This is a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Credential Awarded: CNS-BC

Eligibility Criteria
The candidate for the Clinical Nurse Specialist Core examination is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate (masters, doctorate, or post-graduate) program and meets all eligibility criteria for either Option A or B or C.

Important Note: For a time-limited period, a candidate has the opportunity to seek certification using three different eligibility options. The CNS Core Board Certification eligibility Option B and Option C expire on December 31, 2011. Therefore, effective January 1, 2012, the CNS Core Board Certification Eligibility Option A becomes the only accepted eligibility criteria.

Option A: All eligibility requirements must be met prior to submitting your application.

		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country
		Hold a master's, doctural degree, or post graduate certificate from a clinical nurse
		specialist program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the CNS role and an identified specialty must be included in the educational program. The CNS graduate program must include separate comprehensive courses in:
		-	advanced health assessment
		-	advanced pharmacology
		-	advanced pathophysiology

Submit the following supplemental documentation:

1. All official advanced degree transcripts. The following are not accepted: photocopies, faxes, attached transcripts that are not in a sealed envelope from the school.
2. Attach a copy of your nursing license.
3. A signed Option A Validation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Education Program form.

Option B: Candidates who have practiced as a clinical nurse specialist within the five-year period immediately prior to submitting the application. This option is valid until December 31, 2011.

All eligibility requirements must be met prior to submitting your application.

		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the
		professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
		Hold a master's, doctoral degree, or post graduate certificate from a program
		accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Graduate education programs not accepted include but are not limited to nursing education, public health, administration, clinical nurse leader and nurse practitioner programs.

Submits the following required supplemental documentation:

1. All official advanced degree transcripts. The following are not accepted: photocopies, faxes, attached transcripts that are not in a sealed envelope from the school.
2. Documentation of current or prior recognition as a CNS by a state or territory, if applicable. You can still apply if you do not have such documentation.
3. Attestation from current or former employer of satisfactory performance in the role of CNS, regardless of the job title, for a minimum of 1,000 hours within the five year period immediately prior to submitting the application.
4. A resume, maximum 2 pages, with all experience and continuing education in the CNS role and specialty.
5. Completed and signed Option B Validation of CNS Core Supplemental Criteria form.
6. Completed and signed Option B CNS Core Validation of Education form.

Option C: Candidates who have not practiced as a clinical nurse specialist within the five-year period immediately prior to submitting the application. This option is valid until December 31, 2011.

All eligibility requirements must be met prior to submitting your application.

		Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States
		or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
		Hold a master's, doctoral degree, or post graduate certificate from a program
		accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Graduate education programs not accepted include but are not limited to nursing education, public health, administration, clinical nurse leader and nurse practitioner programs.

Submit the following required supplemental documentation:

1. All official advanced degree transcripts. The following are not accepted: photocopies, faxes, attached transcripts that are not in a sealed envelope from the school.
2. Documentation of current or prior recognition as a CNS by a state or territory, if applicable. You can still apply if you do not have such documentation.
3. Attestation from former employer of satisfactory performance in the role of CNS, regardless of the job title, for a minimum of 1,000 hours post graduation. An attestation from the candidate will be considered if the employer is no longer in business or employment records have been destroyed.
4. Evidence of completion of 75 continuing nursing education hours directly related to the CNS role or specialty within 3 years of the date on which the application is signed.
5. A resume, maximum 2 pages, with all experience and continuing education in the CNS role and specialty.
6. Completed and signed Option C Validation of CNS Core Supplemental Criteria form.
7. Completed and signed Option C CNS Core Validation of Education form.