CNS-CP Recertification
Recertification is the continued documented validation of the professional achievement of identified standards of practice by an individual Clinical Nurse Specialist providing advanced practice perioperative nursing care.
Overview
CNS-CP Recertification
The certified status of a Clinical Nurse Specialist is conferred by CCI for a period of five years, at which time a CNS-CP may seek recertification. The recertification process requires a CNS-CP to complete recertification activities during the accrual period and meet recertification eligibility requirements.
Recertification:
- Recognizes the individual Clinical Nurse Specialist who is proficient in practice.
- Supports the development of theoretical constructs which strengthen advanced perioperative nursing practice.
- Enhances professional development through continued learning that results in acquisition of current knowledge to expand advanced practice skill sets.
Application Process
CNS-CP Recertification Steps
Check your eligibility (this differs from requirements for first-time certification)
Complete recertification requirements during your accrual period
Submit application, documents and pay fee
Begin next 5-year certification cycle
Eligibility
Recertification Eligibility Requirements
Recognizing that certificants transition into a variety of roles, and all patients benefit from the care provided by a certified nurse, CNS-CP recertification candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of application:
- Hold an active CNS-CP credential.
- Hold a current, unrestricted RN and/or APRN license.
- Be currently employed as a CNS in the perioperative setting in one or more of the following areas:
- Clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- Consultant (intra- and multidisciplinary)
- Educator of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- Researcher
Recertification
Accrual Period
Your accrual period is the time period in which you must complete recertification activities. It begins on January 1 of the year you became certified or recertified, and continues through December 31 of the fifth calendar year.
Enter your initial certification year or last recertification year in the table below to calculate your accrual period.
Calculate Your Accrual Period
Dates populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered. For personalized information, please contact us.
Recertification
Recertification By Professional Activities
Complete professional development activities during your five-year accrual period and submit your application during your recertification year. For more information on the recertification process and your options, attend one of our live recertification webinars.
Recertification by Continuing Education and Professional Activities
- Complete 125 Professional Activity points
- Complete your continuing education contact hour requirement based on the results of your CNS-CP exam or the self-awareness component of your Professional Portfolio
- Complete 1000 hours as a CNS in the perioperative setting in the 5-year recertification cycle. If the number of practice hours accrued during the recertification cycle does not meet the minimum requirement, you must recertify by Professional Portfolio.
- Practice hours may be accrued in any of the following areas:
- clinical expert in delivery of advanced perioperative care
- consultant (intra-and multidisciplinary)
- education of nurses, other healthcare providers, patient, family, and/or community
- clinical inquiry (evidence-based practice projects and/or research)
To apply for recertification by this method, complete the Recertification by Contact Hours and Activities Application with Log and submit to CCI.
Recertification
Emeritus Status
Retiring nurses or those moving out of the specialty may choose to preserve their credential by applying for Emeritus status or CNS-CP(E).
The Emeritus credential does not expire or need to be renewed. You must currently hold the CNS-CP credential in good standing to apply for the CNS-CP Emeritus status.
Download the paper application to apply for Emeritus Status between January 1 and December 31 of your recertification year.
Recertification
Recertification Application and Fees
CNS-CP certificants who also hold the CNOR credential receive a $50 discount on their CNS-CP recertification (excludes CNS-CP Emeritus).
