Certification Examination Application Booklet Table of Contents

Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3About NNCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3ABNS Accreditation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Application Process

Deadlines, Cancellations, and Rescheduling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Change of Name and Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Disability Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Examination Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Examination Administration

Preparation for the Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Examination Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Materials to Bring to the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Taking the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Inappropriate Behavior During the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Examination Results

Examination Results and Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Recognition of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Wall Certificate and Wallet Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Denial/Revocation of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Appeal Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Reapplication Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Certified Nephrology Nursing (CNN) Examination

CNN Eligibility Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9CNN Application Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9CNN Sample Test Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10CNN Examination Content/Test Blueprint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11CNN Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14CNN Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15CNN Steps Toward Recertification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Inactive Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Emeritus Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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Certification Examination Applications

Certification Examination Application BookletTable of Contents

Revised 4/10


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Revised 4/10

Mission

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission(NNCC) exists to establish credentialing mechanisms topromote patient safety and to improve the quality of careprovided to patients with kidney disease.

Philosophy

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commissionsupports the philosophy that there should be a diversity ofexaminations that will effectively provide the opportunityfor certification at various levels of education, experience,and areas of practice within nephrology nursing.

Purpose

To improve and maintain the quality of professionalnephrology nursing care through the development,administration, and supervision of a certification programin nephrology nursing. To engage in any and all necessaryand lawful activities to implement the foregoing purposeand to exercise all powers and authority now or hereafterconferred upon not-for-profit corporations under the lawsof the state of New Jersey.

About NNCC

Formerly known as the Nephrology NursingCertification Board (NNCB), the Nephrology NursingCertification Commission (NNCC) was established in 1987for the purpose of promoting the highest standards ofnephrology nursing practice through the development,implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all aspectsof the certification and recertification processes. The NNCCis national in scope, is separately incorporated, and is anindependent organization that collaborates with the Centerfor Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) in test develop-ment, test administration, and test evaluation. TheCommission is comprised of registered nurses with contentexpertise in nephrology nursing.

The development of certification examinations for thespecialty of nephrology nursing is based on the DreyfusModel of Skill Acquisition as adapted by Patricia Benner,RN, PhD to clinical nursing practice. The model is foundedon descriptive research that identifies five levels of clinicalnursing practice, also referred to as levels of professionaldevelopment. These levels – novice, advanced beginner,competent, proficient, and expert – were described in thewords of nurses who were interviewed and observed eitherindividually or in small groups. The levels of professionaldevelopment address the scope of nursing practice not thequality of a nurse’s performance. The NNCC bases thedevelopment of its examinations on practice analyses thatdefine the scope and description of professional nursingpractice in nephrology.

The Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) examinationwas created to test the broad scope of nephrology nursing

practice at a proficient level. The Certified Dialysis Nurse(CDN) examination was created to test entry-level nephrol-ogy nurses practicing at a competent level in the dialysis set-ting. The Certified Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner(CNN-NP) Examination was created to test nurse practi-tioners practicing in all nephrology settings at a competentlevel. These examinations are endorsed by the AmericanNephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA). In addition, theNNCC continues to regularly collect data through nationalpractice surveys regarding the knowledge, skills, and abili-ties of nurses practicing in nephrology settings.

In 1997, a joint task force was created by ANNA and theNational Association of Nephrology Technicians/Tech -nologists (NANT) to improve the education, training, andcompetency assessment of unlicensed personnel working indialysis facilities. The task force developed a standardizedprogram for education and training of hemodialysis techni-cians. Following this, a special committee was created todevelop an entry- level competency test. The NNCC, as anexamination board, was asked to administer the test andcertify hemodialysis technicians for initial competencies inknowledge, skills, and abilities. The test, known as theCertified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) exami-nation, is endorsed by ANNA and NANT, and is regularlyupdated using national data from job surveys.

The Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET)was chosen by the NNCC to provide testing and evaluationservices to meet nephrology nursing’s assessment needs. TheNNCC and C-NET conduct practice analyses of nephrologynursing practice and job analyses of hemodialysis techni-cians. Collaboratively, NNCC and C-NET develop andadminister examinations to nephrology caregivers.

The NNCC believes that the attainment of a commonknowledge base, utilization of the nursing process, and apredetermined level of skill in the practice setting arerequired for practice in nephrology nursing. Certificationexists primarily to benefit the public, and the NNCCbelieves that all caregivers providing care to patients withkidney disease should demonstrate a minimum level ofknowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification also providesprofessional recognition for these achievements. TheCommission recognizes the value of education, administra-tion, research, and clinical practice in fostering personal andprofessional growth and provides examinations to validatethis performance.

