6 In-Demand Nursing Certifications and How to Prepare for Them

Obtaining your nursing certification in the specialized area where you practice highlights your expertise and unique skill set as a nurse, making you highly desirable to employers. It can sometimes land you a higher salary as well. But what are the most in-demand nursing certifications and how do you prepare for them? Read on to find out. 

Top In-Demand Nursing Certifications

Here are the most coveted nursing certifications nurse managers and employers are looking for that can help you land your next job or justify the salary you’re asking for. 

1. Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification (ANP-BC)

With the growing shortage of physicians, the demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) as primary care providers is greater than ever before.

Nurses who have completed a board-certified nurse practitioner program will need this certification to work as primary care providers, diagnosing and treating specific conditions. 

A nurse must complete 75 hours of continuing education requirements (at least 25 of these hours in pharmacology) to renew this certification every five years and one or more of the ANCC renewal categories. 

2. Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

If you work as an emergency department nurse, you may want to consider getting your Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential. According to 92% of nursing supervisors, “It’s important to have (CENs) in their organization.”

The CEN credential identifies nurses with the knowledge and skills to care for critically ill or injured patients of all ages. Although not required, the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing recommends nurses have at least two years of emergency nursing experience before applying to take this exam.

3. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Nurse educators are in high demand by nursing schools facing a faculty shortage. CNE certification identifies nurse educators who are well-prepared to teach other nurses in nursing schools or a variety of other settings. 

Prerequisites for this exam include a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing with specific coursework in nursing education. 

This may include either a postmaster's education certification, at least 9 hours of graduate work in education, or at least two years of employment in a nursing program in the previous five years in an academic setting.

4. Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN)

As a nurse with the CCRN designation, you are recognized as being highly skilled and knowledgeable in providing nursing care to the most critically ill or injured patients. Employers often require CCRN certification for critical care nurses, but it also prepares nurses to work in all critical care and acute care specialties. 

To obtain CCRN certification, you will need to pass an exam and meet one of the following:

• At least 2 years of nursing experience with a minimum of 1,750 hours providing direct care to acute/critical adult patients (875 hours required in the year before you apply)
• Or 5 years of nursing experience with at least 2,000 hours providing direct care to acute/critical adult patients (144 hours required in the year before you apply)

5. Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)

The FNP certification is for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) working in a family practice. Like other NPs, FNPs have the authority to work as primary care providers. 

In terms of career prospects, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 38% increase in job growth for nurse practitioners between 2022-2032, which is much faster than average. 

The FNP designation will increasingly be used to identify highly skilled NPs who provide primary care to families. Like other NP certifications, prerequisites include completing an accredited master’s or doctoral FNP program and the FNP certification exam.

6. Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN)

Nurses with their PCCN certification are well-equipped to care for adult patients who are acutely ill but who are not ill enough to require care in a critical care or intensive care unit. These patients do, however, require more care than a med/surg hospital unit. 

With the “increase in acutely ill clients”, employers can be expected to place greater value on nurses with PCCN certification to provide expert care to these patients.

Nurses with the PCCN certification work in a variety of care settings, such as emergency departments, telemetry, step-down, transitional and intermediate care units, and direct observation. 

How to Prepare for a Nursing Certification Exam

Once you’ve decided which nursing certification to pursue, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start preparing for the exam. If you’re not sure how to prepare for the exam, we’ve compiled a list of tips for you below based on exam prep recommendations from some of the organizations that provide these certifications.

1. Get Familiar with the Certification you Want to Obtain

Start by learning how the exam is designed and developed. If you’re taking a certification exam offered by ANCC, be sure to review their General Testing and Renewal Handbook. Read it carefully since it contains important information about your exam, including testing processes and procedures and how to maintain your certification. 

The ANCC will also send you information about the test site. Keep this in a safe place and review it before your exam day.

If you’re taking a certification offered by ANCC, go to their site and review The Test Content Outline (TCO) for your exam. This is critical since it identifies the major areas that are tested on the exam, including the percentage and number of questions in each category. Screenshot or print the TCO for your exam and make some notes on each category to guide you as you study.

2. Look for Sample Questions and answers

Some certification organizations also provide sample test questions and answers for their certification exams. 

However, these are literally just that – a sample. They will give you an idea of the types of questions on the exam. They don’t reflect all content areas that are covered or the level of difficulty of all questions on the exam.

3. Make a Study Plan

Six months before your exam, sit down and make a formal study plan. Outline what you will study, what days & times you will study, and the resources you will use. 

Schedule your studying regularly and avoid cramming. Aim for 1-hour study times with breaks in between. 

Whatever your study plan is, be sure to follow through with it as best as possible. And if you find your study plan isn’t working, revise it so it does work for you. 

4. Consider Taking a Review Course

Be sure to do this well before your certification exam. Review courses can help you recognize what you know and which areas you need to concentrate your study efforts on. 

This can boost your confidence and, at the same time, help you focus your study efforts. Make notes about the areas where your knowledge is weak, and study this content well. 

5. Use a Variety of Study Methods

Sitting down to study with your books and notes can become boring and tedious. Consider using a number of study methods that will not only help you cover all the material but will also hold your interest. 

Articles on topics you need to learn better can also help pique your interest while learning critical material.

6. Find a Study Buddy or Accountability Partner

In addition to recent textbooks, class notes, and study notes you’ve made, consider joining a study group, online group, or finding a study partner. 

A friend or nursing colleague can be invaluable if you tell them you need their help to motivate you and keep you accountable. Plus, you may have different knowledge and strengths and be able to help each other.

How Much Does a Nursing Certification Cost?

The cost of obtaining different nursing certifications varies greatly. This will include any educational costs you might have, such as textbooks, review courses, travel to the exam, and fees for the certification itself. 

Certification fees range anywhere from $100 to almost $1000, and some require an initial fee. There may also be a fee required for certification renewal as well. 

Member discounts are available through some certifying organizations, so be sure to check if you’re a member of the certifying organization before enrolling for the exam. You may want to consider membership if you aren’t already a member so you can save on certification costs and stay informed about new developments and trends in your specialty area as well.

Will I Need to Renew My Nursing Certification?

Continuing education and staying up-to-date regarding knowledge and skills are professional requirements of most healthcare disciplines, and nursing is no different. 

Certification renewal times vary between 1 to 5 years. Options for renewal also vary depending on the certification. Renewal options may include completing the following:

• Practice hours
• Continuing education offerings
• Preceptorships
• Academic courses
• Professional research and/or publications
• Professional lectures and/or presentations
• Volunteer service
• Another certification exam

Once you pass your nursing certification, be sure to proudly display your nursing credentials according to the recognized standard for credential sharing as set out by the American Nurses Association (ANA).