A Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) is a credential awarded by the National League for Nursing (NLN) to nurse educators who demonstrate expertise in teaching, curriculum development, and evaluation within academic or clinical settings. The CNE designation signifies a commitment to excellence in nursing education and a dedication to preparing the next generation of nurses.
CNE Certification Overview
The validates the knowledge and skills of academic nurse educators. This comprehensive exam encompasses areas such as:
- Facilitating learning
- Facilitating learner development and socialization
- Using assessment and evaluation strategies
- Participating in curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes
- Functioning as a change agent and leader
- Pursuing continuous quality improvement in the academic nurse educator role
- Engaging in scholarship, service, and leadership
- Functioning within the organizational environment and the academic community
Eligibility Requirements
To be , candidates must meet the following criteria:
Licensure
Hold a current, active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the country of practice.
Education and Experience
- Option A:
- Possess a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with a major emphasis in nursing education, or
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing plus a post-master’s certificate in nursing education, or
- Have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and nine or more credit hours of graduate-level education courses.
- Option B:
- Possess a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (with a major emphasis in a role other than nursing education), and
- Have two years or more of employment in a nursing program in an academic institution within the past five years.
CNE Examination Details
- Format: Computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 scored and 20 unscored pretest questions)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Administration: Offered at Meazure Learning Assessment Centers and via live online proctoring.
- Content Areas: The exam covers eight core competencies, including facilitating learning, assessment and evaluation strategies, curriculum design, and more.
Learn more about the exam in the . Be sure to check the NLN’s website for the most current version of the handbook.
Certification Renewal
The CNE certification is . To maintain the credential, certificants must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Demonstrate continued competence in the academic nurse educator role.
- Either:
- Accumulate 75 renewal credits through professional development activities related to the CNE competencies, or
- Successfully retake the CNE examination
CNE FAQs
Is the CNE certification mandatory for nurse educators?
No, the CNE certification is voluntary. However, it is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in nursing education and may enhance career opportunities and professional credibility.
Can I take the CNE exam if my graduate degree did not focus on nursing education?
Yes. If you have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing without a focus on education, you can qualify under Option B by having at least two years of employment in a nursing program within an academic institution in the past five years.
Where can I find resources to prepare for the CNE exam?
The National League for Nursing provides a Candidate Handbook, test blueprint, and other preparatory materials on their .
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