CNRN - Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse

Neurology or neuroscience nursing focuses on both the prevention and treatment of conditions originating in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's disease, and spinal trauma.

The Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) certification is offered by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN), accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing (ABSNC). This certification is relevant for nurses with knowledge and skills in caring for clients across the lifespan with neurologic conditions. 

Applicants for the CNRN exam must register online. The initial exam fee is $300 for members of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) who pay by credit card and $325 visa check payment. For non-members, the exam fees are $400 and $425 via credit card or check, respectively.

The exam format is a computer-based test (CBT) with 220 multiple-choice items that allow for up to four hours to complete. The content is designed to test the fundamentals of neuroscience nursing.

To be eligible for the CNRN certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Current, active, and unencumbered licensure as an RN in the U.S. or Canada or a U.S.territory.

• Twelve months of neuroscience- experience or a minimum of 2080 hours in direct or indirect neuroscience practice in the last three years.

Direct nursing practice in the neuroscience specialty includes working in the clinical setting and applying nursing actions with professional accountability for the results.

Indirect nursing practice includes working as consultants, researchers, administrators, and educators focusing on the care of clients with neurological conditions.

A candidate can apply for testing online through the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN). There are exam windows and deadlines updated annually on the ABNN website.

The CNRN certification is valid for five years. The expiration date is the last day of the fifth complete year after certification.

To renew the certification, the nurse must fulfill one of the following options:

• Option One: Completion of 4,160 neuroscience nursing practice hours in the past 5 years and successful retake of the certification exam.

• Option Two: Completion of 4,160 neuroscience nursing practice hours in the past 5 years and 75 CE hours.

• Option Three: Completion of 2500 neuroscience nursing practice hours in the past 5 years and 100 CE hours.

Neuroscience nursing practice hours include clinical practice, consultation, research, administration, or education in the neuroscience specialty. An approved CE program is one approved by a state or national organization authorized to grant continuing education credit such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN), the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, a state nurses association, a state board of nursing, or a hospital or other institution accredited as a provider by a national or state nursing organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Renewal Fees:

Renewal by Exam

• AANN members - $275 for credit card payments or $300 for check payments

• Non-members - $385 for credit card payments or $410 for check payments

Renewal by Continuing Education (CE)

• Applications received before October 1, 2022

  • AANN members - $275 for credit card payments or $300 for check payments

  • Non-members - $385 for credit card payments or $410 for check payments

• Applications received between October 2, 2022 - January 31, 2023

  • AANN members - $360 for credit card payments or $385 for check payments

  • Non-members pay $470 for credit card payments or $495 for check payments

The ABNN offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

The nurse seeking additional verification of skills in the neuroscience category may also observe the following certification offered by the ABNN:

• Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN): Specific to the knowledge and skills related to the client suffering an acute CVA and management of the client’s recovery.