CENP - Certified Executive in Nursing Practice

The Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).

Nurse executives are high-level executives of a healthcare organization. They help develop policies and procedures that improve patient care outcomes and serve as patient care advocates. They must also maintain a level of financial responsibility, ensuring the organization remains efficient while providing high-quality care.

What do CENPs do?

• Designing and managing patient care

• Creating healthcare facility budgets

• Effectively communicating diverse needs

• Bearing the responsibility of financial accountability within healthcare organizations

• Shaping policies related to health and nursing care

• Overseeing the planning and development of policies and procedures for healthcare facilities

• Collaborating with interdisciplinary health professionals

• Advocating for patients and staff

• Developing networks of quality care and wellness

Cost to certify

AONL member exam fee: $325, non-member: $450

Eligibility requirements

• Hold a current RN license

• Have a bachelor's degree or higher in nursing

• Have experience as nurse manager, supervisor, director, or assistant director full time for 24 months (or equivalent) in the last 5 years, OR

• Have had a faculty position teaching nursing administration in a graduate program, OR

• Have held a position in nursing management or executive consultation position full time for 24 months (or equivalent) in the last 5 years

• Have completed 30 continuing education credits in nursing administration within the last 3 years (this does not apply to those who hold a master's degree in nursing administration)

Renewal is required every three years. Recertification may be achieved by completing either eligible continuing professional development (CPD) activities or retaking and passing the CENP Examination.

Renewal Fees

Renewing up to one year before expiration date

• AONL Members: $200

• Non-members: $275

Renewing within 30 days after expiration date

• AONL Members: $250

• Non-members: $325

Resources offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL):

• Candidate Handbook

• Practice Exam

• Review Course

• Reading List

The AONL also offers the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).