Misrepresentation of the ANCC Credential

If an individual is identified or recognized as misrepresenting themselves as certified when in fact they are not, the COC has an obligation to take appropriate steps to protect the credential.

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Denial, Suspension, and Revocation of Certification

The Commission on Certification (COC) may deny, suspend or revoke certification.

1. Failing to complete or provide evidence of completion of the requirements for initial certification, certification renewal or reactivation of certification.
2. Failure to maintain the required professional licensure.
3. Determination that initial certification or certification renewal was improperly granted or that certification was improperly reactivated.
4. Falsification or misstatement of information on any certification-related document.
5. Providing false or misleading information.
6. Misrepresentation.
7. Cheating or assisting others to cheat.
8. Causing, creating or participating in an examination irregularity.
9. Assisting others to wrongfully obtain initial certification or to renew or reactivate certification.
10. Failure to comply with the scope and standards of practice in an area in which ANCC certification is held.
11. Failure to comply with the American Nurses Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.
12. Conduct unbecoming of the nursing profession.

1. To Licensing Authorities: Suspension and revocation of certification is reported to licensing authorities.
2. To Others: ANCC may report suspension or revocation of certification to employers, legal authorities, third party payers, and other third parties, including but not limited to, law enforcement officers or agencies.

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