Quarterly knowledge checks via a longitudinal assessment format will be a required component of the enhanced Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program for nurse anesthetists, designed to evaluate and reinforce the essential knowledge required for safe anesthesia practice. Quarterly knowledge checks will replace the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA).
Key components of quarterly knowledge checks include:
13 completed quarterly knowledge checks required over a four-year period.
Two CRNA elected time off quarters.
No questions are required during these two time-off quarters.
Quarter 16 of the four-year cycle, no questions are required.
30-35 questions per quarter.
Immediate feedback and rationale after each question.
Can be taken on a personal computer or mobile device.
No proctoring is required.
Flexible to complete on your own schedule.
Knowledge checks will remain a performance standard, not pass/fail.
Specific details and instructions will be communicated to you by NBCRNA closer to your entry into the enhanced CPC Program via your preferred email on file. Verify your contact information is up to date in the NBCRNA Portal.
Meaningful engagement in quarterly knowledge checks is a requirement of the enhanced CPC Program during your next cycle.
Example Timeline
Below is an example enhanced CPC Program timeline, including two CRNA-elected time off quarters, and a fixed time off quarter at the end of your four-years before your certification renewal date.
*These dates will change based on your entry into the enhanced CPC Program. The timeline below is an example of a CRNA in their second four-year cycle due to renew their certification on July 31, 2024.
Initial Certification | CPCA Due Date | Certification Renewal Due Date |
July 2016 | 1/31/2024 | 7/31/2024 |
Knowledge Check Quarters | Start Date | Questions |
Knowledge Check Q1 | 8/1/2024 | 30 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q2 | 11/1/2024 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q3 | 2/1/2025 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q4 | 5/1/2025 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q5 | 8/1/2025 | CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required |
Knowledge Check Q6 | 11/1/2025 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q7 | 2/1/2026 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q8 | 5/1/2026 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q9 | 8/1/2026 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q10 | 11/1/2026 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q11 | 2/1/2027 | CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required |
Knowledge Check Q12 | 5/1/2027 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q13 | 8/1/2027 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q14 | 11/1/2027 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q15 | 2/1/2028 | 35 Knowledge Check Questions Completed |
Knowledge Check Q16 | 5/1/2028 | No Questions Required in Q16 |