Top 11 Nursing Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for a nursing supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a nursing supervisor. Certification provides evidence that the individual is qualified and knowledgeable in their field and provides assurance to employers that they have met certain standards of practice. It also shows that an individual has taken the initiative to pursue additional education and training, which can be beneficial when competing for positions. Certifications can also provide a competitive edge when seeking promotions or salary increases.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Nursing Supervisors and outlines how they can help to enhance a supervisor's career.

What are Nursing Supervisor Certifications?

Nursing supervisor certification is a credential offered by professional nursing organizations to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in supervising and managing nursing staff. This certification is designed to provide an assurance of the supervisor’s competency in understanding the complexities of their role. It also serves as recognition for those supervisors who have successfully completed additional training, education, or experience requirements.

The benefits of holding this certification are numerous. By having this certification, supervisors can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in their roles as well as their dedication to providing quality patient care. Additionally, it can help them gain credibility among co-workers, employers, and patients alike. Furthermore, supervisors may be able to access more job opportunities and even have access to higher salaries due to the increased knowledge they possess. Finally, having this certification may also qualify them for additional leadership roles within the organization or within their profession.

Pro Tip: When considering a nursing supervisor certification, make sure to research the requirements for the specific program you are interested in thoroughly. Most certifications require some type of continuing education or professional development coursework in addition to a certain number of hours of supervised practice. Additionally, many certifications have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically.

Related: What does a Nursing Supervisor do?

Top 11 Nursing Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Supervisor (CNS)

Certified Nursing Supervisor (CNS) is a professional designation for nurses who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in nursing leadership. The CNS is responsible for providing clinical direction, developing policies and procedures, managing staff, and ensuring quality patient care.

In order to become a Certified Nursing Supervisor, an individual must have a valid registered nurse (RN) license from their state of residence and at least three years of experience as an RN. In addition, they must complete an accredited CNS program that includes coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare systems, health policy, organizational management, and leadership. Depending on the program chosen, this may take anywhere from one year to several years to complete.

The cost of the program will vary depending on the institution or organization offering it. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000-$10,000 depending on the length of the program and other factors such as residency status or financial aid availability. Additional fees may also be required such as application fees or textbook costs.

Once all requirements are met and the CNS exam has been passed with a passing score of 80%, individuals can apply for certification through their state board of nursing or through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

2. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional certification that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who manage nursing homes. The CNHA certification is offered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

To become a Certified Nursing Home Administrator, one must have a bachelor’s degree in health care administration or a related field, as well as at least two years of experience in an administrative role in a long-term care setting. In addition, applicants must pass the NAB's CNHA exam.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between three and six months. During this time, applicants must complete all required coursework, submit their application to NAB, and take the CNHA exam.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on which courses are taken and how many times the exam is taken. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 for the entire process.

3. Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) is a certification program offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved excellence in the management and leadership of nursing organizations. The CNML certification demonstrates that a nurse has advanced knowledge and skills in managing, leading, and directing nursing services.

To obtain the CNML certification, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements including: holding an active RN license in the United States or its territories; having a minimum of three years' experience as a nurse manager/leader; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education related to nursing management and leadership within the past three years; and passing an exam administered by AONE.

The cost for taking the CNML exam varies depending on whether you are an AONE member or non-member. For members, it costs $350 while non-members pay $450. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CNML certificate from AONE. This certificate is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed. To renew your certification, you must complete 45 continuing education credits related to nursing management and leadership during those five years.

4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is an internationally recognized certification for healthcare quality professionals. It is the most widely accepted credential for those who are involved in the management of quality, safety, and risk management programs within healthcare organizations. The CPHQ certification is administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in healthcare quality management, or a related field. Applicants must also complete an approved CPHQ course or program, pass a written exam, and submit three professional references.

The CPHQ exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality improvement methods and tools, patient safety principles, risk management strategies, and performance measurement techniques. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CPHQ certification varies depending on whether you take the online or classroom version of the course. The online version costs $1,295 while the classroom version costs $1,595. Additionally, there is an application fee of $250 and an examination fee of $350.

Once certified, individuals can maintain their certification by completing 20 continuing education credits every two years.

5. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification for case managers who have met the eligibility requirements set by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and expertise of case managers in providing quality care to their clients.

The CCM credential requires applicants to meet certain educational, experience, and ethical standards. To be eligible to apply, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, have at least two years of full-time equivalent professional case management experience within the last five years, and pass the CCMC's exam. Applicants must also agree to abide by the CCMC's Code of Professional Conduct.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the application process for the CCM credential. The application process includes submitting an online application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience. Once all required materials are submitted, it can take up to four weeks for processing before an applicant can take the exam.

The cost for taking the CCM exam is $395 USD as of 2021. This fee covers both registration for the exam and one year of membership in the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Additional fees may apply if an applicant needs to retake any portion of the exam or if they need additional materials or services related to their certification process.

6. Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

A Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is a specialized type of registered nurse who has achieved certification in the medical-surgical nursing specialty. CMSRNs are experts in caring for adult patients with acute and chronic health conditions, including those requiring surgery or other invasive procedures. They provide comprehensive care to their patients, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.

To become a CMSRN, you must first be a registered nurse (RN) with an active license in good standing. You must also have at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in medical-surgical nursing within the past five years. After meeting these requirements, you can then apply to take the CMSRN exam through the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of taking the CMSRN exam is $295 for members of MSNCB and $395 for nonmembers. If you pass the exam, you will receive your certification as a CMSRN and will need to renew it every five years by earning continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

7. Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a professional certification for individuals who are committed to improving patient safety and quality of care. It is offered by the National Board for Certification in Patient Safety (NBCPS). The CPPS credential recognizes those who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of patient safety.

