SANE-A - Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent

One of the best parts about becoming a nurse is the wide variety of different job opportunities that exist. One unique nursing role is the Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A). The SANE-A is a type of forensic nurse that deals specifically with adult and adolescent sexual assault victims. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) is offered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).

To obtain the SANE-A certification, you must first become a registered nurse and spend some time gaining experience in this role. The SANE-A certification exam is offered twice per year, in April and September. 

The cost of the SANE-A certification exam varies depending on how early you register and whether or not you are an IAFN member. Tests are offered twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

Test Dates

April 1 - April 30, 2023 or September 1- September 30, 2023

Test Fees

• IAFN members: $275, or $455 for late filing

• Non-members: $425, or $605 for late filing

• International members: $350, or $530 for late filing

• International non-members: $475, or $655 for late filing

Re-testing Fees

• IAFN members: $150, or $300 for late filing

• Non-members: $250, or $400 for late filing

• International members: $275, or $425 for late filing

• International non-members: $375, or $525 for late filing

Class Time Required

Nurses who hope to sit for the SANE-A certification exam must first complete an accredited 40-hour SANE didactic course. It is also required that you complete a SANE clinical preceptorship To gain experience and knowledge. IAFN offers online training for those who hope to take the SANE-A certification exam. These courses range in price from $350 - $600. 

Format

The SANE-A Certification exam consists of up to 200 questions and is given during a 4-hour time frame. The test questions can be broken down into five main categories: 

• Assessment and Documentation

• Evidence Collection

• Patient Management

• Legal Issues and the Judicial Process

• Professional Practice

The SANE-A certification exam can be taken via Live Remote Proctor or at a testing center. To sit for this examination, individuals must first meet all eligibility requirements and then complete the online application. 

Eligibility

Sitting for the SANE-A Certification exam requires individuals to meet the following criteria:

1. Experience working as a registered nurse for at least two years.

2. Successful completion of a 40-hour didactic course specifically focused on SANE and accredited. 

3. Participating in a SANE clinical preceptorship.

4. At least 300 hours of relevant practice within the last three years. 

For more information on eligibility, reference the Certification Checklist and Certification Handbook.

Application Process
Once you are sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can move forward with the online application. Because the test is only offered two months out of the year, you’ll need to plan ahead and sign up accordingly. Be sure to complete the application in its entirety and check to make sure that all information is entered correctly. 

Once your application has been approved and processed, you will receive a notice to schedule (NTS) via email. This test can be taken at home via Live Remote Proctor (LRP) or at a local testing center. 

SANE-A Certification is valid for three years before renewal is required. When it does come time to renew your certification, there are two different renewal options:

1. Renew by exam

2. Renew by CE

If you choose to renew by exam, you must sign up and sit for the exam before your certification expires. You’ll also have to meet all eligibility requirements and pay the required fees. For those who choose to renew by CE, you must complete 45 hours of eligible continuing education hours. 

Renewal Fees:

Early Renewal

• Applications received by April 30, 2023

• $175 for IAFN members and $325 for non-members

Regular

• Applications received between May 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023

• $275 for IAFN members and $425 for non-members

Late Renewal Fees

• Applications received between November 2 - November 15, 2023

• $455 for IAFN members and $605 for non-members

For more information on renewal, reference the Renewal Handbook. 

The IAFN offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Handbook

• Checklist

In obtaining your SANE-A certification, you’ll want to make sure to complete an accredited didactic course to meet the eligibility criteria. Reference the IAFN website for a list of approved SANE courses to help prepare you for the exam. 

The IAFN also offers the Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Pediatric (SANE-P).