Initial Exam Audit
Random audit of initial exam candidates is a routine part of AACN Certification Corporation's commitment to our mission of public protection.
Candidates are not notified in advance when being audited. Candidates selected for audit are notified via email and mail and have a period of 60 days to submit the required verification materials, (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license and verification of practice hours). If materials are not submitted to AACN within 30 days 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 packets and respond to all 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, a letter will be mailed notifying you of the revocation of your certification. Candidates may appeal revocation of certification.
Military nurses who receive an audit letter while under overseas deployment are asked to contact AACN at 800-899-2226 or emailcertaudit@aacn.org immediately upon their return to the U.S. for instructions on submitting audit materials without penalty.
Initial Audit Forms
Renewal Audit
In compliance with standard regulatory practices, 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 mail and have a period of 60 days to submit the required verification materials, (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license, course certificates, letter verifying practice hours, etc.). If materials are not received by AACN within 60 days, 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.
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 in the event that an audit is performed. A CERP Log, to be submitted if audited, is included in the renewal handbook; links to electronic versions of the CERP Log can be found below.
AACN Certification Corporation reserves the right to conduct additional audits as necessary.
Military nurses who receive an audit letter while under overseas deployment are asked to contact AACN at 800-899-2226 or emailcertaudit@aacn.org immediately upon their return to the U.S. for instructions on submitting audit materials without penalty.
Renewal Audit Forms
Verification of Practice Hours
CERP Tracking
Synergy CERPs Renewal Brochures
Advanced Practice Renewal Audit
Certificants selected for audit are notified via email and mail and have a period of 60 days to submit the required verification materials, (e.g., copy of RN or APRN license, copies of course certificates, form to verify practice hours, etc.). If materials are not received by AACN within 60 days, 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 an audit is performed. A CE Points Log, to be submitted if audited, is included in the renewal handbook.
Additional renewal audit forms are available upon request by emailing APRNcert@aacn.org.
- Audit Checklist
- Verification of Practice Hours
- CE Renewal Points Logs