1. Hold a current active registered nurse license in the United States or its territories.
2. Meet the professional development requirements (refer to "Special Requirements" in sidebar at right),
   AND EITHER:
   
   1. Have 1,000 hours of nursing practice in the area of certification specialty, unless stated otherwise (refer to "Special Requirements" in sidebar at right for any exceptions)
      - OR -
   2. Retake and pass the certification examination (all exams must be taken prior to your current expiration date to maintain uninterrupted certification)

1. Practice must have occurred while holding an active registered nurse license. All practice requirements must be met before the certification renewal application is submitted.
2. For practice occurring in the military, Department of Veterans' Affairs, or outside of the United States, an active RN license in the United States or a U.S. territory is required.
3. Practice must be in the area of specialty certification.
4. Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists) must function at the advanced practice level in order for the practice hours to qualify.
5. Practice occurs in a variety of settings, and may be for compensation or volunteer. However, care of family members, significant others, or friends do not apply.

• If your state requires certification to practice as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists), your state may no longer allow you to practice once your certification expires.
• Please submit your application for certification renewal at least two months before your certification expiration date.

FAQs

Got a question? View our list of frequently asked questions about certification renewal.