Certification: Medical-Surgical Nursing (RN-BC)

8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492

The ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the medical-surgical specialty after initial RN licensure. Once you complete eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential: Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC).

More than two years of education or training after high school required?
Yes
More than two years of work experience required?
Yes
Oral or Written Exam Required?
Yes
Renewal Required?
Every 5 Year(s)
Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
Yes
Renew through Re-Examination?
Yes
Renew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)?
Yes
Does applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)?
Yes

Specialty

The certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation. For example, Oncology Nurse and Pediatric Nurse are specialties within the nursing field, so Certified Oncology Nurse and Certified Pediatric Nurse would be classified as specialty certifications.

  • This certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
  • This certification is related to military occupational specialties.