APPLICATION PROCESS
CNS-CP Recertification Steps
01
02
03
04
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.
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.
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
$310
$175
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.
CCI STAFF SUPPORT
CCI's nursing staff is
available to answer
questions about eligibility
or the recertification
process.