Nonsurgical Pain Management Examination
In response to the ongoing challenges faced by many nurse anesthetists practicing nonsurgical pain management (NSPM), the NBCRNA established a voluntary subspecialty certification program for nurse anesthetists in Nonsurgical Pain Management (NSPM-C) in 2014. This program evaluates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of NBCRNA-certified registered nurse anesthetists for practice in the NSPM field. It requires advanced, subspecialty knowledge beyond the initial certification requirements.
Currently certified nurse anesthetists who meet specific criteria are eligible to apply for NSPM certification. The initial NSPM exam is a computer-based assessment consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions. The total time allotted for the initial exam is 180 minutes, and it is typically offered twice annually at test centers in the United States. It’s important to note that this certification is time-limited and requires renewal.
Individuals who meet the criteria for the NSPM subspecialty certification and wish to pursue the initial certification can apply to take the exam during the specified dates below.
- View the NSPM Bibliography.
- View the Standard Setting Process Used.
- View the Content Outline (effective March 2, 2026).
Application Windows for Initial NSPM Exam – 2026
If you are planning to take the initial NSPM Examination, contact NBCRNA at support@nbcrna.com or (855) 285-7762 to have an application activated.
| Applications for Exam Accepted | Test Dates |
| 3/9/2026-9/17/2026 | 9/21/2026-10/30/2026 |
Starting in October 2026, the ongoing maintenance of the NSPM-C will transition into a longitudinal assessment (MAC Check) format. Instead of taking a point-in-time assessment every eight years, CRNAs who hold the NSPM-C will be required to answer ten additional NSPM-related quarterly knowledge check questions within their MAC Check dashboard. NBCRNA will provide personalized transition details to eligible CRNAs. Additionally, after October 2026, Core Modules will no longer be required.
Total Number of NSPM Certificants
The NBCRNA’s NSPM-C credential program is accredited by both the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).