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AACN News—January 2007—Certification

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Vol. 24, No. 1, JANUARY 2007

Certification’s Web Site Gets a Makeover


For the past few months, we‘ve been updating the AACN Certification Corporation Web site, making it easier to navigate, so our certificants can access the information they need quickly and easily. Following are some of the improvements:

Online registration is now available for most of our certifications. Registering online significantly shortens processing time, so you’ll hear from us sooner. This convenient way to register is currently available for the PCCN, CMC and CSC exams (but not for the CCNS); online registration for CCRN specialty certification exams will be added soon. For more information, visit www.certcorp.org and click on What’s New.

The Value of Certification page has been updated. On this page you can access many helpful resources, including the Benefits of Certification brochure, certification fact sheet; links to the Wall of Honor information; AACN News articles about successful Cultures of Certification; and research related to certification (for example, our White Paper, Safeguarding the Patient and the Profession: The Value of Critical Care Nurse Certification).

Want to see for yourself?
Visit www.certcorp.org and take a look.

New Year’s Certification Tune-up:


• Be sure you know when your renewal period expires; don’t let your certification lapse!
• Review your CERPs and determine how many CERPs you will need to add during the year. Keep CERP documentation in case you need it for verification.
• Read the new Renewal by Synergy CERPs requirements if you are a CCRN or PCCN. You will have an option to renew under the current CERP program requirements until Jan. 1, 2010. However, this would be a good time to learn about the new program, ask questions and start planning in relation to new Categories A, B and C requirements.
• Update your AACN contact information in your Customer Profile. Be sure to include your e-mail address.
• Find out more about subspecialty certification (CMC or CSC) to determine whether pursuing one of these credentials will help advance your career path.
• Make sure you know when your RN or APRN license is due for renewal.

Encouraging Words


Considering becoming certified? The following messages were among those written by nurses at the NTI 2006 Certification Celebration to encourage nurses considering certification. Postcards with the handwritten messages are being included in exam handbooks and other certification preparation materials.

You do wonderful things at the bedside - you change the course of someone's life, and help their loved ones cope through the terrors of hospitalization. You are always there for your patients and families, and like a lighthouse, you are that light they seek in the middle of their darkness. Continue to grow in all aspects of your life - never stop learning and loving.

I have been a CCRN for 25 years. I recently took the CSC exam 2 days ago at the NTI. AACN is a terrific, classy organization that has benefited me both financially (greater salary from my employer) and personally with my patient care and respect from my peers. Try the certification exam; it's a great learning experience and you'll be so proud when you attain it. See you at the next 2 NTIs in Atlanta and Chicago!

Dearest Fellow RN, Do not fear failure or hesitate because others have told you the exam is difficult. Celebrate your desire to accomplish a goal which proves your commitment to nursing excellence. Study hard, sleep, eat breakfast and BELIEVE in yourself.



Fairfield Medical Center’s first annual luncheon honoring CCRNs and PCCNs was held last fall. The Lancaster, Ohio, hospital has experienced rapid growth in the number of certified nurses on staff. In the past few months, eight PCU and 11 ICU nurses have become certified.



Paper and Pencil Exam Application Deadlines Quickly Approaching

Paper and pencil exams for the CCRN, PCCN, CCNS, CMC and CSC will be given at the following events this spring:
• Spring Trends 2007 Conference in Philadelphia on Friday, April 20. The deadline to submit Trends exam applications to AACN is Friday, March 9.
• NTI 2007 in Atlanta on Monday, May 21. NTI exam applications are due to AACN by Tuesday, April 3.
Handbooks and applications for the exams will be posted on www.certcorp.org > What’s New. If you cannot access the materials, please call (800) 899-2226, to request a copy via e-mail.

Have You Maintained CCNS Eligibility?


CCNS candidates must have 500 clock hours of supervised clinical practice as part of their CNS program in order to maintain their eligibility. As of Jan. 1, 2007, candidates may no longer make up clinical hours if their graduate program was deficient in clinical hours.
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