ABNS Accreditation

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS),established in 1991, is a national peer review organizationfor specialty nursing certification boards. ABNS serves as theaccreditation organization for nursing specialty certificationexaminations authorized and recognized to certify registerednurses in specialty practice within the United States.

The ABNS promotes the highest quality of specialtynursing practice through the establishment of standards of

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professional specialty nursing certification. The NNCC is acharter member of the ABNS and the Certified NephrologyNurse (CNN) test was one of the first national certificationexaminations to be recognized and approved by the ABNS.

Deadlines, Cancellations, and Rescheduling

The completed application and appropriate fee mustbe postmarked no later than the deadline date specifiedon the examination schedule, which can be found on theNNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org. Applications willbe accepted for an additional two weeks beyond the post-mark deadline date with the addition of a late fee. Noexceptions will be made to this policy.

Examination cancellations will be accepted until two(2) weeks prior to the examination and a refund will besent minus an application processing fee. Cancellationsafter that time will not be refunded; however, the exami-nation can be rescheduled for a date during the followingtwelve (12) months only. There is a fee to reschedule anexamination. Requests to reschedule must be submittedin writing to C-NET, 601 Pavonia Avenue, Suite 201,Jersey City, NJ 07306.

Change of Name and Address

The applicant will not be able to request a namechange after the examination permits have been issued.The name that the applicant used on the certificationexamination application form is the name that is submit-ted to the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) for test administration.

When the applicant appears at the test site, the nameon the examination permit must match the other forms ofidentification. The applicant will not be allowed to sit forthe examination without proper identification.

If a applicant changes his or her name and/or address,the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission(NNCC) should be notified in writing, by fax, or by email.

Disability Accommodations

NNCC and C-NET will make special testing arrangementsto accommodate applicants with the following special needs:

• Documented disabilities that interfere with test tak-ing (e.g., reading or learning disorders)

• Religious convictions that preclude Saturday testing If you wish to make such arrangements, you must noti-

fy C-NET in writing at least six (6) weeks before the sched-uled test date so that documentation can be completed andspecial arrangements can be made.

Examination Permit

Upon approval of an applicant’s examination applica-tion, the applicant will receive an examination permit fromC-NET. The permit will include the examination date,examination site address, and the time to report to the

examination site.If an applicant does not receive an examination permit

within seven (7) days prior to the examination date, they areto notify C-NET at 800.463.0786. If an examination permitis lost, C-NET should be notified immediately.

• Applicants will not be admitted to the examinationwithout an examination permit.

• Substitution of an applicant cannot be made and nosuch requests will be honored.

Preparation for the Examination

Each exam item that is written has a supporting refer-ence. The CNN Item Writers’ Committee relies heavily onthe following references and recommends their use in exampreparation.Counts, C.S. (2008). Core curriculum for nephrology nurs-

ing (5th ed.). Pitman, NJ: American Nephrology Nurses’Association.

Molzahn, A., & Butera, E. (Eds.). (2006). Contemporarynephrology nursing: Principles and practice (2nd ed.).Pitman, NJ: American Nephrology Nurses’ Association.

Axley, B. & Robbins, K.C. (2009). Applying continuousquality improvement in clinical practice (2nd ed.).Pitman, NJ: American Nephrology Nurses’ Association.

Burrows-Hudson, S. & Prowant, B. (2005). Nephrologynursing standards of practice and guidelines for care.Pitman, NJ: American Nephrology Nurses’ Association.

Nephrology Nursing Journal. The Journal of the AmericanNephrology Nurses’ Association. The journals providea wealth of information. Reading it should be a part ofevery nephrology nurse’s effort to keep knowledge andpractice current.

Kallenbach, J.Z., Gutch, C., Stoner, M., & Corea, A. (2005).Review of hemodialysis for nurses and dialysis person-nel. (7th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Herget, M., Hossli, S., Schatell, D., Smith, L., & Wong, F.(2008). Core curriculum for the dialysis technician acomprehensive review of hemodialysis (4th ed.).Amgen, Inc., developed by the Medical EducationInstitute, Inc., Madison, WI.

Daugirdas, J.T., Blake, P.G., Ing, T.S. (2007). Handbook ofdialysis (4th ed). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams, &Wilkins

Nissenson, A.R. & Fine, R.N. (2008). Handbook of dialysistherapy (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

National Kidney Foundation (NKF). KDOQI clinical prac-tice guidelines available on the NKF website.

Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI). www.fistulafirst.org.

Conditions for Coverage and Conditions of Participation(April 15, 2008). State Operations Manual Appendix H– Guidance to Surveyors: End-Stage Renal DiseaseFacilities – (Rev. 1, 05-21-04) http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/Downloads/som107ap_h_esrd.pdfThe NNCC does not offer contact hours or review


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courses. A variety of publications, and continuing educa-tion activities designed to prepare individuals are availablethrough the ANNA at www.annanurse.org or888.600.2662.

Examination Objectives

1. Recognize pathologic processes and complications thatoccur in renal failure and/or treatment modalities.

2. Select interventions appropriate to the pathologicprocesses and complications that occur in kidney failureand/or treatment modalities.

3. Apply physiologic and technical principles of renalreplacement therapies.

4. Select appropriate teaching/learning strategies to edu-cate client, family, other health professionals and thepublic.

5. Select appropriate actions in administering medica-tion(s) to the patient being treated for kidney disease.

6. Recognize the importance of an interdisciplinaryapproach to promote optimum functioning.

7. Select interventions appropriate to the psychologicaland sociocultural effects of kidney disease.

8. Apply principles of infection control.9. Recognize the importance of professional nursing prac-

tice in promoting patient outcomes (e.g., consultation,staff development, quality improvement, and research).

Materials to Bring to the Examination

Applicants arriving at the examination site must presentthe following to the proctor:

• The original C-NET examination permit° Copies of the examination permit will not be

accepted• A photo and signature bearing government issued

identification card, (e.g., applicant’s drivers license)° Applicants who appear without photo identifica-

tion will not be permitted to sit for the examina-tion

The name appearing on the applicant’s photo identifica-tion card must be the same as the name appearing on theexamination permit.

Reference books, notes, or other study materials may notbe brought into the examination room. Examination ques-tions do not include calculations that require a calculator.Personal belongings must be placed under the tables.

Taking the Examination

The certification examinations are multiple-choice tests.It is important to read each question carefully and choosethe one answer that you think answers the question correct-ly. There is no penalty for guessing, so an educated guess isappropriate if you are unsure of the answer. Four (4) hoursare allotted to complete the examination.

Inappropriate Behavior During the Examination

The performance of all applicants taking the examina-tion will be monitored. Any applicant who gives or receivesassistance, or otherwise engages in dishonest or improperbehavior during the examination, may be required to ceasetaking the examination and leave the examination site. Theexamination manager will notify the C-NET office of anyinappropriate behavior. The C-NET personnel will thennotify the NNCC President.

After reviewing the reported incident, the NNCC willdetermine whether there is reason to retake the examina-tion, refuse to release test results, or revoke the applicant’seligibility to sit for future examinations.

Any individual who removes or attempts to removematerials from the examination site, or who discloses, repro-duces, distributes, or otherwise misuses a test question froma certification examination, may face legal action.

Examination Results and Notification

Applicants will be notified of their scores approximate-ly 4-6 weeks after test administration. C-NET will mail allexamination scores to the applicant.

• A total score will be provided for applicants who suc-cessfully pass the examination.

• Approximately 75% of the test items must beanswered correctly to receive a passing score.

• A total score and sub scores in all the major test areasof concentration will be provided for applicants whodo not pass the examination.

Confidentiality

To insure the security of the examination, the test mate-rials are confidential and will not be released to any personor agency. An applicant’s individual test results will bereleased only upon the applicant’s written request. TheNNCC reserves the right to post a successful applicant’sname and certification expiration date by state on theNNCC website.

Recognition of Certification

Certification is awarded to those who successfully com-plete the certification process by meeting the eligibility cri-teria and passing a written multiple-choice examination.The designated credential is Certified Nephrology Nurse(CNN) and is valid for three (3) years from the examinationdate. The credential may be used in all professional activitiesand correspondence.

Wall Certificate and Wallet Card

The NNCC will mail out to all successful examinees apacket containing a wall certificate suitable for framingand a wallet card displaying an expiration date. Only onewall certificate will be issued; however, a new wallet cardwill be provided after each successful recertification.

