NBCRNA - National Board Certification for Registered Nurse Anesthetists

The National Board Certification for Registered Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is a credential for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) specializing in anesthesia care. This certification signifies advanced knowledge and skills in providing anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.

Completion Time: 3 hours; however, the exam is a variable-length, computerized adaptive test.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A current, unrestricted RN license.

• Graduation from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

• Successful completion of the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA.

Exam Format

The NCE is a computer-adaptive test that includes 100-170 questions featuring multiple-choice, calculations, drag and drop, hotspot, graphics, and videos. Candidates must answer a minimum of 100 questions.

The exam covers anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, anesthesia equipment and technology, pain management, and anesthesia principles and practices.

This exam is offered exclusively at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Apply for the NBCRNA certification through the NBCRNA after completing a COA-accredited program.

Meet the eligibility criteria and pass the NCE. Candidates will receive a preliminary pass/fail report when they check out of the test center. Official results will be mailed to the candidate 2-4 weeks after the exam.

NBCRNA certification requires compliance with the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program, which includes regular continuing education, practice assessments, and periodic examinations.

Recertification involves completing continuing education credits, Core Modules, and passing the CPC Assessment every 4 years.

Continuing education for CRNAs includes updates in anesthesia techniques, pain management, pharmacology, patient safety, and emerging technologies in anesthesia care.

For specific information regarding National Board Certification for Registered Nurse Anesthetists, including eligibility criteria, examination details, recertification processes, and approved educational programs, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The NBCRNA provides comprehensive resources and standards for nurse anesthetists, ensuring high-quality patient care in the field of anesthesia.

Other related certifications include:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

• Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)

• Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

• Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified (RNAS-C)

• Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative Certification (CNS-CP)

• Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM)

• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)