What's the deal with Recertification?

[BChapp3182]

I'm an FNP student and I can not understand why NP's are required to get recertified via examination every 5 years for the rest of their career. Doctors, RNs, PT's, etc have no such thing. So why do NP's? Am I missing something here?

It feels like a slap in the face to our profession. It's like they must think we get stupider with practice time so they need to retest us. It's embarassing!

[olllllllo]

Before you get all bent out of shape, realize that other healthcare professionals, including at least MDs off of your list, must recertify as well.

[tiredfeetED]

I did not know that NP must recertify every 5 years. This is the first I have heard of that. I do know that PAs must recert every 7 years. As for MDs, if they wish to remain Board certified they too must recert. Occasionally you will see the advertised twice board certified Pediatric etc.

It is not a slap in the face to be retested but a way to insure that providers are keeping up with medicine!

[Rhfish2]

If you take the ANCC you do not need to retake the exam every 5 years. You need to meet other criteria including CME's, etc. and then you can become re-certified without sitting for another exam.

[beckinben, CNM]

CNM's certified after 1995 must recertify every 8 years. Either by exam or a combination of home study and CME. I don't think it's insulting, I think it is there to make us keep current on our practice - some will do that by choice, obviously, but some won't. I see more outdated, unsafe practice from people not required to recertify.

Becki

[BChapp3182]

I believe in one of my role development classes we were told we actually have to sit for a re-certification exam, not just show ceu's. I didn't know doctors had to re-certify, that makes me feel better. I thought nurses were getting singled out.

So what if you fail the re-certification exam? Do you get a second chance, do you have to take refresher courses, etc?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

ANCC doesn't require sitting for exam, recert is done via CEUs. Wanted to add this what ANCC says:

"Candidates for certification renewal must:

Hold a current active registered nurse license in the United States or its territories.

Meet the professional development requirements (refer to "Special Requirements" in sidebar at right),

AND EITHER:

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 -

Retake and pass the certification examination (all exams must be taken prior to your current expiration date to maintain uninterrupted certification) "

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/cert/recert/recertreqs.html