FN-CSp. - Forensic Nurse Specialist Certification

Registered nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses working in the forensic nursing specialty can apply for certification to establish their knowledge and value as a forensic professional.

The Forensic Nurse Specialist Certification (FN-CSp.) certification is provided by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). The certification focuses on the validation and attainment of advanced continued education related to forensic nursing and forensic pathology. The certification also establishes quality standards and requirements for credentialed members, attesting to the ongoing education and skills needed to practice in the specialty of forensic nursing.

Costs

• Application fee for those residing in the U.S. is $220.

• Application fee for international candidates is $245.

• Must complete five continuing education (CE) courses, each course is $200.

Eligibility

This credential is only available to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses who are graduates of accredited programs and with unencumbered licensure in their state.  In addition, applicants must complete:

• An official, established education program to prepare Registered Nurses for the practice of Forensic Nursing. 

• The continuing education program by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. This program consists of 250 contact hours of continuing education.

Once the education components of the certification process are complete, the applicant may proceed with the application by submitting transcripts. Upon acceptance and review of the education transcripts, certification is awarded.

The FN-CSp. Credential is active for four years, then must be renewed.  

To recertify, candidates must show evidence of continuing education equal to 50 contact hours that have been acquired from the AIHCP. At least 50% of those hours must be directly related to forensic nursing practice, and 50% may be related to other areas of nursing or healthcare. 

Additionally, candidates must have practiced within their specialty for at least 500 hours within the 4 year period of active certification.

Renewal Fees

• Application fee for those residing in the U.S. is $220.

• Application fee for international candidates is $245.

The AIHCP offers resources for certification candidates, including:

• Certification Process Guide

• Advanced Forensic Nursing–Board Certified (AFN-BC)

• Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A)

• Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P)