The CPPS certification program consists of two parts: an online examination and a clinical practice assessment. To become certified, applicants must pass the online examination with a score of at least 70%. The exam covers topics such as patient safety principles, risk management strategies, healthcare quality improvement processes, and leadership in patient safety.

The clinical practice assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of case studies and simulations. This assessment is conducted by NBCPS-approved assessors.

It typically takes three to six months to complete all requirements for the CPPS certification. Applicants must submit an application fee of $150 when they apply for the program. Once accepted into the program, there is an additional fee of $450 for the online examination and $1,000 for the clinical practice assessment.

8. Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL)

Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced practice competencies in the clinical setting. The CCNL certification is offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It is an evidence-based credential that validates a nurse's ability to lead, manage, and evaluate care delivery systems and patient outcomes.

The CCNL program requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, as well as at least two years of experience in a clinical setting. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the AACN.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as leadership, quality improvement, informatics, health policy, and population health. The exam fee is $395 for AACN members and $495 for non-members.

It typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded the CCNL credential and will be able to use it on your resume and other professional documents.

9. American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification Program (AONE-CP)

The American Organization of Nurse Executives Certification Program (AONE-CP) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurse executives. The AONE-CP is designed to provide nurse executives with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in the field of nursing leadership.

To obtain the AONE-CP certification, candidates must successfully complete an online application and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as healthcare policy and law, financial management, quality improvement, human resources management, organizational development and change management. Candidates must also have at least five years of experience in a nursing leadership role.

The cost for the AONE-CP certification program is $350 for members of AONE or ANA and $450 for non-members. The fee includes the cost of registration, preparation materials, and the exam. It typically takes about six weeks from registration to receive your results from the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your AONE-CP certification which will be valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status you must participate in continuing education activities every three years to ensure that your knowledge and skills remain current with industry standards.

10. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Leadership Certification Program

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Nursing Leadership Certification Program is a voluntary program designed to recognize nurses who demonstrate excellence in nursing leadership. The program is intended to help nurses gain recognition for their commitment to the profession and to promote professional development.

The certification is valid for five years and requires 80 hours of continuing education, which must be completed within the five-year period. To qualify for the certification, nurses must have a current RN license, two years of practice as an RN, and at least 1,000 hours of experience in a nursing leadership role within the past three years. In addition, applicants must submit evidence of professional development activities related to nursing leadership within the past three years.

To apply for the certification, nurses must first create an ANCC profile and then complete an online application form. Once all necessary documents have been submitted and reviewed by ANCC staff, applicants will receive notification of their acceptance into the program.

The cost of the Nursing Leadership Certification Program varies depending on whether or not you are an ANCC member. For non-members, it costs $395; for members it costs $295.

11. National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission’s Advanced Practice Leadership Certificate

The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission’s Advanced Practice Leadership Certificate is a professional certification program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to lead in advanced practice roles. The certificate is awarded after successful completion of a six-month online program, which includes three core courses and two elective courses. The core courses focus on topics such as leadership, health policy, healthcare finance, and quality improvement. Elective courses cover topics such as public health, informatics, research methods, and clinical decision making.

To be eligible for the certificate program, applicants must have an active Registered Nurse license in their state of residence and have completed at least one year of practice in an advanced nursing role. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all institutions attended and complete an application form.

The cost of the Advanced Practice Leadership Certificate program is $1,495 USD. This fee covers tuition for the five required courses as well as access to course materials and resources. Additional fees may apply for textbooks or other materials required for the coursework.

Do You Really Need a Nursing Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. Those who are interested in becoming a nursing supervisor should consider whether or not obtaining a certificate is necessary for their career advancement. In some cases, having a certificate may be beneficial, as it can provide evidence of knowledge and skills in the field and demonstrate commitment to professional development.

For those who are already registered nurses, many employers may prefer that individuals have a nursing supervisor certificate to help ensure they have the appropriate credentials and training necessary for the job. It can also be helpful in demonstrating an understanding of the role of a nursing supervisor, including the ability to effectively manage staff and ensure quality care is provided to patients.

On the other hand, there are some situations where having a nursing supervisor certificate may not be necessary. For example, if someone has extensive experience working in the field and has demonstrated their ability to manage staff and provide quality care, then having a certificate may not be as important.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not obtaining a nursing supervisor certificate is worth pursuing. Those considering this option should weigh their options carefully and consider what will best help them reach their career goals.

Related: Nursing Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Nursing Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become a nursing supervisor?

Answer: Generally, a nurse supervisor must have an active nursing license and hold either a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited institution. Additional certifications and/or experience may be required for certain positions.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a nursing supervisor?

Answer: The timeline for certification depends on the specific program and requirements, but typically ranges from one to two years of study.

3. Is there an exam I need to pass in order to become a certified nursing supervisor?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require successful completion of an exam in order to receive certification as a nursing supervisor.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification as a nursing supervisor?

Answer: Yes, most certifications will require periodic renewal by completing additional educational courses or activities related to the field of nursing supervision.

5. What types of jobs can I apply for with my nursing supervisor certification?

Answer: Certified nursing supervisors are qualified to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, physician offices, and other healthcare settings where supervision is needed.