The difficulty of the examination determines the actual number of questions that must be answered correctly in order to achieve the standard score of 500. Because more than one form of the examination is given, a process called equating is used. This procedure converts all scores to a common scale. Someone who takes a slightly more difficult form of the examination will need to answer fewer questions correctly than someone who takes a slightly easier form of the examination. This ensures that the standard score has the same meaning for all examinations given.
Certification is awarded for a period of three years.
You will be assigned a quarterly expiration date of either March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31, whichever date most closely corresponds to your initial certification date. Certification serves as an added credential to attest to attainment of special knowledge beyond the basic nursing degree. Certification serves to maintain and to promote quality nursing care by offering nurses a way to demonstrate their special knowledge in a specific nursing area. Promotion of quality care through certification benefits not only the individual nurse and the profession of nursing but the public as well. Certification documents to employers, professional colleagues and health team members that special knowledge has been gained.