CCNS — Certification for Adult, Neonatal and Pediatric Acute and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialists

CCNS^® is an entry-level advanced practice certification launched in 1999 for nurses educated at the graduate level as clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) providing care to acutely and/or critically ill adult, pediatric or neonatal patients and their families.

The CCNS certification program was reviewed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) APRN Committee and has been determined to meet the NCSBN Criteria for APRN Certification Programs.  For details, refer to NCSBN's Criteria and letter of approval. 

The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education (LACE), which goes into effect in 2015, impacts certification options for CNSs. 

• The current CCNS exams will be available for initial exam candidates through December 2014; exam must be taken and passed before December 31, 2014. 
• Candidates testing after January 1, 2015, will need to meet eligibility requirements for the new ACCNS exams.

To learn more about the APRN Consensus Model, visit the APRN Resources page.

• CCNS Introduction

New Candidates

• Initial CCNS Certification
• How to Prepare for the CCNS Exam
• Taking the CCNS Exam

Current Certificants

• CCNS Certification Renewal