Why recertify?

ACLPN, ACRN and AACRN recertification 

To ensure ACLPNs, ACRNs and AACRNs continue to expand their HIV knowledge base and competence, we require recertification within the four-year certification period. You can recertify by obtaining nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) contact hours. The recertification requirements are different for ACLPN, ACRN and AACRN.

To recertify you must participate in continuing education activities and submit a recertification packet with your application for ACLPN, ACRN or AACRN. There are many opportunities to earn NCPD available, including formal and informal education experiences, publications, presentations, volunteer and leadership responsibilities and more. Here is an overview of the requirements:

• A total of 50 NCPD are required for ACLPN recertification, 70 NCPD are required for ACRN recertification and 90 NCPD are required for AACRN recertification.
• 80% of the NCPD must be in HIV care. The remaining 20% may be in any other continuing education area. You also have the option of recertifying with 100% of NCPD in HIV.
• NCPD must be approved by any one of the following nursing organizations:
  • Any state board of nursing
  • Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
  • AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC)
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
  • Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC)
  • The international equivalent of the above organizations
• NCPD via home study are acceptable if the course is certified by one of the above organizations. You may acquire all credit for recertification via home study.
• NCPD earned after initial certification are applicable towards the subsequent recertification.
• One educational contact hour (50 minutes of actual classroom time) equals one NCPD. 
• If audited, a copy of each continuing education certificate is required. The certificate must include the name, date(s) of attendance, title of course, number of contact hours granted and accrediting agency.
• Late recertification applications will be accepted with an additional fee of $50.

ACLPN Recertification

• Review the ACLPN recertification protocol
• Complete the NCPD Credits form. View approved ACLPN continuing education activities.
• Complete and submit an application
• Pay required fee ($100)

ACRN Recertification

• View the ACRN recertification protocol
• Complete the NCPD Credits form. View approved ACRN continuing education activities.
• Complete and submit an application
• Pay required fee (ANAC members: $200, Non-ANAC members, $300)

AACRN Recertification

• View the AACRN recertification protocol
• Complete the NCPD Credits form. View approved AACRN continuing education activities.
• Complete and submit an application
• Pay required fee (ANAC members: $300, Non-ANAC members, $400)

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

Recertification audit

HANCB will randomly audit a certain percentage of ACLPN, ACRN and AACRN recertification applications. If audited, you will be asked to submit copies of certificates and other documents, verifying your NCPD activities with your renewal application. During each four-year period, you are encouraged to keep all documentation and be prepared to submit it upon request. All applications are subject to audit at the discretion of HANCB.