Advance Practice Recertification

Once you have earned the CWOCN-AP®, CWON-AP®, CWCN-AP®, or CCCN-APSM credential(s), and wish to recertify, you may either take the certification exams again, or use the portfolio method to recertify. The WOCNCB established the portfolio method as an alternative to taking an exam for recertification.

Exam

The WOCNCB Advanced Practice exams are administered by Meazure Learning, our testing agency, and are computerized multiple-choice.  There are 110 scored questions on the WOC AP level exams. All exams have 10 non-scored pretest questions, which are not identified as scored or non-scored. Pretesting items allows the WOCNCB to continually evaluate new examination questions so that we maintain high quality examinations.

Candidates are allowed 120 minutes to complete the examinations. Examinations are administered individually and can be scheduled to be taken sequentially or on separate days.

Click to Download Candidate Examination Handbook PDF

AP Portfolio

To be eligible for WOCNCB Advanced Practice portfolio for recertification, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Hold a current RN license
  • Possess current advanced practice WOCNCB certification
  • Submit an activity portfolio by following requirements from the AP Handbook.

Upon approval of certification via portfolio, individuals receive their CWOCN-AP®, CWON-AP®, CWCN-AP®, COCN-AP®, or CCCN-APSM credential. Certification must be re-established every five years.

Complete eligibility and application details are available in the WOCNCB Advanced Practice Handbook.

Download the AP Quick Guide

Portfolio Recertification Process

  1. Portfolio is reviewed for content and approved by AP Committee.
  2. If approved, recertification is granted.
  3. If revisions are required You are LIMITED to 2 resubmissions (initial plus 2 revisions).
  4. If a portfolio is not approved after the resubmissions, it is a failed portfolio.
  5. Failed AP candidates must recertify via examination and submit an exam application and fees (prior to credentials expiring).

NOTE: Candidates with multiple specialties may select to use Portfolio or Exam for each specialty. This is indicated at the time of portfolio submission and is considered "combination recertification".

AP Resources

AP Portfolio Handbook
AP Portfolio Online Access

Fees

One Specialty: $395 (equates to $79/year x 5)
Two Specialties: $510 (equates to $102/year x 5)
Three Specialties: $610 (equates to $122/year x 5)
Four Specialties: $670 (equates to $134/year x 5)

Note: There is a $25.00 administrative fee per AP resubmission/per specialty, refer to AP handbook for details.

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