NPDA-BC Recertification
The rapid rate of change in the nursing profession requires a conscious effort to maintain competency. When you recertify your NPDA-BC® credential, you demonstrate a continued dedication to nursing professional development excellence and an ongoing commitment to specialized knowledge.
SYSTEM UPDATE
Important: The AORN CE import feature has been disabled as of May 19, 2025. Going forward, all continuing education and professional development activities must be entered manually into your CCI account to maintain certification.
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
Recertification Steps
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.
NPDA-BC Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold an active NPDA-BC credential.
- Hold a current, unrestricted RN and/or APRN license in a state or territory of the United States or hold the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
- Have a minimum of 4,000 hours of active practice at the NPD specialist level within the last 5 years; practice settings include any practice or learning environment.
NPDA-BC
Recertification Period
Your recertification period is the time period in which you must complete all 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 recertification timeline.
Calculate Your Recertification Timeline
My Recertification Period
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
…
…
…
Recert Year
Recertify
Jan 1 – Dec 31
(Year 5)
…
Dates populated are dependent on the accuracy of the certification or recertification year you entered. Recertification periods will not reflect Extension Year (if applicable). For personalized information, log in to your CCI account.
Recertification Methods
Determine which recertification option is right for you. If recertifying by points, complete professional development activities during your five-year accrual period.
Recertification by Professional Activity Points
Engage in eligible professional activities during your accrual period to earn points toward your recertification. Earn 200 points in any of these categories. The remaining 100 points is awarded for successful completion of CCI’s Responsibility Table providing evidence of ongoing advanced NPD practice maintenance within six NPD responsibility areas. Applications for recertification must be submitted by December 31 of your recertification year to prevent your credential from lapsing.
Academic Study
Academic Teaching
Additional Points Activities
Board or Committee
Case Studies
Clinical Inquiry
Continuing Education
Games
Perioperative Certification
Precepting & Mentoring
Presentations
Professional Organization Activities
Publishing
Reflection
Training Certificates
Volunteer: CCI Committees
Volunteer: Nursing Related
Recertification by Portfolio
Recertification by NPDA-BC professional portfolio demonstrates fulfilment of each NPD role and responsibility, and application of NPD specialist competencies. Exemplars and activities in the portfolio exceed routine, entry-level practice, and challenge candidates to contribute to the art and science of NPD practice at an advanced level. This certification method provides a unique opportunity for the candidate to reflect on professional interests and contributions to the nursing profession and the NPD specialty through advanced NPD practice.
For complete details on recertification by portfolio, please download our NPDA-BC Handbook.
NPDA-BC Recertification Alternatives
Emeritus Status
Retiring or ineligible advanced NPD practice nurses may preserve their NPDA-BC credential with a one-time application for Emeritus status. Apply for NPDA-BC(E) by logging into your CCI account and completing the online application.
NPDA-BC Recertification
Application And Fees
Recertification candidates may submit the online application beginning January 1 of the year they are due to recertify. An important reminder, credential-holders already have a CCI account. If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us.
Professional Activity Points
$375
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$335
Standard Pricing
April 1st – December 31st
Professional Portfolio
$375
Early Bird Discount
January 1st – March 31st
$335
Standard Pricing
April 1st – December 31st
Emeritus Status
$100
Emeritus Application Fee
Get Prepared
Recertification Resources
Learn more about recertifying your NPDA-BC and meeting recertification eligibility requirements with our complimentary resources.
NPDA-BC Handbook
The complete guide on the NPDA-BC credential including eligibility requirements.
Free Educational Activities
Earn points with our complimentary professional activities.
CCI Staff Support
CCI’s nursing staff is available to answer questions about eligibility or the recertification process.
