ANCC bases its credentialing programs on the standards set by the ANA Congress for Nursing Practice. The goals of ANCC include promoting and enhancing public health by certifying nurses using ANA's scope and standards of nursing practice. Board certification signifies those nurses who have met requirements for clinical or functional practice in a specialized field, pursued education beyond basic nursing preparation, and received the endorsement of their peers. After meeting these criteria, nurses take certification examinations based on nationally recognized standards of nursing practice to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities within the defined specialty. Items undergo a rigorous process of review and revision to ensure the highest quality.
Subject experts review, critique, and rate each item for accuracy and relevancy.
ANCC staff members provide psychometric and editorial review of all test items. The CEP responsible for each examination then selects an appropriate sample of items representing specified areas of competency, and ANCC staff members prepare the final examination items. Return to Table of Contents. Return to Recertification Main Page.