Nursing Professional Development Advanced – Board Certified
The Nursing Professional Development Advanced – Board Certified (NPDA-BC®) is a certification program that acknowledges the professional achievement of a nursing professional development specialist who fulfills all NPD roles and responsibilities while demonstrating adherence to professional practice and performance standards.
NPDA-BC Certification Program Update
We’re enhancing the NPDA-BC certification! Based on valuable feedback from recent applicants and a thorough review by our Subject Matter Experts, we’re developing a more streamlined, user-friendly portfolio process.
- Streamlined Application: A simplified portfolio process that better reflects current practice
- Updated Standards: Refreshed certification requirements aligned with today’s professional landscape
- Improved User Experience: Enhanced resources and systems to support your certification journey
- Applications Closed: We are no longer accepting new NPDA-BC applications, effective immediately
- Validation Survey: Current certificate holders and eligible candidates will receive a survey to help validate revised standards
- Anticipated Relaunch: The updated program is expected to launch in early 2026, coinciding with our accreditation goals
What This Means For You
If you’ve already submitted an application:
Your submission will be reviewed under current standards—unless you prefer to wait and apply through the new process.
If you’re planning to apply:
Please wait for the updated application process, which will offer a more relevant and streamlined experience.
We appreciate your patience during this transition period. These improvements reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest standards for nursing professional development certification.
Stay Connected
Watch for additional communications with program updates. We value your partnership in shaping the future of the NPDA-BC credential!
NPDA-BC Certification
Professional Portfolio Overview
The NPDA-BC® Professional Portfolio is a peer-reviewed mechanism for demonstrating advanced levels of knowledge and skills in nursing professional development. Activities in the portfolio go beyond routine, entry-level practice and challenge applicants to contribute to the art and science of nursing at an advanced level.
Each portfolio should contain three exemplars and three responsibility activity tables utilizing a unique project or activity for each submission:
Three exemplars demonstrating advanced NPD practice within the past five years. Each exemplar must cover one of the six NPD responsibilities.
Three responsibility activity tables providing evidence demonstrating advanced NPD practice in each of the responsibilities not covered in the required exemplars.
NPDA-BC Requirements:
Check Your NPDA-BC Eligibility
NPDA-BC Certification
Application Process
Confirm your eligibility.
Apply for the NPDA-BC credential. You may submit your application online at any time by creating a CCI account or logging into your existing account.
Upon approval, you will receive an enrollment email for your NPDA-BC Portfolio Assessment course.
After you submit all your portfolio documents in your classroom, your portfolio will be scored by two peer reviewers.
NPDA-BC Certification Application Fee
There is a $40 discount available for those who hold an active CCI credential outside of NPDA-BC. Discounts cannot be combined and only one discount can be utilized per transaction.
$425
Certification Fee
Get Prepared
NPDA-BC Exam Resources
NPDA-BC Certification Webinars
Learn more about NPDA-BC certification and strategies to help with the portfolio process.
NPDA-BC Candidate Timeline Tip Sheet
This tip sheet provides a suggested timeline to help candidates meet the requirements within the one-year timeframe.
NPDA-BC Handbook
The complete guide on the NPDA-BC credential.
CCI Staff Support
CCI’s nursing staff is available to answer questions about eligibility or the portfolio process.
