CNEcl - Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
- Cost: $300-$400
- Renews every 5 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) validates the knowledge and skills of academic clinical nurse educators instructing nursing students as a part of the clinical component of an academic nursing program. CNEcls work in various roles such as faculty, clinical instructors, or preceptors. The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the CNEcl exam.
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the CNEcl exam, applicants must meet all the requirements within one of two options:
Option 1:
A valid license/certificate or proof of unencumbered practice in their country of residence
A graduate degree with an emphasis on nursing education
At least 3 years of professional practice in any area of nursing
Option 2:
A valid license/certificate or proof of unencumbered practice in their country of residence
A baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing
At least 3 years of professional practice in any area of nursing
At least 2 years of teaching experience in an academic institution within the last 5 years
Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the CNEcl exam
Cost
Non-member Initial or Retest: $400
National League for Nursing member Initial or Retest: $300
Course Format
Exam Format
The CNEcl exam includes 130 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. CNEcl exam topics include:
Function within the Education and Health Care Environments (19%)
Facilitate Learning in the Health Care Environment (19%)
Demonstrate Effective Interpersonal Communication and Collaborative Interprofessional Relationships (15%)
Apply Clinical Expertise in the Health Care Environment (15%)
Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization (15%)
Implement Effective Clinical Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (17%)
Test Dates
Scantron Test Centers offer CNEcl exams from Monday through Saturday year-round. Examinees may also take the exam at home via Scantron’s live online proctored test administration service.
Register for the Exam
Applicants register for the exam after receiving a Notice to Schedule Examination email from Scantron. They can register online or by calling Scantron at (919) 572-6880.
Visit Scantron’s website
Enter the username and password provided in the Notice to Schedule email
Follow on-screen instructions
View Scantron Assessment Center locations to find the nearest testing center.
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive at the testing center 15 to 30 minutes before exam time
Bring a government-issued photo ID.
The applicant’s name must exactly match the name Scantron has on file
Examinees may not bring personal items, calculators, phones, notes, food, or beverages into the test center
Scantron permits a break but doesn’t grant additional test time
For remote proctored exams, applicants must use a computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Review details for system requirements. Applicants can take a sample test to become familiar with Scantron software.
Visit Scantron’s website
Enter the username and password provided in the Notice to Schedule email
Confirm demographic information
Attest to Scantron’s privacy policy
Test computer for system requirements
Click “Schedule”
Enter phone number and time zone
Click “Schedule Exam”
Select a date and time and click “Schedule”
Exam Day Instructions
Click the link in the confirmation email to go to the Scantron platform
The system performs a System Requirement Check
Complete the check-in process with an ID check and environment check
A live proctor performs a security check
Examinees must be alone, in a well-lit space, with the computer on a table or desk
Examinees must not use a dual-monitor or sit in a reclined position
The live proctor remains present throughout the test for questions
Examinees receive a pass or fail score report upon completion of the exam. They can also access the score report on Scantron’s Score Report Portal.
Certification
Application Process
Go to the certification website
Click “Certification Portal”
Create an account or log in
Click “CNEcl Application for Initial Certification”
Click “Create New Application”
List RN licenses held in all states
Answer the eligibility questions
Enter accommodation requests if applicable
Enter up to 3 email addresses to receive successful exam results
Answer the exam test preparation questions
Click “Yes” under Agreement of Authorization & Confidentiality
Input credit card information
If applicants don’t receive a confirmation notice of eligibility within 5 business days of application submission, they should contact the NLN. Applicant receives a Notice to Schedule Examination from Scantron upon approval.
Renewal
CNEcl certification is valid for 5 years. The certification period begins on the day the examinee receives their passing score and ends on the last day of the 5th year. Renewal applicants must submit the renewal application by September 30th of the expiration year.
To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:
Possess a valid license/certificate or proof of unencumbered practice in their country of residence
Have 2 or more years of employment in the last 5 years working in the academic faculty role
Have Certified Nurse Educator Code of Ethics compliance
Complete 75 Renewal Credits (RCs) or retake the CNEcl exam
Pay the renewal fee
To register to retake the CNEcl exam:
Go to the certification website
Click CNEcl Registration on the left side
Click “Certification Portal” and login
Click “CNEcl Renewal by Exam”
Select “Create New Application”
Complete the application and submit payment
Renewal Fees
National League for Nursing member: $250
Non-member: $350
Continuing Education
Renewal applicants must accrue a minimum of 75 RCs during the renewal cycle. CNEcls must distribute RCs across the 5 years. RCs must be in all 6 of the CNEcl Core Competencies with one competency per activity, which include:
Function within the Education and Health Care Environments
Facilitate Learning in the Health Care Environment
Demonstrate Effective Interpersonal Communication and Collaborative Interprofessional Relationships
Apply Clinical Expertise in the Health Care Environment
Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
Implement Effective Clinical Assessment/Evaluation Strategies
To add RC information:
Go to the certification website
Select “CNEcl Renewal” on the left side
Click “Renew Now” at the bottom
Log in
Click “CNEcl Renewal by Credits” on the left side
Select “Create New Application”
Select “Details” on the right side
Click “Activities” on the left side
Under Transactions select “Add”
Select competency area
Enter dates, activity, and renewal credit information
Upload supporting documentation
Click “Yes” under Attestation after entering 75 RCs
Click “Checkout and Make Payment”
Other Resources
The NLN provides several resources to help prepare for the CNEcl exam, including:
CNEcl Handbook with sample questions on pages 15 and 16
Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Review Book Cost: $35.99
The Self-Assessment Examinations (SAE) are multiple-choice, 65-question practice exams available for 60 days following purchase. Cost: $65 for NLN members and $75 for non-members, including:
Related Certifications
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my CNEcl certification if I plan to retire from practice?
CNEcls retiring from academic responsibilities may apply for “Retired Status.” This status doesn’t require renewal. The fee is $200 for NLN members and $250 for non-members.
What if I fail the CNEcl exam?
Applicants can retake the CNEcl exam up to 4 times a year. The exam can only be taken once every 90 days after paying the retest fee.
Is the CNEcl exam hard?
Like any certification exam, the CNEcl exam is difficult without proper preparation. In 2020, the exam had a 74% pass rate.
Can I reschedule the CNEcl Exam?
Yes, you can reschedule the CNEcl exam up to 2 days before the exam date on the Scantron website. Scantron charges a non-refundable $50 rescheduling fee.
What’s the difference between the CNE and the CNEcl?
The CNE stands for Certified Nurse Educator, and the CNEcl stands for Academic Clinical Nurse Educator. The CNE is for nurse educators working in various locations such as universities and hospitals. The CNEcl is for clinical nurse educators, preceptors, faculty, or clinical instructors working with nursing students enrolled in nursing programs.
What other certifications does the NLN offer besides the CNEcl?
What organization offers the CNEcl?
The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the CNEcl.