pursue a nursing instructor certificate if they do not plan to make teaching nursing their primary career focus. In these cases, it may be more cost effective and less time consuming for individuals to gain knowledge and experience by working in direct patient care settings or shadowing experienced instructors while they teach.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual should pursue a nursing instructor certificate depends on their specific career goals and personal preferences.

Related: Nursing Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Nursing Instructor Certifications

Q1: What is a nursing instructor certification?

A1: A nursing instructor certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has met the qualifications to teach in a nursing program. It may include coursework, clinical experience, and passing a licensing exam.

Q2: How do I become certified as a nursing instructor?

A2: To become certified as a nursing instructor, you must have completed at least a master's degree in nursing, have at least two years of teaching experience, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You may also need to complete additional coursework or certifications depending on the state you are looking to teach in.

Q3: What types of courses are offered for nursing instructors?

A3: Courses for nursing instructors typically cover topics such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation methods, and legal issues related to teaching. There may also be courses focused on specific areas of healthcare such as geriatrics or pediatrics.

Q4: How long does it take to complete a nursing instructor certification?

A4: The length of time it takes to complete a nursing instructor certification varies depending on your current qualifications and the requirements of the state you are looking to teach in. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to several years to complete all necessary coursework and exams.

Q5: Is there any financial aid available for those looking to pursue a nursing instructor certification?

A5: Yes! There are various financial aid options available for those looking to pursue their nursing instructor certification including scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.