CTN - Certified Transcultural Nurse

The Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS) offers two certifications in transcultural nursing, both of which are recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as part of the Magnet program. These certifications are the Certified Transcultural Nursing-Basic (CTN-B) and the Certified Transcultural Nursing-Advanced (CTN-A).

The foundational aspect of nursing practice is to provide culturally competent and equitable healthcare. Transcultural nursing (TCN) is based on the care of populations in the context of their culture.

Costs

The certification fee is $325 for TCNS members and $450 for non-members.

These certifications are offered at approved computer-based testing sites and via online proctoring.

To be eligible for the CTN-B certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Hold a current, active, unrestricted RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.

• Hold a diploma, an associate, or BSN degree from a program accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) if school is in the US; or legally recognized equivalent in another country.

• Currently employed in nursing, either full- or part-time, at the time of application.

• Completed at least one course (didactic and/or clinical) in cultural diversity and promotion of cultural competence for a minimum of 3 credits (or equivalent 42 Contact Hours).

• Completed 2400 hours of transcultural nursing practice as a registered nurse in an administrative, teaching, research, or clinical capacity, either full- or part-time, during the five years before submitting your application.

The certification fee is $325 for TCNS members and $450 for non-members.

To be eligible for the CTN-A certification exam, you must meet the prerequisites for the CTN-B certification and 3 out of the 5 criteria listed below:

• Evidence of professional growth in TCN such as attendance at classes, workshops, or conferences and accumulation of continuing education.

• Evidence of creative and innovative ways to promote and maintain TCN practice.

• Evidence of research in TCN

• Evidence of substantive or unique contributions made to advance TCN such as community projects or teaching and mentoring

• Evidence of TCN leadership in teaching, research, or consultation to improve care.

The CTN-B and CTN-A credentials are valid for five years.

To renew the CTN-B certification, the nurse must complete the application form on the TCNS website, submit the $175 fee if a TCNS member or $300 fee for non-members, and verify completion of the requirements in the last five years since the initial certification.  The criteria are the same as stated for the initial CTN-B certification.

To renew the CTN-A certification, the nurse must complete the application form on the TCNS website, submit the $175 fee if a TCNS member or $300 fee for non-members, and verify completion of the requirements in the last five years since certification. The criteria are the same as stated for the initial CTN-A certification.

The applicant is required to keep all verifications of eligibility for certification in case of an audit by the TCNS.

The TCNS offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• CTN-B Exam Guide

• CTN-A Exam Guide

The nurse must apply at least five weeks before the desired time to take the exam. All application links are located on the TCNS website.