Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program

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CPC Resources for CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists) are recertified under the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program developed by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). AANA supports CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists on their recertification path by helping track Class A and B credits and providing Core Modules to satisfy CPC requirements. (Core Modules won't be required in the enhanced CPC Program launching on Aug. 1, 2024.)

Buy CPC Core Modules CRNA Education Edge

Enhanced CPC Program Begins Aug. 1, 2024

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), which manages the certification of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists, is introducing an enhanced Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program in 2024. Every CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist will move into the enhanced CPC Program depending on their certification end date, beginning Aug. 1, 2024.

CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists must complete their current cycle requirements before entering the enhanced program.

How Has the CPC Program Changed?

The enhanced program will continue to focus on professional development and continuing education in the four domains of anesthesia care:

  • Airway management techniques
  • Applied clinical pharmacology
  • Human physiology and pathophysiology
  • Anesthesia equipment and technology

Changes in the enhanced program include: 

  • Streamlined program timeline: Simplified four-year continued certification cycle, where all components are the same for each cycle.
  • Reduction in program components: Core modules will no longer be a requirement. However, Class A credits and Class B credits are still required in the four-year cycle.
    • Class B requirements: 40 Class B credits per 4-year cycle. Class B credits are not assessed and do not need prior approval. Fulfill Class B requirements by using any excess Class A credits earned during your four-year cycle (All 100 credits can be Class A). Class B credits recognize diverse professional activities, including:
      • Life support classes
      • Involvement on a board or research project
      • Teaching or publishing
      • New clinical practice role
  • Increased convenience: An updated approach to checking knowledge utilizing longitudinal assessment, which replaces the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA).
    • Assessment includes a series of multi-choice and multi-select questions quarterly
    • Conveniently available on mobile devices or personal computer
    • Flexible to complete on your own schedule
    • Immediate feedback and rationale for answers
    • Continues to be a performance standard, not pass/fail

When Will You Move into the Enhanced Program?

You will move into the enhanced CPC Program after completing your current cycle requirements.

If you’re unsure about your current requirements and deadlines, visit portal.nbcrna.com and click on CPC Timeline.

What does the Enhanced CPC Program Cost?

The enhanced program includes a simplified fee schedule. As you move into the enhanced CPC Program, you will pay a one-time, upfront fee of $445 when submitting the renewal application for the next four-year certification cycle. This means no unexpected charges and an average yearly cost of $111.

Although this is a $28 increase in renewal application and assessment costs over a four-year cycle, the removal of the Core Modules requirement from the enhanced CPC Program will save you about $300 on maintaining your credential.

Questions About Recertification Requirements?

If you have questions about the recertification process or requirements, contact the NBCRNA at cpc@nbcrna.com or 708-667-0002.

What Are the Requirements of the Current CPC Program?

You must satisfy the requirements of your current cycle requirements before transitioning into the enhanced program.  Here are FAQs on the current CPC program.

What are the requirements of the existing CPC program?

Class A requirements: 60 Class A credits per 4-year CPC cycle. Credits in excess of the required 60 in a four-year cycle can be used to meet your Class B requirements.

Class B requirements: 40 Class B credits per 4-year CPC cycle. Class B credits are not assessed and do not need prior approval. Fulfill Class B requirements by using any excess Class A credits earned during your four-year cycle (All 100 credits can be Class A).

Core modules: required in every 4-year CPC cycle. The Core Modules provide a means to stay informed about current literature and evidence-based knowledge. AANA is recognized by NBCRNA as a designated Core Module Provider.

CPC assessment: required every 8 years. The CPC Assessment (CPCA) is a performance standard assessment. It includes 150 questions, is closed book, and has a three-hour time limit. The assessment does not impact your certification. However, additional targeted continuing education would be required for any area(s) where you do not meet the performance standard. Timelines are based on recertification schedules for even or odd years.

Two-year check-in: You will need to check in every two years. This component maintains the same timing as the previous recertification program. The check-in is now a brief, online process.

Are CPC modules mandatory for the existing program?
  • Yes, per NBCRNA.
  • No one is exempt from the taking the modules in the existing program

What is the timeline for participating in the existing CPC program?

Your estimated timeline depends on whether you are scheduled to participate in even or odd years.

Even Years: Four-Year CPC Cycles

Aug. 1, 2020 – July 31, 2024
  • 60 Class A Assessed CE Credits
  • 40 Class B Credits
  • CPC Core Modules
  • CPC Assessment

Odd Years: Four-Year CPC Cycles

Aug. 1, 2021 – July 31, 2025
  • 60 Class A Assessed CE Credits
  • 40 Class B Credits
  • CPC Core Modules
  • CPC Assessment

What is the cost of the existing CPC program?

$250 every four years. Does not include: Class A assessed CE credits, Class B professional development credits or Core Modules.

Where is there more information on the existing program?
  • All information regarding recertification can be found on NBCRNA’s website.
  • Here’s the link that specifically takes you to the NBCRNA’s FAQ.
  • If you have any questions about the recertification process or requirements, please contact the NBCRNA through cpc@nbcrna.com or call 708-667-0002.