Promoting Patient Safety by Enhancing Provider Quality 

Congratulations on your recent certification as a nurse anesthetist. This page offers insight into what your future looks like as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with the NBCRNA. As a CRNA, you will be enrolled into the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program or the enhanced CPC Program depending on when you are initially certified. 

Both programs support lifelong learning and the strong CRNA credential, protecting your ability to continue practicing as a CRNA, and is designed to meet the APRN regulatory requirements of every state Board of Nursing.  

 

CPC Program Components

If you were initially certified before December 31, 2023, CRNAs are automatically enrolled in the current CPC Program. There are four required components of the CPC Program: Class A credits, Class B credits, Core Modules and the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA) for those who are in their second, four-year cycle.  

  • Class A credits are continuing education (CE) credits. You earn them by participating in CE courses or activities that sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. 60 Class A credits are required every four-year cycle.  

  • Class B credits are the most flexible component of the CPC Program, as they include a wide range of professional activities, such as teaching, publishing, and research. Unlike Class A credits, Class B credits do not require prior approval and do not require an assessment. 40 Class B credits are required every four-year cycle.  

  • Core Modules are a specialized type of Class A credit designed to help you stay current. They are focused on recently emerging information and evidence-based knowledge within the four domains: airway management, applied clinical pharmacology, human physiology, anesthesia equipment, technology, and safety. Four Core Modules are required every four-year cycle.  

  • The CPCA is a performance standard assessment that must be taken within the second four-year CPC cycle. It assesses your knowledge in the four core knowledge areas (domains) of nurse anesthesia practice. Only required in the second four-year CPC cycle. 

Please note: Before CRNAs can move into the enhanced CPC Program, they must complete the requirements of the current CPC program cycle.  

CPC Program FAQs

  • Q If I complete a CE activity that is not assessed, can I still apply it toward the CPC Program?

    CEs that have not been prior approved and/or are not assessed may be counted as Class B. CEs fitting this description such as hospital-required or state board of nursing-required CEs will qualify for Class B. Required/Recommended Audit Documentation and/or Information:

    • Program provider
    • Program name
    • Number of CEs or number of contact hours awarded
    • Certificate of attendance or completion

  • Q Do all assessed Continuing Education (CE) include a test?

    Yes, Continuing education (including Core Modules) that offers Class A credit must be tested or assessed. The assessment may be in the form of simulation demonstrations, case studies, or self-assessment, or testing. 

  • Q When do I need to renew my certification?

    Your CRNA credential is due for renewal by the end of your four-year CPC cycle. Access to the CPC application portal opens five months prior to your application deadline. Reminders will be sent via email and robocall prior to the portal opening, with monthly reminders throughout the renewal period.

  • Q Is the CPC Assessment another NCE and if not, what does it entail?

    The CPC Assessment (CPCA) is not the National Certification Exam (NCE) aka "the boards."  The CPCA will assess knowledge in the four core domains of nurse anesthesia practice which are:

    • Airway Management
    • Applied Clinical Pharmacology
    • Physiology and Pathophysiology
    • Anesthesia Equipment and Technology

Enhanced CPC Program

If you are initially certified after January 1, 2024, then you will be automatically enrolled into the enhanced CPC Program when it launches in August 2024. The enhanced program contains Class A credits, Class B credits, and quarterly knowledge check questions.  

  • Class A credits are continuing education (CE) credits. You earn them by participating in CE courses or activities that sharpen your skills and increase your knowledge. 60 Class A credits are required every four-year cycle.  

  • Class B credits are the most flexible component of the CPC Program, as they include a wide range of professional activities, such as teaching, publishing, and research. Unlike Class A credits, Class B credits do not require prior approval and do not require an assessment. 40 Class B credits are required every four-year cycle. 

  • Quarterly Knowledge Check Questions is an updated approach to checking CRNAs' knowledge utilizing longitudinal assessment, replacing the current Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA). These quarterly check-ins offers a series of multi-choice and multi-select questions conveniently available on mobile devices or personal computer. CRNAs are required to complete 13 quarters in the four-year cycle.   

 

Check Out Your Timeline

Log in to the NBCRNA portal any time to access your CPC timeline.

See My Timeline