CCRN-E, CCRN-K and PCCN-K Transition Announcement

Renewal Eligibility Requirements & Fees

CCRN Adult – Direct Care Eligibility Pathway
  • Renewal by Synergy CERPs

  • Renewal by Exam

The Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) program encompasses a wide spectrum of learning topics and activities such as research activities, preceptorship, committee involvement, leadership responsibilities and volunteer activities. CERP learning topics and activities are listed in the CCRN Renewal Handbook – Direct Care Pathway.

Eligibility Requirements
  • An unencumbered license has not been subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse practiced during the most recent renewal period and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse's practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.
  • Completion of 100 CERPs is required, with a minimum of 60 CERPs in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C, plus 20 in the category of your choice.
  • Clinical practice hours are required. Practice as an RN or APRN for 432 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients during the three-year certification renewal period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the 12-month period prior to the scheduled renewal date is required.
    • Eligible hours are those spent actively providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients – or supervising nurses or nursing students at the bedside of acutely/critically ill adult patients, if working as a manager, educator, preceptor or APRN.
    • The majority of practice hours for renewal eligibility must be focused on critically ill patients.
    • All hours must be completed in a U.S.-based or Canada-based facility, or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice.
  • For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the CCRN Renewal Handbook – Direct Care Pathway

AACN Members

$150

Nonmembers

$230

For renewal by exam, you must meet the eligibility requirements for renewal and successfully apply for, take and pass the exam before your scheduled renewal date. Refer to the CCRN Exam Handbook – Direct Care Pathway. for the current test plan and exam references and to the Certification Exam Policy Handbook for exam scheduling and testing information.
Eligibility Requirements
  • An unencumbered license has not been subjected to formal discipline by the board of nursing in the state(s) in which the nurse practiced during the most recent renewal period and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse's practice. Provisions or conditions may include, but are not limited to, direct supervision of practice, drug administration limitations and/or practice area exclusions.
  • Take and pass the CCRN Adult exam before your scheduled renewal date.
  • Clinical practice hours are required. Practice as an RN or APRN for 432 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients during the three-year certification renewal period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the 12-month period prior to the scheduled renewal date is required.
    • Eligible hours are those spent actively providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients – or supervising nurses or nursing students at the bedside of acutely/critically ill adult patients, if working as a manager, educator, preceptor or APRN.
    • The majority of practice hours for renewal eligibility must be focused on critically ill patients.
    • All hours must be completed in a U.S.- based or Canada-based facility, or in a facility determined to be comparable to the U.S. standard of acute/critical care nursing practice.
  • For complete eligibility requirements, refer to the CCRN Renewal Handbook – Direct Care Pathway

AACN Members

$180

Nonmembers

$285

Synergy CERPs Overview

Following is a summary of how CERPs are categorized in the Renewal by Synergy CERPs program. The three categories (A, B and C) cover a range of topics organized by the Synergy Model. A total of 100 CERPs, with a minimum number in each category plus 20 in the category of your choice, is required. Click on a category below to access available continuing education activities.

Active Renewal Options

At renewal time, eligible CCRN certificants may seek an active certification renewal option. Those certificants who no longer meet eligibility requirements may select an alternate option. Only one option may be selected.

Alternate Options

Status change options for certificants who no longer meet renewal eligibility requirements for active certification. Only one option may be selected.

Renew

A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, minimum number of clinical practice
hours caring for acutely/critically ill adult patients, and CERPs or exam are required.