Nursing certification is a type of credentialling that shows an individual has met specific standards beyond the basic level of nursing knowledge as determined by a specialty organization. To become board certified, registered nurses (RNs) must pass a challenging national exam or submit a professional portfolio that meets the requirements of the specialty (American Board of Nursing Specialties [ABSN], 2020). Obtaining certification is a great way to demonstrate advanced clinical skills, high-level expertise, and commitment to professional development. In addition, nurses with certification report increased job satisfaction and higher compensation. While certification is not mandated by state laws, it has become a professional expectation for leadership positions in many hospitals (Edwin, 2022). Nurses are not the only beneficiaries as nursing certification has shown to improve the quality of patient care, enhance nurse retention, and contribute to a hospital’s pursuit of Magnet status (Dierkes et al., 2021).
 
According to data from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC, 2022), the credentialing body for Magnet hospitals, approximately 290,000 nurses hold ANCC certification in their specialty. In addition, a study conducted by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS, 2020) surveyed 56 U.S. credentialing organizations and found approximately one million RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) held one or more nursing specialty credentials. This is less than a 20% of the 5.2 million registered nurses in the U.S. With many advantages associated with specialty credentialling, why aren’t more nurses certified?

Barriers to certification

A review of the literature conducted by Edwin (2022) outlines barriers to obtaining and maintaining certification which include the following:

• Lack of knowledge
• Scarce resources to prepare for certification
• Insufficient study time
• Text anxiety
• Cost of certification
• Limited organizational support
• Little to no institutional recognition

Overcoming obstacles to certification

Edwin (2022) recommends several approaches that professional development specialists can employ to reduce these obstacles to certification such as:

• Flexible work schedules to attend review courses
• Offer review courses and study groups on site
• Integrate a blended learning approach
• Furnish access to online resources
• Partner with national certifying organizations
• Reimburse staff for certification costs

To complement these strategies, hospital administrators and leaders should provide ongoing support, promote a culture of certification, celebrate nurses, and recognize their achievements. Check out the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development to read the full article.
 

References
American Board of Nursing Specialties (2020). 2020 ABNS Nursing Specialty Certification Board Survey. https://www.nursingcertification.org/resources/Documents/research/infographic.pdf
 
American Nurses Credentialing Center (2022). 2022 ANCC Certification Data. https://www.nursingworld.org/~497c80/globalassets/docs/ancc/ancc-cert-data-website.pdf
 
Dierks, A. M., Schlak, A. E., French, R., McHugh, M. D., & Aiken, L. (2021). Why Some Nurses Obtain Specialty Certification and Others Do Not. The Journal of nursing administration, 51(5), 249–256. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001009
 
Edwin H. S. (2023). Strategies to Increase Nursing Certification: A Progressive Care Certification for Nurses-Pathway for Success. Journal for nurses in professional development, 39(5), E112–E118. https://doi.org/10.1097/NND.0000000000000874

  

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