Common Nursing Certifications

1. CCRN - Critical Care Registered Nurse 

The CCRN certification, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), is for RNs and APRNs who provide direct care to acutely or critically ill adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients. It demonstrates proficiency in critical care nursing and adherence to the highest standards in intensive care units.

Prep for the CCRN Certification

2. CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse 

Administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the CEN validates expertise in emergency department care. It emphasizes skills in triage, trauma, cardiovascular emergencies, and disaster preparedness.

Prep for the CEN Certification

3. CNOR - Certified Perioperative Nurse 

Granted by the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), CNOR certification recognizes perioperative nurses proficient in surgical care. It is ideal for RNs involved in pre-, intra-, and post-operative patient care.

Prep for the CNOR Certification

4. CMSRN - Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse 

This certification, from the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), acknowledges expertise in medical-surgical nursing, the largest nursing specialty. It confirms a nurse's proficiency in adult health, wound care, pain management, and chronic illness.

Prep for the CMSRN Certification

5. PCCN - Progressive Care Certified Nurse 

Also administered by AACN, the PCCN is for nurses who provide care to acutely ill patients in settings such as step-down units or telemetry. It bridges the gap between med-surg and intensive care.

Prep for the PCCN Certification

6. OCN - Oncology Certified Nurse 

Offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), this certification recognizes RNs with expertise in adult oncology nursing, including symptom management, chemotherapy administration, and patient education.

Prep for the OCN Certification 

7. NPD-BC - Nursing Professional Development - Board Certified 

This ANCC certification targets nurses in educator roles. It validates competencies in teaching, curriculum design, program development, and staff education.

Prep for the NPD-BC Certification

8. NE-BC / NEA-BC - Nurse Executive / Nurse Executive Advanced - Board Certified 

These American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certifications are tailored for nurse leaders and executives. NE-BC is for mid-level managers, while NEA-BC suits those in senior or executive roles.

9. FNP-BC - Family Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified 

Granted by ANCC, this certification endorses advanced practice nurses qualified to provide primary care across the lifespan, including diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion.

Prep for the FNP-BC Certification 

10. AGACNP-BC / AGPCNP-BC - Adult-Gerontology Acute/Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified 

These ANCC certifications delineate roles in adult-gerontology care: AGACNP-BC focuses on acute settings like ICUs, while AGPCNP-BC targets outpatient or primary care for older adults.

Prep for the AGACNP-BC Certification

11. PNP-BC / PMHNP-BC - Pediatric / Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified 

PNP-BC signifies expertise in pediatric primary care, while PMHNP-BC focuses on mental health assessment and treatment across the lifespan, including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.

12. RN-BC - Registered Nurse - Board Certified 

This ANCC umbrella credential applies to various specialties, such as pain management, informatics, and gerontology, affirming specialty-level competence beyond basic RN licensure.

13. WOCN - Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse 

Endorsed by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), this certification confirms advanced knowledge in managing complex wounds, stomas, and incontinence.

14. CRRN - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse 

This credential from the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) signifies proficiency in restoring function and promoting independence for patients with chronic illness or disability.

15. IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 

While not exclusive to nurses, many RNs obtain the IBCLC to provide advanced breastfeeding support, education, and clinical management of lactation-related issues.

16. TNCC - Trauma Nursing Core Course 

Although not a certification in the traditional sense, TNCC, developed by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), is a widely recognized credential for trauma nursing and is often required for emergency department roles.

17. ENPC - Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course 

Also offered by ENA, ENPC enhances pediatric emergency nursing skills. It emphasizes evidence-based interventions and family-centered care for critically ill or injured children.

18. CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor 

Administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP), this certification supports foundational knowledge in breastfeeding support and maternal-child health.

19. SANE-A / SANE-P - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Adult/Adolescent & Pediatric 

Provided by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), these certifications validate competence in forensic nursing and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault.

20. HWC-BC - Health and Wellness Coach - Board Certified 

Offered by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), this credential supports holistic, behavioral health coaching within nursing practice, particularly in wellness and prevention settings.

21. CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse 

This credential from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) affirms advanced knowledge in end-of-life care, symptom control, and communication with terminally ill patients and their families.

22. CPHON - Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse 

This ONCC certification supports expertise in pediatric cancer and blood disorder care, including chemotherapy administration and family support.

23. CPAN / CAPA - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse / Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse 

These ASPAN certifications affirm competencies in post-anesthesia and ambulatory surgery nursing, focusing on recovery, pain control, and sedation safety.

Prep for the CPAN Certification

24. NCSN - National Certified School Nurse 

Offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), this credential emphasizes health promotion, chronic disease management, and care coordination within educational settings.