CRNA - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a specialized professional certification for registered nurses who have completed advanced education and training in anesthesia. Administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), this certification validates the CRNA's expertise in administering anesthesia and providing care before, during, and after surgical or therapeutic procedures. CRNAs play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of patients undergoing anesthesia and are recognized for their advanced clinical skills and knowledge in the field.

Completion Time: The length of your examination will be based on your performance on the questions provided. The estimated duration is around three hours.

Cost: $1,125

Exam Format

The National Certification Examination (NCE) for CRNAs includes 100 to 170 questions covering anesthesia principles, practices, and patient management across various medical conditions and surgical procedures.

The exam assesses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in nurse anesthesia.

Questions may be multiple choice, calculations, drag and drop, hotspot, and graphics/videos.

A passing score on the NCE is determined by NBCRNA, and passing candidates will receive electronic notification.

Eligibility requirements include a valid RN license, completion of a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program, and a record of good moral character.

The application process involves submitting transcripts, proof of program completion, and examination fees.

If unsuccessful on the NCE, candidates can reapply following NBCRNA’s guidelines.

CRNA certification requires renewal every four years.

The Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program is the NBCRNA’s current/legacy certification framework. CRNAs who are scheduled to renew in 2025 will still be in the CPC Program, and all requirements must be completed before transitioning to the new MAC Program. The requirements for the CPC program include:

• 60 Class A credits (continuing education with assessment)

• 40 Class B credits (professional development)

• Core Modules (mandatory learning components)

• CPC Assessment (CPCA) (every 8 years, knowledge assessment exam)

Fees

• Credentialing fee: $250 every four years

• Additional costs for Core Modules and CPC Assessment vary depending on provider, leading to higher overall expense compared to MAC.

• Average cost for maintaining certification is higher than MAC due to multiple separate requirements.

MAC Program (New Program)

The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program is NBCRNA’s new recertification pathway, replacing CPC. It was launched in 2024 and will fully replace CPC by 2026.

• Streamlined four-year cycle with three components:

  • MAC Ed: 60 Class A credits (CE with assessment)

  • MAC Dev: 40 Class B credits (professional development)

  • MAC Check: A new longitudinal knowledge check that replaces the one-time CPCA, designed to reinforce ongoing competency over time

• No Core Modules required (this requirement was removed under MAC)

• Designed to be more flexible and cost-effective

Fees

• One-time renewal fee of $445 at the start of each four-year certification cycle (includes the MAC Check platform fee)

• This averages to about $111 per year

• NBCRNA estimates that MAC saves most CRNAs around $300 per cycle compared to CPC because Core Modules are eliminated

CRNAs renewing in 2025 remain in the CPC Program. By 2026, all CRNAs will transition into the MAC Program.

Continuing education requirements include 60 Class A and 40 Class B credits, along with Core Modules in anesthesia practice, during each 4-year CPC cycle.

Detailed records of these activities must be maintained and submitted for the recertification process.

For the most current and detailed information regarding Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist certification, including application guidelines, exam schedules, study materials, and renewal processes, it is advised to refer directly to the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) website.

NBCRNA provides a range of study materials, including a detailed content outline and sample questions.

Additional resources may include review courses, textbooks, and simulation exercises in nurse anesthesia.

A current, unrestricted RN license and a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia from a COA-accredited program are prerequisites.

CRNAs may pursue additional certifications in pain management, critical care, or other advanced practice areas.

Other Certifications:

• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

• Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)