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.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

APPLICATION PROCESS

CNS-CP Recertification Steps

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Confirm your recertification eligibility. (this differs from certification eligibility)

Complete professional development activities or portfolio during your accrual period

Submit recertification 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

MY ACCRUAL PERIOD RECERT YEAR
Jan 1 of Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Dec 31 Of Year 5 Recertify Jan 1 - Dec 31

Dates populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered. Accrual periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable). For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.

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 300 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.

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Academic
Study

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Academic
Teaching

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Board or
Committee

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Case
Studies

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Clinical
Inquiry

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Continuing
Education

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Precepting
& Mentoring

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Presentations

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Publishing

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Training
Certificates

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Volunteer,
CCI Committees

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Volunteer,
Perioperative
Service

RECERTIFICATION ALTERNATIVES

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

$350

Recertification by Continuing Education and Professional Activities

$310

Early Bird Recertification Discount (Jan 1 - June 30)

$175

CNS-CP Emeritus
RECERTIFICATION

Recertification Resources

Learn more about recertifying your CNS-CP and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.

CNS-CP HANDBOOK

The complete guide on the
CNS-CP credential
including eligibility
requirements.

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CCI STAFF SUPPORT

CCI's nursing staff is
available to answer
questions about eligibility
or the recertification
process.