CNL and EL Certification Exam Preparation

Whether your masters of science degree in nursing has a concentration in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Administration/Executive Nurse Leader or Nurse Educator, all three of these areas of advanced practice nursing specialty have certification exams available.   A few key resources are listed for those of you interested in becoming certified in your specialty area of nursing.  Below are the three websites with exam information to guide you. In addition to completing a Masters Degree in Nursing Science, either online or on campus, preparing for a certification exam is crucial. Some certifications require a certain level of documented experience in the specialty area, so be sure to validate if your specialty requires experience prior to applying for the exam.  In fact, verify all requirements for eligibility prior to registering for a certification exam.

1. American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the certifying organization for Executive Nurse Leaders/Nursing Administrators.
http://www.aone.org/resources/certification/about_certifications.shtml

2. The National League for Nursing (NLN) is the certifying organization for Nurse Educators.
http://www.nln.org/certification/handbook/cne.pdf

3. American Association of Colleges of Nursing is the certifying organization for Clinical Nurse Leaders
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/cnl/cnl-certification/pdf/ExamHndbk.pdf

Certification examinations validate the acquisition of knowledge and core competencies in an area of nursing.  Passing the certification exam also verifies your knowledge and skills in that area of nursing. Certification is an excellent way to ask for a raise in a current position, or as a pathway to promotion within your current organization.

Dr. Maggie