Can I maintain my NP ANCC certification without the clinical hours?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear NP,

The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)  typically requires clinical practice hours for certification renewal. Still, surprisingly, the ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook says the practice hours are an option and not a requirement. 

I would contact the ANCC directly to confirm this information in your situation. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on recertification requirements. If you talk to someone, and they concur, follow up with an email to get it in writing.

Here are a couple of other options to consider, depending on what you find out:

Continuing Education Credits Keep your continuing education and pharmacology requirements current. 

Temporary Certification Hold Ask about a temporary hold while you're not actively practicing, especially if it's due to a career transition. You would not be held to any clinical hour requirements during this time, but you could not practice. Check with ANCC about this possibility.

Recertify Before Transition  Consider recertifying before transitioning to your new career. This way, you can meet the clinical hour requirement and maintain your certification for five years.

Stay Informed About Policy Changes Nursing certification policies can change over time. It's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes in ANCC's recertification policies that may provide flexibility for individuals in transition.

If you belong to a professional organization, such as the American Association of NPs, they can also keep you updated on policy changes.

Lastly- don't let it lapse! Not that you will; on the contrary, you are being proactive- but many nurses have regretted letting a certification lapse only to face re-testing.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

The options I mentioned in my previous response are related to board certification through the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). Board certification, in this context, refers to the certification that validates your advanced practice nursing specialty, such as becoming a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) or certified clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

The ability to practice as an advanced practice nurse, including your state license to practice, is typically governed by your state board of nursing. State licensure requirements can vary, and it's essential to maintain your state licensure to continue practicing legally.

When transitioning to a career outside of nursing, you may no longer need or be able to maintain your state licensure. In this case, it's crucial to check with your state board of nursing about the specific requirements and options for maintaining or relinquishing your state license, as this process can vary by state.

For board certification through the ANCC, the options I mentioned, such as continuing education credits and temporary certification hold, can help you maintain your specialty certification without meeting the clinical hour requirement. This allows you to keep your board certification, demonstrating your expertise in your advanced practice nursing specialty, even if you are not actively practicing in a clinical role.

If you are unsure about any of these processes or requirements, it's advisable to contact both the ANCC and your state board of nursing to get the most accurate and up-to-date information and guidance related to your specific situation.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[Sam121]

Dear Nurse Beth:

Thank you for the understanding about this, so just to reiterate in another way. I could maintain their board certification by doing certain things, and not have the need to retake the exam. However, a state may have their own requirements when it comes to licensing to practice?

Thanks!

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Sam121 said:

Dear Nurse Beth:

Thank you for the understanding about this, so just to reiterate in another way. I could maintain their board certification by doing certain things, and not have the need to retake the exam. However, a state may have their own requirements when it comes to licensing to practice?

Thanks!

Exactly! Good luck in your new venture ?

[Sam121]

Nurse Beth said:

Dear NP,

The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)  typically requires clinical practice hours for certification renewal. Still, surprisingly, the ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook says the practice hours are an option and not a requirement. 

I would contact the ANCC directly to confirm this information in your situation. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on recertification requirements. If you talk to someone, and they concur, follow up with an email to get it in writing.

Here are a couple of other options to consider, depending on what you find out:

Continuing Education Credits Keep your continuing education and pharmacology requirements current. 

Temporary Certification Hold Ask about a temporary hold while you're not actively practicing, especially if it's due to a career transition. You would not be held to any clinical hour requirements during this time, but you could not practice. Check with ANCC about this possibility.

Recertify Before Transition  Consider recertifying before transitioning to your new career. This way, you can meet the clinical hour requirement and maintain your certification for five years.

Stay Informed About Policy Changes Nursing certification policies can change over time. It's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes in ANCC's recertification policies that may provide flexibility for individuals in transition.

If you belong to a professional organization, such as the American Association of NPs, they can also keep you updated on policy changes.

Lastly- don't let it lapse! Not that you will; on the contrary, you are being proactive- but many nurses have regretted letting a certification lapse only to face re-testing.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Dear Nurse Beth:

So would this be board certification or the ability to practice license certification. By trying any of the above options?

Thanks!