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 QuartersStart DateQuestions
Knowledge Check Q1 8/1/202430 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q211/1/202435 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q32/1/202535 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q45/1/202535 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q58/1/2025CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required
Knowledge Check Q611/1/202535 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q72/1/202635 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q85/1/202635 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q98/1/202635 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q1011/1/202635 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q112/1/2027CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required
Knowledge Check Q125/1/202735 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q138/1/202735 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q1411/1/202735 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q152/1/202835 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q165/1/2028No Questions Required in Q16

Four-Year Certification Renewal Due Date is 7/31/2028

Learn more about the enhanced CPC Program.