Initial Exam Audit
Conducting random audits of initial exam candidates is a routine part of our commitment to maintaining the integrity of AACN Certification Corporation credentials.
Candidates selected for audit are notified via email and have 30 days to submit the required verification materials (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license and verification of practice hours). If materials are not received at AACN by the audit due date or are incomplete, revocation of certification will be initiated.
No refunds will be issued in the case of failure of or nonresponse to an audit.
AACN Certification Corporation will review audit documentation and respond to candidates within 30 days of receiving the required documentation. If you pass the audit, you will be informed via email. If you do not pass the audit, you will be notified by email and mail that your certification has been revoked. Candidates may appeal the revocation of their certification.
Military nurses who receive an audit notice during overseas deployment are asked to contact AACN at 800-899-2226 or certaudit@aacn.org promptly upon their return to the U.S. for instructions on submitting audit documentation without penalty.
Initial Audit Forms
- CCRN – Direct Care Pathway
- CCRN – Knowledge Professional Pathway
- CCRN – Tele-critical Care Pathway
- PCCN – Direct Care Pathway
- PCCN – Knowledge Professional Pathway
- CMC
- CSC
Renewal Audit
In compliance with standard regulatory practices and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of our credentials, AACN Certification Corporation conducts random audits following submission of renewal applications.
Certificants are not notified in advance when being audited. Audits are conducted randomly after the certificant's successful renewal.
Certificants selected for audit are notified via email and have 60 days to submit the required verification materials (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license, course certificate copies, verification of practice hours, etc.). If documentation is not received at AACN by the audit due date or is incomplete, certification will be revoked and notices may be sent to the candidate’s employer and state board of nursing, as appropriate. Candidates may appeal the revocation of their certification.
No refunds will be issued in the case of failure of or nonresponse to a renewal audit.
Certificants who successfully renew must continue to keep personal records of CERP activities for at least three years from their scheduled renewal date to submit in the event of an audit. A CERP Log, to be submitted only if audited, is included in the certification renewal handbooks. Links to electronic versions of the CERP Log are provided below.
AACN Certification Corporation reserves the right to conduct additional audits as necessary.
Military nurses who receive an audit notice during overseas deployment are asked to contact AACN at 800-899-2226 or certaudit@aacn.org promptly upon their return to the U.S. for instructions on submitting audit documentation without penalty.
CERP Tracking
- CCRN – Direct Care Pathway
- CCRN – Knowledge Professional Pathway
- CCRN – Tele-critical Care Pathway
- PCCN – Direct Care Pathway
- PCCN – Knowledge Professional Pathway
- CMC
- CSC
- Verification Form for CERP Activities
Synergy CERPs Renewal Brochures
- CCRN/PCCN – Direct Care Pathway
- CCRN/PCCN – Knowledge Professional Pathway
- CCRN – Tele-critical Care Pathway
Certificants selected for audit are notified via email and have 60 days to submit the required verification materials (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license, course certificate copies, verification of practice hours, etc.). If documentation is not received at AACN by the audit due date or is incomplete, certification will be revoked and notices may be sent to the candidate’s employer and state board of nursing, as appropriate. Candidates may appeal revocation of certification.
Advanced Practice Renewal Audit
Certificants selected for audit are notified via email and have 60 days to submit the required verification materials (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license, course certificate copies, verification of practice hours, etc.). If documentation is not received at AACN by the audit due date or is incomplete, certification will be revoked and notices may be sent to the candidate’s employer and state board of nursing, as appropriate. Candidates may appeal revocation of certification.
Certificants who successfully renew should continue to keep personal records of CE Renewal Point activities for at least five years from their scheduled renewal date to submit in the event of an audit. A CE Points Log, to be submitted only if audited, is included in the certification renewal handbooks.
Renewal audit forms are available upon request by emailing certaudit@aacn.org.
AACN Certification Corporation reserves the right to conduct additional audits as necessary.
Military nurses who receive an audit notice during overseas deployment are asked to contact AACN at 800-899-2226 or certaudit@aacn.org promptly upon their return to the U.S. for instructions on submitting audit documentation without penalty.