Certification FAQs
Read the most up to date answers to frequently asked questions about ANCC's Certification applications, renewal, and verification
ANCC Certification Renewal
Renewing your ANCC certification demonstrates your ongoing commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning. ANCC certification is renewed every five years through completion of continuing education and professional development activities that demonstrate continuing competence.
New! 2027 ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook
Foundations of ANCC Certification Renewal: Your Essential Guide
Published July 2026 | Effective for certification renewal applications submitted on or after February 1, 2027
The 2027 ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook is now available. The handbook introduces a clearer, more flexible renewal framework while maintaining ANCC's high standards for certification renewal. Publishing the handbook in advance provides certificants time to understand the updated requirements and prepare for future renewal.
Which handbook should I use?
Renewing before February 1, 2027:
Continue using the current ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook and renewal requirements.
DOWNLOAD CURRENT certification RENEWAL Handbook
Renewing on or after February 1, 2027:
Use the 2027 ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook.
DOWNLOAD FEBRUARY 2027 certification RENEWAL handbook
Certification Renewal Requirements
To renew ANCC certification, certificants must:
- Hold a current ANCC certification eligible for renewal
- Maintain a current, active RN license (or internationally recognized equivalent, where applicable)
- Complete renewal activities during the current five-year certification period
- Submit a renewal application before certification expires
Renewal applications may be submitted up to one year before the certification expiration date.
Track Your Renewal Activities
You don't need to wait until it's time to renew.
Record your continuing education and professional development activities throughout your certification period by logging into your ANCC account. Maintaining your activities as you complete them can make the renewal process easier. Be sure to keep the continuing education certificates and similar documentation to support accurate entry and to verify your activities if audited.
- Login to your online account.
- Select Professional Development from the navigation bar.
- Enter your activities. Only professional development activities and continuing education (CE) completed within the renewal cycle will be accepted towards meeting renewal requirements.
Mandatory continuing education contact hour (CE CH) requirements for certification renewal may be fulfilled using Accredited ANCC Outcome-Based Continuing Education (OB-CE) Level Credit™, when applicable to your certification specialty. To submit an ANCC OB-CE Level Credit™ renewal application, please complete the form and provide supporting documentation via email to APRNValidation@ana.org. Additional details are provided on the OB-CE submission form.
Ready to Renew?
Choose your certification to renew now
You may submit your renewal application up to one year before your certification expiration date. To help ensure a smooth renewal process:
- Submit your renewal application well before your certification expires.
- Keep your ANCC online account current, including your email address, mailing address, and legal name, to receive important renewal reminders.
- Track your certification expiration date and complete all renewal requirements before submitting your application.
- Retain documentation supporting your renewal activities in the event your application is selected for audit.
Important: Renew your certification on or before your certification expiration date to avoid a lapse in certification. For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), an expired certification may affect your eligibility to practice, depending on your state's licensure requirements.
Renew Your Certification Online
- Login to your online account.
- Select Certifications from the left navigation menu.
- Choose the certification you wish to renew and select Renew.
Complete your renewal application, submit payment, and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.
What Happens After I Submit My Renewal Application?
After submitting your renewal application, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received. ANCC will contact you if additional information or documentation is needed during the review process.
Once your renewal application has been reviewed and approved, you will be notified of your new certification period. Instructions for claiming your ANCC renewal wall certificate will be provided shortly thereafter.
Questions?
For complete renewal requirements, documentation expectations, audit processes, and policy guidance, review the appropriate ANCC Certification Renewal Handbook.
DOWNLOAD CURRENT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS DOWNLOAD FEBRUARY 2027 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
Email Customer Care or call 800.284.2378 M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET if additional support is needed.