At work, I'm frequently asked-by patients, doctors, even nurses-what the "BC" after my name means. "Board certified," I tell them and then briefly explain what it means and my certification specialty (nursing professional development).
Being certified is more than merely holding an RN license, which indicates that I have the basic knowledge needed to practice nursing. Certification signifies that I have met standards for a particular specialty. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) defines certification as "the formal recognition of the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes."1 There are 29 specialty member organizations of ABNS that provide regular membership to organizations that "certify registered nurses exclusively, or as the majority (greater than 50%) of their certificant population."2
Certifications for almost every specialty are available to nurses. And almost every specialty has its own certifying organization, such as the Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which certifies nurses in more than 20 specialties. (See http://www.nursecredentialing.org/cert/eligibility.html) Many of these organizations have both basic and advanced certification tests, such as those for wound care or nursing administration. In professional nursing development, for example, the scope of practice for a basic certified nurse includes budgeting for an education program; an advanced practitioner must know how to budget for an entire department, including budgeting for medical equipment. Not all specialties have advanced certification. Before an advanced certification test is developed, the specialty, as well as the scope of practice and qualifications required of nurses who practice it must be defined.
BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
According to an ABNS study of nurses' perceptions, values, and behavior, certification validates specialized knowledge, indicates a level of competence, enhances professional credibility, promotes the recognition of nurses by other professionals and patients, and improves nurses' confidence and personal satisfaction.3 The study, which can be downloaded at http://nursingcertification.org/pdf/white_paper_final_12_12_06.pdf, also indicates that certification increases nurse retention and, in some facilities, garners financial benefits.
Because certification is recognized and accepted by all state nursing boards and the U.S. military, it holds the same connotation regardless of where you work. In addition, the certification status of advanced NPs is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and third-party insurers for reimbursement.
Certification provides access to higher job levels and higher salaries. National salary surveys show that certified nurses earn more than nurses who aren't certified.4, 5, 6 It has also been shown that nurse managers prefer hiring certified nurses rather than noncertified nurses.7
PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
To become certified, you must pass an exam. (For a list of the certifying boards, see "Your Guide to Certification," page 69.)
After choosing the certifying body from which you wish to obtain certification and the particular exam you wish to sit for, check the eligibility requirements. A current, basic nursing license is always required, but other qualifications may include a minimum number of years of practice as well as of practice hours per year, and continuing education contact hours.
Once you're sure you qualify, get a copy of the test blueprint and sample test questions from the certifying organization. The test blueprint, or outline, provides you with an overview of the exam, including topics covered, the weight each content area carries, and a list of publications related to the exam's content. Reviewing the topic list and weight of each topic will help you identify which areas you need to study most.
Sample test questions will give you an idea of how material is presented on the test. Reference publications will direct you to resources that you can use to prepare for the exam. And remember-consider test-prep time when choosing a test date.
Establish a study plan. Do you prefer studying alone, with a buddy, or in a group? If you study with a partner or in a group, you can expand your review materials by sharing books, articles, and other materials. Think about developing a plan that will reflect your study preferences and needs. For example, do you prefer to study the content you are weakest in first or to give more time to the most heavily-weighted content?
Study materials. There are many tools available for certification exam preparation, including review manuals, reference publications, and review courses. Research your options by calling the local chapter of your national specialty organization for suggestions or asking for recommendations from colleagues who have taken the exam. Not all study materials are created equal. Try to find a popular text or review book and, since current practice is tested as well, stay current with reading professional journals.
Prepare a study schedule. Allow extra study time for your weak areas. You may want to work through a review book or take a preparation course, which are available at seminars or online. Keep in mind that certification boards are not allowed to offer review courses, nor do they allow nurses who develop the tests to conduct review courses while they are working on a test or for at least two to three years afterward, so don't fall for claims that a review course or book will provide you with direct knowledge of questions on a particular exam.
Recertify. To maintain your status once you become certified, boards usually require evidence of activities such as continuing education, practice in your specialty area, publishing, and research. Some boards give you the option of taking the certifying exam again for renewal.
Once you receive certification, those letters after your name pronounce you to be an exceptionally knowledgeable practitioner of your specialty. The increased confidence you're likely to feel will certainly be reflected in how you care for patients. And initial certification is not the end of the line; recertification is equally important to ensure that you continue to meet the current standards in your specialty.
REFERENCES