Recertify by Exam
CNRNs who wish to recertify by retaking the CNRN Examination must do so in the year that they are due to recertify (i.e., if you are due to recertify in 2025, you may not take the examination in 2026, even if you submit your application before your certification expires). Review the CNRN Recertification Handbook for the exam matrix and more information about recertifying.
Exam WindowsMarch 1-31, 2025Register by February 6, 2025. |
July 1-31, 2025Register by June 5, 2025. |
October 1-31, 2025Register by September 4, 2025. |
RecertificationFor Exam RecertificationApplications open June 1, 2025. Must register by September 4, 2025, for the October exam dates. |
For CE RecertificationApplications open June 1, 2025. |
Recertification FeesThe early-bird application deadline for recertification by CE is October 1, 2025. Recertification applications can still be submitted by January 31, 2026, but will receive the standard recertification fee. All CE must be earned by December 31, 2025. |
All applications must be submitted online by no later than 5 pm CT of the given deadline for each window. Those paid with check must be received (not postmarked) at the ABNN office by the deadline date.
The last day to apply to recertify by exam in 2025 is September 5, 2025. If you missed the deadline for recertifying by exam, you may recertify by continuing education (CE).
Timeline for 2025
If you initially earned certification in 2020 or if you recertified effective January 1, 2021, please use the following dates as a guideline for your recertification process.
| June 1, 2025 | The 2025 application to recertify by exam becomes available. CNRNs due to renew in 2024 may submit payment online during application or by check via mail to ABNN. |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2025 | The 2025 applications for recertifying by exam (October window administration) are due. No late applications will be accepted. If you missed the exam application deadline, you may still recertify by CE. If you fail the examination, you may not recertify by CE. |
| December 31, 2025 | Certification expires for those due to renew in 2025. |
| June 1, 2026 | The 2026 application to recertify by exam becomes available online. |
Fee
| AANN Member | Nonmember | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | $275 | $385 |
| Check (payable to ABNN) | $300 | $410 |
All certification exam applications must be completed online.
If you are paying by check or money order (U.S. dollars only), please enter your information online. Then save, print, and mail your completed application with a check for the appropriate amount. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) and sent to PO Box 88019, Chicago, IL 60680-8019.
Audit
Each year ABNN randomly selects 10% of its recertification applications to be audited. If your CNRN application to recertify by exam is selected for audit, you must submit a copy of your current RN licensure and documentation to substantiate your work in neuroscience nursing during the past 5 years. All documentation must be received within 21 days of the request.