Recertify by Exam
SCRNs who wish to recertify by retaking the SCRN 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 SCRN Recertification Handbook for the exam matrix and more information about recertifying.
Exam WindowsFebruary 1-28, 2025Register by January 9, 2025. |
May 1-31, 2025Register by April 3, 2025. |
September 1-30, 2025Register by August 7, 2025. |
RecertificationFor Exam RecertificationApplications open June 1, 2025. Must register by August 7, 2025, for the September 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 August 8, 2025. If you do not wish to recertify by exam, you can recertify by continuing education (CE).
Timeline for 2025
If you initially earned certification in 2020 or 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. SCRNs due to renew in 2025 may submit payment online during application or by check via mail to ABNN. |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2025 | The 2025 applications for recertifying by exam (September 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. |
Audit
Each year ABNN randomly selects 10% of its recertification applications to be audited. If your SCRN 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 stroke nursing during the past 5 years. All documentation must be received within 21 days of the request.