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Top 11 Registered Nurse Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 17 min read

Certifications are an important way for a registered nurse to demonstrate competency in their chosen field. They provide evidence of expertise, knowledge, and experience that employers value when making hiring decisions. Certifications also give nurses the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest nursing practices and advancements in the industry. This can help them stand out from other job candidates and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or preferred by others, so having these credentials can give RNs an advantage in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Registered Nurses and explain how they can help advance a registered nurse's career.

What are Registered Nurse Certifications?

Registered nurse certification is a process by which nurses demonstrate that they have met specific requirements in order to practice nursing safely and effectively. Certification is voluntary, meaning nurses can choose to pursue it or not.

Certification is generally obtained through an accredited organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To become certified, nurses must meet certain educational and practice requirements, pass a standardized exam, and maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses.

The advantages of becoming certified are numerous. Certified nurses are able to demonstrate their expertise to employers and patients alike. In addition, certification may lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Furthermore, it can help nurses stay up-to-date on the latest advances in healthcare technology, research findings, and treatments. Moreover, some states require nurses to be certified in order to practice in certain specialty areas or obtain a license.

In summary, registered nurse certification provides many benefits for both employers and nurses alike. It ensures that nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality patient care while also providing them with recognition for their accomplishments.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different certification options available for registered nurses and select one that best fits your career goals. This will help you stay up to date on the latest advances in nursing care and give you an edge when applying for higher-level positions.

Related: What does a Registered Nurse do?

Top 11 Registered Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Registered Nurses today.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing medical procedures. CRNAs are highly trained and experienced professionals who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and other healthcare providers to ensure the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia.

It typically takes a minimum of seven to eight years of education and clinical training to become a CRNA. This includes obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), becoming a registered nurse (RN), gaining at least one year of critical care experience, completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a focus on nurse anesthesia, and passing the national certification exam administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

In order to become a CRNA, individuals must first obtain their BSN from an accredited nursing school. After graduation, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain licensure as an RN in their state. Once licensed as an RN, individuals must gain at least one year of critical care experience in an acute care setting such as an ICU or ER before applying to a MSN program specializing in nurse anesthesia.

Once accepted into the MSN program, individuals will complete coursework related to advanced pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, patient assessment techniques, and evidence-based practice guidelines for administering anesthesia safely and effectively. Upon completion of the MSN program with a focus on nurse anesthesia, individuals must then pass the national certification exam administered by NBCRNA before they can begin practicing as a CRNA.

The cost associated with becoming a CRNA varies depending on individual circumstances such as tuition rates at specific schools or programs chosen. Generally speaking however, it can cost anywhere from $50k-$100k+ depending on tuition costs and other fees associated with obtaining your BSN/MSN degrees.

2. Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL)

Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CCNL) is a credential offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). It is designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in providing evidence-based care, leading interdisciplinary teams, managing resources, and improving patient outcomes. The CCNL credential is intended to help nurses stay current on the latest advances in healthcare and provide better care for their patients.

The requirements for becoming a Certified Clinical Nurse Leader include having an active Registered Nurse license, a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school, at least one year of clinical experience as an RN, and completion of an AACN-approved CCNL program. Programs vary in length from 12 to 24 months depending on the institution.

In order to obtain the CCNL credential, nurses must pass the CCNL Exam administered by the AACN. The exam consists of 160 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as leadership, evidence-based practice, health policy, patient safety and quality improvement.

The cost for taking the CCNL Exam varies depending on whether or not you are an AACN member. For non-members it costs $395 while members pay only $295. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with your specific educational program such as tuition or textbook costs.

3. Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) is a certification that is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in pediatric nursing. The CPN certification demonstrates expertise in the care of children from birth through adolescence.

To become certified as a CPN, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having an active RN license, two years of full-time pediatric nursing experience within the past three years, and 30 hours of continuing education credits in pediatric nursing within the past three years.

The CPN certification exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as growth and development, health promotion and maintenance, clinical management, family-centered care, professional practice, research utilization and leadership.

The cost for taking the CPN certification exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PNCB. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members it is $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for certification or renewing your certification after it expires.

4. Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS)

A Certified Nursing Informatics Specialist (CNIS) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the use of information technology and informatics to improve patient outcomes. They are knowledgeable about both nursing and information technology, and can help bridge the gap between these two disciplines.

CNIS certification is offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for CNIS certification. The requirements include completing an approved graduate-level course in nursing informatics, having at least two years of experience as a registered nurse, and passing an exam.

The cost for CNIS certification varies depending on the program you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,500 for the application fee and exam fee.

5. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is a certification awarded by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in emergency nursing and demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care.

In order to become certified, nurses must meet the following requirements:

  • Have current RN licensure
  • Have at least two years of full-time emergency nursing experience within the past three years
  • Have completed at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in emergency nursing within the past three years or have completed an approved CEN review course within the past five years
  • Pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, pharmacology, trauma management, and medical emergencies.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. The cost of taking the exam is $340 for members of BCEN and $440 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining certification and renewing it every four years.

6. Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) is a certification program offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN). This certification recognizes nurses who have advanced knowledge and experience in wound care. It is designed to help nurses provide quality care for patients with wounds, ostomies, and continence issues. The CWCN certification requires nurses to demonstrate their expertise in wound assessment and management, as well as their commitment to continuing education in the field of wound care.

