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Recertification Basics for NPs, PAs, CRNAs and CAAs
Advanced practice clinicians usually answer to two clocks, one from the state board and one from the national certifying body.
Two systems
State boards decide who may practice and renew, and often set their own CME or continuing competency rule. National certifying bodies set a separate maintenance program, which a state may or may not rely on.
Recorded cycles
| Profession | Program recorded | Cycle | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | NCCPA certification maintenance | 2 years | 100 | 100 CME hours per 2-year cycle, at least 50 Category 1, within a 10-year certification maintenance cycle that ends with an exam or alternative assessment. Confirm current NCCPA model. |
| CRNA | NBCRNA Continued Professional Certification | 4 years | 100 | 4-year cycle: about 60 Class A credits and 40 Class B credits, plus required Core Modules and assessments. Confirm current NBCRNA requirements. |
| NP | AANPCB / ANCC recertification | 5 years | 100 | AANPCB: 100 CE hours including 25 pharmacology hours, plus 1,000 practice hours. ANCC: 75 CE hours including 25 pharmacology, plus practice hours and other categories. Certification body rules differ. |
| CAA | NCCAA CDQ | 2 years | 40 | 40 CME hours per 2-year cycle, at least 20 Category 1, with a Continuing Demonstration of Qualifications exam on a longer cycle (about 6 years). Confirm with NCCAA. |
These entries are summaries for planning and are not verified against the certifying bodies. Confirm the current model with each one.
Tracking tips
- Record the certification expiration separately from the state license.
- Keep the certification body's portal login in a password manager, not in your tracker.
- Check the state page for your profession where a state rule is recorded.
Related
Nurse practitioners should also read the compact guide, and PAs the PA compact guide.
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