Notification/Expiration
As a courtesy, the NNCC will send a Nephrology Nursing Recertification Application or a reminder approximately 60-90 days prior to certification expiration. However, ultimately it is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the necessary application form and submit it to the NNCC before their certification expiration date. The NNCC is not responsible for undelivered mail. A recertification application can be obtained by visiting the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org or by calling 888.884.6622. Your completed application, appropriate forms, copies of supporting materials, and fee must be submitted at one time. Certification is effective for three years from the last day of the month in which the applicant passed the examination. Certification must then be renewed every three years.
Recertification Options
The following two options are available to meet the recertification requirements:
Continuing education and clinical experience:
If you elect the continuing education option, you must submit a recertification application with required documentation and the recertification fee.
- Applications for renewal of your CNN-NP by continuing education must be postmarked by the last day of the month in which your certification expires.
- Applicant must have 150 hours of continuing education from approved providers during the prior 5-year certification period that meet the following criteria:
- 100 hrs must be in nephrology.
- Continuing education must be approved by one of the following:
- Organizations accredited by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center – Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA) the credentialing body of the American Nurses Association.
For example, The American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA), which is both an accredited provider and approver of CE in nursing.
- Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
For example, the American Society of Nephrology, and the Office of Continuing Education, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia that sponsors the Annual Dialysis Conference.
- The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
- The Council of Continuing Education
- California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, or Ohio State Boards of Nursing.
Recertification by examination:
When seeking recertification by examination, all requirements for recertifying must be met with the exception of the submission of continuing education. Testing must be completed before the certification expiration date. An examination application and fee must be submitted by the deadline (eight weeks prior to the examination date). Applicants who choose the recertification by examination option will be notified of their scores by C-NET, the testing center.
Decide if You're Eligible
All of the following eligibility requirements must be met:
- Applicant must be a Certified Nephrology Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP).
- Applicant must hold a current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States or its territories and hold a national certificate as a nurse practitioner.
- Applicant must have at least 5000 hours experience as a Nephrology Nurse Practitioner during the last five years.
Fees
Recertification application fees are non-refundable. Periodically fees are re-evaluated and adjustments may be made. Only NNCC Commissioners can authorize fee changes. The required fees are listed on the application forms.
Receive Your Certificate
If approved for recertification, individuals will receive a laminated wallet card with expiration date within 60 days of the date the National Office receives a recertification application. Replacements are available for a fee of $25 each. Beginning January 2004, the wall certificate will be issued only once. It will no longer have an expiration date and will not be automatically reissued for subsequent recertifications.
Keep Your Mailing Address Current
It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the NNCC National Office of any changes in name and/or address during the 3-year period following certification/recertification. Notifications of changes on other mailing lists such as ANNA may not effect a change in your recertification records.