The CWCN certification process takes approximately 3-6 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by the WOCN. Eligibility requirements include having a current RN license, at least two years of clinical practice in wound care or related specialty area, and completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education in the past three years related to wound care topics.

The cost for the CWCN certification exam is $325 for members of the WOCN and $400 for non-members. Additionally, applicants may be required to pay additional fees for study materials or other resources necessary for successful completion of the exam.

7. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care of patients with kidney failure. CDNs are responsible for providing direct patient care and monitoring dialysis treatments, as well as educating patients and their families on the management of kidney disease and dialysis therapies.

To become a CDN, nurses must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time experience in nephrology nursing within the past five years. They also must pass the Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) examination administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).

The CDN exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, dialysis therapies, nutrition and fluid management, infection control, psychosocial aspects of care, vascular access management, and legal/ethical issues. The exam fee is $295 for NNCC members or $345 for nonmembers. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

8. Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Certified Case Manager (CCM) is a professional certification awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). The CCM credential is recognized as the gold standard in case management and is held by more than 33,000 case managers worldwide.

The CCM certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to case management practice. To become certified, applicants must meet eligibility requirements, which include a minimum of two years of full-time experience in case management within the past five years; or one year of full-time experience in case management within the past three years plus a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

It typically takes four to six weeks to complete the application process and receive your certification. The application fee is $395 USD for members of CCMC and $495 USD for non-members. After you submit your application, you will be required to take an online exam that tests your knowledge of case management practice. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CCM credential.

9. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider (ACLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a two-day course that provides healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to respond to a variety of life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The course focuses on the recognition and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, immediate post-cardiac arrest care, airway management, and related pharmacology. It also covers resuscitation team dynamics and effective communication as a member of an interprofessional team.

The ACLS Provider Course typically takes two days to complete and requires pre-course preparation. During the course, students will participate in simulated clinical scenarios that reinforce their ability to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac events. At the end of the course, participants must pass a written exam in order to receive certification.

To obtain ACLS certification, you must first take an approved ACLS Provider Course from an accredited provider such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. You can find courses offered at various locations throughout the country by searching online or contacting local hospitals or medical centers.

The cost of an ACLS Provider Course can vary depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $150-$300 per person. Some courses may offer discounts for groups or include additional materials such as textbooks or access codes for online resources.

10. Basic Life Support Provider (BLS)

Basic Life Support Provider (BLS) is a certification that shows an individual has been trained to provide basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency situations. BLS is typically the first level of medical training available and is often a prerequisite for more advanced certifications.

The length of time it takes to get BLS certification varies depending on the provider, but most courses take about four hours to complete. The course covers topics such as CPR, airway management, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Most providers offer both in-person and online courses.

To get BLS certification, individuals must attend a class taught by an instructor certified by the American Heart Association or another approved organization. After completing the course, participants must pass a written exam and practical skills test before receiving their certification card.

The cost of BLS certification varies depending on the provider, but most courses range from $50-$100.

11. Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider (NRP).

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is a program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association to help healthcare providers learn how to resuscitate newborns. The program provides evidence-based guidelines for resuscitating infants at birth, as well as instruction in basic life support skills. It is designed for all healthcare providers who care for newborns, including physicians, nurses, midwives, paramedics, respiratory therapists and other professionals.

To get NRP certification, you must complete an online course or attend a two-day instructor-led course. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and includes interactive activities and quizzes. The instructor-led course consists of 16 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practice with simulation mannequins.

The cost of the NRP certification varies depending on the type of training you choose. Online courses typically cost around $100-$200 USD; however, instructor-led courses may cost more due to additional fees associated with materials and mannequins used during the training.

In order to maintain your certification, you must renew your credential every two years by completing a recertification course or taking an online refresher course.

Do You Really Need a Registered Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the specific requirements of the job you are seeking. Registered nurses (RNs) are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care, educate patients and their families about health conditions, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and administer medications. RNs must be registered with a regulatory body in order to practice nursing in most states.

In order to become an RN, you must complete an accredited nursing program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. This typically involves earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing an accredited program, you must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed by your state’s board of nursing.

So, do you need a registered nurse certificate? It depends on your career goals and the requirements of the job you are seeking. If you are looking for a job as an RN or want to advance in your current role, then yes, you will need to obtain a registered nurse certificate from an accredited institution in order to become licensed and practice professionally. However, if you are looking for a position that does not require formal nursing training or certification, then no, it is not necessary for you to obtain a registered nurse certificate.

Related: Registered Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Registered Nurse Certifications

1. What is a Registered Nurse Certification?

Answer: A Registered Nurse Certification (RN) is a professional credential that is awarded to nurses who have completed an accredited nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The RN certification demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in providing quality patient care.

2. How do I become a Registered Nurse?

Answer: To become an RN, you must complete an accredited nursing program, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Once you have graduated from your program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your RN license.

3. How often do I need to renew my RN certification?

Answer: The renewal period for RN certifications varies by state; however, most states require that nurses renew their certifications every two years.

4. What types of continuing education courses are required for RN certification renewal?

Answer: Continuing education courses vary depending on the state; however, most states require nurses to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification status.

5. Are there any additional certifications available for Registered Nurses?

Answer: Yes! In addition to the standard RN certification, there are several specialized certifications available for nurses who wish to specialize in certain areas of practice, such as gerontology, pediatrics, or critical care nursing.

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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