Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are highly valued as an integral part of the health care system. The significance of the role of APRNs in patient care; however, requires that the education, accreditation, certification and licensure of APRNs be aligned to maintain patient safety while increasing patient access.

Consensus Model Resources

Explore some of the components of this alignment in the Consensus Model Pyramid along with other information via the links below:

• APRN Regulatory Model
• The Future of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse
• Consensus Model for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Regulation
• Consensus Model for APRN Regulation
• Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education
• Clinical Practice of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners
• Annual Conference Info
• ANCC Consensus Model for APRN Regulations - FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Please pay special attention to these ANCC Consensus Model for APRN Regulations FAQs:

#6. How will certification changes affect me? ...As implementation of the new Consensus Model progresses, ANCC has initiated plans to change specific certification programs to more closely reflect the roles and populations required by the model regulations. Keeping your certification current through renewal will allow you to have the most flexibility as this process unfolds. If your certification lapses, you may not be able to renew your existing certification or your license to practice. Look to ANCC as your source for the information you need to successfully transition to the Consensus Model.

17. Will my certification and credentials be automatically updated to the new certification under development for my specialty? The new credentials will not be automatically granted to existing certificants. Nurses will keep the credentials for the certifications that they have earned.

Nurses who wish to apply for other certifications will need to meet the eligibility requirements for those certifications, including having completed the educational program areas that correspond directly to the certifications they wish to pursue.

APRN nurses who pass the new certification exams will earn credentials reflecting the role and population being tested. Nurses who sit for certification in one role or population foci will not be able to receive certification in another role or population foci unless they have completed an educational program in the other role or population foci as well.

18. Do I need to get the new credential? If you are currently licensed to practice in your state, there is no regulatory need to change your existing credential, as long as you intend to continue practicing in your state. Your state board of nursing or your employer will inform you of any changes...

19. If I want the new credential, how do I get it? If you are eligible for the new certification, you may submit an application to sit for the exam. All nurses who want to get a new credential need to apply for the certification using the current eligibility criteria for that certification, including having completed a separate educational program that corresponds directly to each certification they wish to apply for...