CENP Certification: Overview and FAQ

CENP certification is a mark of distinction for experienced nurse executives across healthcare organizations. It’s for leaders who shape the vision of nursing practice at the highest levels. If you’re ready to affirm your expertise in nursing executive management, this credential could be for you.

Created by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), CENP is designed to certify healthcare management and business skills, relationship management, and professionalism. Nurses with this credential may work in a variety of institutions, including the following:

• Acute care hospitals
• Ambulatory care
• Corporate healthcare settings
• Home health companies
• Hospice organizations
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Post-acute facilities
• Primary care clinics
• Public health departments

What Is CENP Certification?

CENP stands for Certified in Executive Nursing Practice, and it’s a credential for nurse leaders who manage organizations in senior executive roles. This high-level certification shows that a nurse has business acumen and the experience to make organizational-level decisions.

Nursing professionals who are qualified to earn CENP may have the following titles:

• Chief nursing officer
• Vice president of nursing
• Director of nursing
• Nursing administrators
• Senior nurse managers
• Directors of quality and patient safety

Benefits of Specialty Nursing Certifications

Specialty certifications like CENP are rarely a job requirement, but they signify that a nurse has gone above and beyond to improve care in their field. Research shows that nursing certifications can carry the following benefits for nurses, their patients, and the organizations they serve:

• Validation: Specialty credentials show that you’re committed to excellence in your role.
• Job satisfaction: Certified nurses report feeling more satisfied with their work.
• Patient health: Patients may experience improved clinical outcomes thanks to practitioners that have nursing certifications.
• Compensation: Healthcare employers may offer additional bonuses for certifications, so you could make more money as a certified nurse.

How to Earn CENP Credentials: 4 Steps

Step 1: Complete Eligibility Requirements

To earn this credential, you’ll need to meet the baseline education and experience requirements. CENP certification requirements include:

• A valid, unrestricted RN license
• Completion of 1 of the following options:
• Option 1: Hold a master’s degree or higher (with one of your degrees in nursing) from an accredited institution, and have at least 4,160 hours of experience in a senior/executive nursing role.
• Option 2: Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution, and have at least 8,320 hours of experience in a senior/executive nursing role.

Step 2: Apply for Certification and Schedule Your Exam

Make an account with the American Hospital Association to get started on your application. You’ll need to attest to meeting the requirements above — keep in mind that 10% of applicants are audited. If you are audited, you’ll have to give proof of eligibility regarding your academic degree, job description, and employment history.

You’ll also need to pay an exam fee. The amount will depend on your membership status:

• AONL members: $325
• Nonmembers: $450

Once your application and fees are submitted, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) confirming your eligibility. You’ll have a window of 90 days to take the exam after you’re approved.

Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam

The CENP exam is offered in person at PSI testing centers. On exam day, arrive 30 minutes before your test appointment and bring two forms of identification. Since some items on the test require math, you can bring a non-programmable calculator.

You’ll have three and a half hours to complete the CENP exam, and there are 175 multiple-choice questions. Your score will come from 150 questions, and 25 are nonscored. You’ll need to answer 108 questions correctly to pass. When you finish, you’ll receive a score report on your testing computer telling you if you passed or failed.

The AONL hosts a CENP essentials review course to help applicants prepare for the test, so consider purchasing it if you’re looking for testing resources. Here’s what’s on the CENP exam:

• Communication and relationship-building
• Healthcare environment and clinical principles
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Business skills and principles

If you receive a failing score, you can retest 90 days after your testing date. You’ll need to apply and pay the exam fees again, and you’re allowed a maximum of four exam attempts within a two-year period.

If you passed, congratulations! In four to six weeks, AONL will send a certification package that includes information about renewals, a physical certification, and a pin.

Step 4: Maintain CENP

You’ll need to continue renewing your RN license to maintain eligibility for CENP, and certification renewals are due every three years. There are two ways to recertify:

• Pass the CENP exam again and pay the exam fee.
• Complete 45 hours of professional development activities within the past 3 years, and pay a renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About CENP

How hard is the CENP exam?

The CENP pass rate for first-time applicants is about 58%. Study well and consider purchasing additional prep materials to give yourself the best chance of passing on the first try.

CENP certification vs. NEA-BC certification: What’s the difference?

NEA-BC stands for Nursing Executive, Advanced Board Certification. It’s offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Both certifications are designed for experienced senior nursing leaders. However, CENP requires about twice the amount of experience compared to NEA-BC. Learn more about NEA-BC certification to see which is right for you.

What’s the difference between CENP and CNML certifications?

The Certified Nurse Manager Leader (CNML) credential is also offered by the AONL, but it serves a different level of nursing leadership. While CENP is for nurse executives who make system-level decisions, CNML is for nurses who run clinical teams and typically work as unit managers or supervisors.

Related Certifications

• Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC)
• Nurse Executive, Advanced Board Certification (NEA-BC)
• Certified Case Manager (CCM)
• Certified Nurse Manager Leader (CNML)
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)

Find Nursing Leadership Roles

If you’re considering CENP certification to elevate your career, you might also be considering new nursing roles. IntelyCare has jobs for nurse executives. Learn more with personalized job notifications, sent directly to your inbox.