CNE® Renewal
The NLN's decision to introduce a renewal program followed several years of careful consideration and market research. Information derived from surveys of certified members and nonmembers, as well as other benchmark data, showed not only that certification maintenance is standard among comparable organizations, but also that individuals overwhelmingly support some form of ongoing certification requirements for maintaining the integrity of their professional credentials. The NLN's CNE® Renewal Program upholds both the objectives of the CNE® program and the NLN's vision to promote lifelong learning.
This flexible program recognizes that you and your colleagues represent various careers levels, have different educational needs and career goals, and varying degrees of access to continuing education. Thus, requirements for maintaining certification can be met through multiple sources and a variety of professional development activities intended to help individuals prepare for the challenges ahead and maintain a professional edge by:
Preserving the currency of hard-earned certification credentials
Expanding knowledge
Reinforcing skills
Improving job performance
Demonstrating commitment to excellence
Increasing competitive advantage
Certification renewal requires evidence of continuing competency being demonstrated by activities directly linked to the competencies of the certification. Continuing competency of renewal activities should show ongoing demonstration of levels of knowledge and skills being applied to the role of the nurse educator, and a commitment to professional development and growth that is represented with the credential.
Renewal Resources
As you prepare to renew your certification, please thoroughly review the following helpful resources:
CNE Renewal Credit Guide (PDF)
Requirements for Maintaining Certification
- Documentation of valid licensure/certificate or other documentation of unencumbered practice in your country of residence.
- Renewal fees paid
- Demonstrate continued maintenance or expansion of your knowledge relevant to the role of an academic nurse educator within the five-year renewal cycle by either renewing by credit or by exam.
Renewal Deadlines
Renewal by Credit: Your renewal by credit application is due on or before October 1st of the year your certification expires.
Renewal by Exam: The deadline for renewing by exam is December 31st of the year your certification expires.
Renewal Fees
NLN Member Fee: $375
Non-member Fee: $475
Certification Renewal Process
- Log into the Certification Portal using existing login credentials or create a new account (note: if you have already created an account and cannot access your account, please do not create a new account – reach out to certification@nln.org for assistance).
- Select Renew by Credit or Renew by Exam.
- Complete your application and pay the fee.
- Your application will be reviewed, and you will receive an automated message indicating that your renewal application has been reviewed and approved or you will receive an automated message indicating that you need to submit additional information to complete your application.
Please note that all renewal activities submitted for renewal credit are subject to review and approval by the ANECP.
Retired Status
Retired status is available for anyone retiring from academic teaching and wishing to retain their certification. Retired status is a life-long status, not requiring renewal once approved. The application for retired status can be accessed through the Certification Portal.
Retired Status Fees
- NLN Member: $250
- Non-member: $325
Renewal FAQs
How do I access my renewal by credit or renewal by exam application?
Log into the Certification Portal and find the “renewal by credit” or “renewal by exam” application.
What should I do if I cannot access my record in the Certification Portal?
If you have issues logging into your account, please do not create a new account. Instead, contact us at Certification@nln.org and our team will assist you.
Can I enter my renewal credits over time?
You are encouraged to submit renewal credits into the Certification Portal over time rather than waiting until the renewal deadline. To do so, log into the Certification Portal to open a renewal by credit application. Follow the instructions for entering renewal credits.
How many renewal credits do I need to submit?
You need to submit a minimum of 75 renewal credits and a maximum of 80 renewal credits for review.
Can I combine activities to submit for renewal credits?
No, each activity must match only one competency and cannot be combined or used for multiple competencies.
Can I combine activities to submit for renewal credits?
No, renewal credits must be applied to five of the competencies.
Do I need to submit documentation as evidence when I complete my renewal by credit application?
While it is not required to submit supporting documentation with your renewal by credit application, you have the option to do so. If your application is randomly selected for an audit, having your documentation already entered will make the audit process smoother for you.
What happens if my renewal by credit application is audited?
If your renewal by credit application is randomly selected to be audited, you will submit supporting documentation for each activity to provide evidence of your renewal activities.
Review the Requirements for Maintaining Your CNE
Review Information for Meeting the Requirements
Review the CNE Renewal Credit Guide (PDF)
Review the Certelligence Renewal Guide
Review the CNE Renewal Instructions (PowerPoint)
Review the Sample Renewal Application (PDF)
