Why certify?

Notice:

Starting June 1, 2021 changes are coming to the HANCB certification process for ACRN/AACRN. In addition, HANCB will be introducing a new certification for LPN/LVNs. For those who are interested in taking the current A/ACRN examination, please submit your application no later than Nov. 30, 2020. You will have until May 31, 2021 to complete the exam. Those who have already paid but not taken the exam have the option to either take the current exam or wait for the new process. If you any questions about your current status please contact Lynda Wileman. Details of the updated certification process will be forthcoming.

Certification enhances your career

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) and the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board (HANCB) encourage you to pursue certification as an HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) or Advanced HIV/AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (AACRN).

Certification is an indication of current knowledge, skills and experience in a specialized area of practice to promote optimal health outcomes. Certification can lead to increased personal satisfaction, job satisfaction and patient satisfaction. It can also improve collaboration, as well as patient and organizational outcomes.

Your decision to become certified shows your commitment to continued education and motivation to provide patients with better care. Organizations have an increased need for nurses who are certified in a specific area, which means your certification could lead to new professional opportunities. For example, Magnet^® institutions require certified RNs and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recommends AACRNs in HIV care.

The purpose of certification is to promote comprehensive HIV/AIDS nursing care by:

Encouraging continued personal and professional growth in the practice of HIV/AIDS nursing
Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required for certification in HIV/AIDS nursing
Providing a national standard of requisite knowledge for certification; thereby assisting the employer, public and members of health professions in the assessment of the HIV/AIDS nursing practice
Recognizing formally through certification those individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and standards set by the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board

ACRN Eligibility

The following requirements must be met before testing:

Currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States or an international equivalent (a copy of your license must be submitted with your application)
At least two years of experience in clinical practice, education, management or research related to HIV/AIDS (recommended but not required)
Complete and submit an application
Pay required fee

AACRN Eligibility

The following requirements must be met before testing:

Currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States or an international equivalent (a copy of your license must be submitted with your application)
Hold a master’s degree or higher in nursing, successful completion of a post-graduate program specific to advanced practice nursing, or meet educational requirements for certifications or state licensure as an advanced practice nurse or an international equivalent, preferably with a focus in HIV/AIDS nursing (a copy of your transcript, certification or licensure must be submitted with your application)
A minimum of three years of experience as a registered nurse within the five years prior to applying
A minimum of 2,000 hours of HIV/AIDS nursing (nursing administration, clinical practice, education or research) within the five years prior to applying, validated by colleague or nursing supervisor
Complete and submit an application
Pay required fee

Fees

All initial certification payments are payable to the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board.

The application fee for the ACRN exam is:

ANAC members: $260
Non-ANAC members: $400

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The application fee for the AACRN exam is:

ANAC members: $350
Non-ANAC members: $450

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Join ANAC for $99 and become eligible for the ANAC member rate.

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