CNN-NP - Certified Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner

Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner certification (CNN-NP) validates the knowledge and skills of the  Nurse Practitioner with nephrology experience. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers the CNN-NP exam, accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). It collaborates with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) in test development, test administration and test evaluation.

Eligibility Requirements

• Hold an unrestricted license as a NP

• Completed Master’s degree or higher

• Completed 2,000 hours and 2 years experience working as a nurse practitioner in nephrology

• Completed 60 contact hours approved continuing education in nephrology

Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the CNN-NP exam

Cost: 

• Exam $375

• One-Time Retake $250

• Exam Rescheduling $85

• Incomplete Application $40

• Late Fee $50

• Reduced Fee for Partner Members $350 exam / $225 one-time retake

  • American Nephrology Nurses Association, American Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, and Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Exam Format

The CNN-NP certification exam consists of 175 questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete it and must score 70% or better to receive Pass/Fail results immediately after completing the exam.  CNN-NP exam topics include:

• Kidney Replacement Therapies (57-59%)

• Stages 4 & 5 CKD (19-21%)

• Stage III Chronic Kidney Disease (11-13%)

• Stage I and II Chronic Kidney Disease and General Nephrology (4-6%)

• Acute Kidney Injury (4-6%)

Steps to certification:

• Download the Certification Exam Application

• Complete the application with appropriate section completed by employer

• Include copies of:

  • Master’s degree or higher diploma

  • Certificates proving 60 contact hours

  • NP license

  • NP certification or letter of recognition

• Include credit card information or cashier’s check or money order made out to C-Net

• Mail to:
  C-NET
  35 Journal Square
  Suite 901
  Jersey City, NJ 07306

CNN-NP certification is valid for three years. The NNCC sends reminders about every 30 days starting 120 days before certification expiration as a courtesy. Candidates must meet the requirements for recertification in one of the following two ways:

• Retaking the certification exam

• Clinical experience and continuing education

  • 1,000 hours of practice as an NP in nephrology over the 5 years of the current certification period

  • 150 contact hours of continuing education

Renewal Fee: Exam $375 / Continuing Education $300

Part of the renewal process requires 150 contact hours of continuing education. At least 100 CE hours must be CME or CNE credits with at least 50 in nephrology. The remaining 50 hours may be obtained through academic credit, professional publications, multimedia development or precepting another nurse practitioner in nephrology. 

CME/CNE credits must be approved by one of the following:

• Organizations accredited by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center

• Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

• The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

• The American Association of Nurse Practitioners

• The Council of Continuing Education

• The state board of nursing from one of the following states:

  • California

  • Florida

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Ohio

The NNCC has resources available to help prepare for the CNN-NP exam, including: 

• Exam Blueprint

• Exam Specification 

• Certification Preparation Guide

• ANA Certification Review Course

• Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credentials are ideal for RNs with 3,000 hours of nephrology experience

• Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credentials are ideal for RNs with 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who require dialysis

• Certified Dialysis Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (CD-LPN/CD-LVN) credentials are ideal for LPNs/LVNs with 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who require dialysis

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) credentials are ideal for dialysis technicians with 1,000 hours or 6 months of experience

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician – Advanced (CCHT-A) credentials are ideal for dialysis technicians with 5,000 hours and 5 years of experience