Frequently Asked Questions
As of June 17, 2009

Question 1. Who should submit an application for the Clinical Nurse Specialist Core examination?
Answer 1: If you are currently certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you do not need to take this exam. This certification is not intended as a replacement for existing certifications (e.g. Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist). If you are (or have been) a practicing clinical nurse specialist or recently graduated from a clinical nurse specialist program AND your specialty does not have a national certification available, then you should consider submitting an application. The core examination tests competencies expected and required for the role of the CNS across the lifespan, regardless of specialty.

Question 2: I received my CNS education 30 years ago and never took a certification exam. Should I apply for the CNS Core examination?
Answer 2: Yes. You should consider submitting your application using the eligibility option B or C. These options are designed for a clinical nurse specialist who is working or has worked in the CNS role. Do not delay in submitting an application. Options B and C expire on December 31, 2011. Please refer to ANCC's website to view the CNS Core Exam Eligibility Criteria, Options B and C.

Question 3: I have a master's degree in nursing administration but have worked as a CNS continuously for years. Should I apply for this examination?
Answer 3: You must complete a post-graduate certificate CNS program before applying for the CNS Core examination. As stated in eligibility Option B and Option C, a graduate degree in nursing administration does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the CNS Core examination. Please refer to ANCC's website to view the CNS Core Exam Eligibility Criteria, Options B and C.

Question 4: I completed a nurse practitioner program last year and could only find a job as a clinical nurse specialist. Should I apply for this examination?
Answer 4: In this scenario, you must complete a post-graduate certificate CNS program before you can apply for the CNS Core examination. As stated in eligibility Option B and Option C, a graduate degree as a nurse practitioner does not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the CNS Core examination. Please refer to ANCC's website to view the CNS Core Exam Eligibility Criteria, Options B and C.

Question 5: Which credential will I receive after taking this exam?
Answer 5: All successful candidates, regardless of specialty, receive the CNS-BC (Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified) credential.

Question 6: How should I prepare for this certification examination?
Answer 6: There is a variety of resources to assist in preparing for the exam:

• CNS Core Test Content Outline: The CNS Core test content outline is an important resource to use to prepare for the test. You can access and download a copy of this document without a fee here.
• Review Courses: Information on review courses for the CNS Core examination can be found here.
• Additional Resources: Feel free to call ANCC Customer Care Center at 800.282.2378 or send an email to livesemr@ana.org for additional examination preparation resources.

Question 7: When ANCC sends a verification of my certification status to my state board of nursing or my employer, what will it say?
Answer 7: Your verification will reflect your current certification status with ANCC as Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified. (Please note, you must request a verification from ANCC; they are not sent automatically.)

Question 8: Will my state board of nursing recognize this certification for licensure?
Answer 8: Together, representatives from the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists and ANCC will communicate with each state board of nursing and the National Council for State Boards of Nursing regarding recognition of this examination for licensure. However, requirements for licensure vary from state to state. ANCC does not have control over what might be acceptable by the individual State Boards. Please check with your State Board regarding acceptance of this certification. ANCC will post on its website a list of states that have agreed to accept the CNS Core examination for licensure purposes.

Question 9: Will this exam entitle me or my employer to reimbursement for my services?
Answer 9: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and each health insurance company have their own rules for reimbursement of services. Please check with CMS, the health insurance company, and other available resources with questions regarding reimbursement.

Question 10: If I have additional questions, who should I call?
Answer 10: You can call either the ANCC Customer Care Center at 1.800.284.2378 or the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists at 717.234.6799.

Question 11: My state does not issue a CNS license. Can I apply for this examination?
Answer 11: Yes, you may apply. ANCC is aware that a CNS may not have state licensure. This is the reason the words "if applicable" are used in the eligibility criteria.