SANE - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification is for Registered Nurses specializing in caring for sexual assault victims, including forensic nursing, law enforcement, and criminal prosecution. The role of a SANE is to advocate for victims and provide healthcare services as a part of the interdisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). SANE nurses may perform evidence collection or expert witness testimony in the process of a sexual assault investigation. 

There are two different SANE designations and exams:

1. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) 

2. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) 

This national certification is offered through International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).

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

The SANE-A and SANE-P certification exams are held twice each year in April and September. Tests are administered through Scantron at local testing centers around the country.

Results

Scores on the SANE certification exams range from 200-to 800. The minimum passing score is 500. Candidates may re-take the exam if they do not pass the initial examination. If they do not pass the “re-take,” they must reapply and pay test fees again.

1. Be a registered or advanced practice nurse.

2. Gain two years of experience, advanced assessment such as emergency, critical care, maternal-child health (recommended, not required)

3. Complete SANE training according to the IAFN SANE Education Guidelines. Training consists of didactic training in the classroom (online or live) and clinical setting.

4. Check local requirements for additional regulations from State Boards of Nursing.

5. Get a job as a SANE to meet clinical practice requirements.

6. Apply for the exam.

When a nurse meets the requirements to take the SANE examination, they must apply online and show proof that they have met the prerequisites.

Requirements for the SANE exam:

1. At least two years and 300 hours experience as a SANE-A or three years experience as a SANE-P

2. Completed 40-hr accredited SANE didactic course

3. Completed a SANE clinical preceptorship

SANE certification is valid for three years, and certification renewal is available by attaining continuing education over three years or achieving a passing score on the certification exam. Nurses must have 45 contact hours to renew.

Renewal also requires 200-300 clinical practice hours.

Renewal Fees

• Early: $175 IAFN Members / $325 Nonmembers, early discount for application by Apr 30, 2023

• Regular: $275 IAFN Members / $425 Non-members, early discount for application received May 1 – Nov 1, 2023

• Late: $425 IAFN Members / $575 Non-members - late-filing fee of $150 for application and payment received Nov 2 – 15, 2023

The IAFN offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Certification Handbook

• SANE-A Content Outline

• SANE-A Reference List

• SANE-P Content Outline

• SANE-P Reference List

See SANE Certification Center web page for exam information.
See IAFN’s Study for the SANE Exam web page for more information.