PMHCNS-BC - Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS) certification is a professional credential for advanced practice nurses specializing in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), it validates a nurse's expertise in providing care to individuals, families and communities with psychiatric disorders. The PMHCNS certification demonstrates advanced knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, psychotherapy and implementation of mental health programs.

Applications are no longer being accepted for the PMHCNS certification, but those holding this credential can still renew it every 5 years and continue to use the credential as long as they don’t allow it to lapse.

Eligibility

Because this certification is only available for renewal, applicants must currently hold an unexpired PMHCNS credential and a current, unencumbered advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license. If you allow your certification to lapse by 2 years or more, you can’t reactivate.

Exam Format

Exam no longer administered, PMHCNS certification is available for renewal only.

PMHCNS certification must be renewed every 5 years, but holders can renew up to 1 year before their expiration date. Because this credential is only available for current holders and for renewal only, certifications that are 2 or more years past the expiration date can’t be reactivated. Applicants can’t renew this certification through testing. To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Have an active RN license in any U.S. state or the legal equivalent in another country

• Have a current, active PMHCNS-BC certification from the ANCC

• Complete 75 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

• Complete one of the 8 professional development categories 

• Pay renewal fee

The professional development component includes the mandatory 75 CE hours PLUS completion of at least one of the following 8 categories:

• 75 CE hours in addition to the mandatory 75 CE hours

• Academic credits: 5 semester credits or 6 quarter credits

• One or more presentations totaling 5 hours

• One Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Quality Improvement Project (QI) or one qualifying publication or one Institutional Review Board research project, completed dissertation or thesis, or doctoral project

• At least 120 hours as a preceptor for students in an academic program

• Two or more consecutive years of volunteer service with an international, national, state, or local healthcare-related organization

• 1,000 practice hours (not required to renew certification but option to fulfill professional development)

• PMHCNS-BC is available for renewal only. The exam is not available.

PMHCNSs must complete the professional development section before completing the online renewal application. Alternatively, renewal applicants may renew by mail by sending a request to [email protected].

Renewal Fees

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) members: $250

• American Nurses Association (ANA) members: $275

• National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) members: $295

• International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) members: $295

• Nonmembers: $375

• All renewals costs include a $140 nonrefundable administrative fee

Track professional development, including continuing education in your ANCC account to transfer it to your renewal application. Renewal requires 75 contact hours within one of eight certification renewal categories, including continuing education, academic credits, professional service, publications/research, presentations, preceptorships or practice hours. Testing isn’t an option for professional development for a credential offered by renewal only.

• Renewal Requirements

• Renewal FAQs

The ANCC also offers the following:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)

• Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)

• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP-BC)

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)