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Denial/Revocation of Certification

The occurrence of any of the following actions willresult in the denial, suspension, or revocation of the certifi-cation:

• Falsification of the NNCC application• Falsification of any materials or information request-

ed by the NNCC• Any restrictions such as revocation, suspension, pro-

bation, or other sanctions of professional RN licenseby nursing authority

• Misrepresentation of certification status• Cheating on the examination

Appeal Process

An applicant who has been denied certification, failedan examination, or had certification revoked has the right ofappeal. This appeal must be submitted in writing to thePresident of the NNCC within thirty (30) days of notifica-tion. The appeal shall state specific reasons why the appli-cant feels entitled to certification. At the applicant’s request,the President shall appoint a committee of three (3) NNCCmembers who will meet with the applicant and make rec-ommendations to the NNCC. The committee will meet inconjunction with a regularly scheduled NNCC meeting. Theapplicant will be responsible for his/her own expenses. Thefinal decision of the NNCC will be communicated in writ-ing to the applicant within thirty (30) days following theNNCC meeting. Failure of the applicant to request anappeal or appear before the committee shall constitute awaiver of the applicant’s right of appeal.

Reapplication Procedure

If an applicant does not pass the examination, he/shehas one opportunity within one year to retake the examina-tion at a reduced rate. C-NET will mail a re-examinationapplication to those applicants who do not pass.


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CertificationExaminationApplication

Nephrology NursingCertification Commission


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CNN Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant must hold a current, full, and unrestrict-ed license as a registered nurse in the United States, orits territories.

2. The applicant must have a minimum of two (2) years ofnephrology nursing experience as a registered nurse ina clinical, administrative, teaching, or research capacity,within three (3) years prior to submitting this applica-tion.

3. In meeting criterion #2, the applicant must have spentat least fifty percent of employment hours in nephrolo-gy nursing.

4. The applicant must possess a baccalaureate degree innursing or a master’s degree in nursing.

5. The applicant must have completed thirty (30) contacthours of continuing education in nephrology withinthree (3) years prior to submitting this application.

Continuing education must be approved by one of thefollowing:

• Organizations accredited by the American Nurses’Credentialing Center – Commission on Accreditation(ANCC-COA), the credentialing body of theAmerican Nurses Association.° For example, The American Nephrology Nurses’

Association (ANNA), which is both an accreditedprovider and approver of continuing education innursing.

• The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses(AACN).

• The Council of Continuing Education• California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, or Ohio State

Boards of Nursing.*

* Please be aware that although programs meet require-ments set forth by other state boards of nursing, theymay not meet the Nephrology Nursing Certi ficationCommission criteria.

No individual shall be excluded from the opportunity toparticipate in the NNCC certification program on thebasis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age or dis-ability.

CNN Examination Application Instructions

1. Complete all sections of the application. Be sure toinclude the last four (4) digits of your social securitynumber, since it will serve as your identification num-ber.

2. Make certain your immediate supervisor completes thesection on employment verification.

3. Attach to your application a copy of a baccalaureatedegree in nursing or a master’s degree in nursing diplo-ma. If the diploma does not state nursing as area ofstudy, then a transcript showing nursing as a majormust be included along with a copy of the diploma.

4. Attach to your application copies of contact hour certifi-cates to total thirty (30) nephrology related contacthours.

5. Attach to your application a photocopy of your currentRN license. (If you are unable to obtain a photocopy ofyour license, submit a letter or printout from your stateboard of nursing verifying your licensure with licensenumber and date of expiration.)

Note: If the name on any of the above documents doesnot match your current name, proof of name changemust be submitted.

Examination permits will be issued only to those appli-cants with complete applications.

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Certification Examination ApplicationsCertification Examination Application

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Sample Test Questions

Certification Examination Application

1. Patients in a chronic dialysis unit should periodical-ly be screened fora. venereal disease.b. hepatitis B virus.c. aspergillus infection.d. pneumocystic disease.

2. A 23-year-old man is to be the living donor for his17-year-old sister’s renal transplant. Which of theseinstructions should be included in his preoperativeteaching?a. “You will be required to get out of bed the

evening of the surgery.”b. “You will be able to return to work within a

week.”c. “You will have to modify your diet until your

kidney function returns to normal.”d. “You will have pain that can easily be controlled

with Tylenol.”

3. In patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, which typeof catheter-related infection is often slow to respondto antibiotic therapy?a. acute exit site infection.b. cuff infection.c. peritonitis.d. catheter contamination.

4. An 18-year-old female is diagnosed as having poly-cystic kidney disease. In view of this diagnosis, thepatient should see a nephrologist anda. talk with her spiritual advisor.b. seek genetic counseling.c. plan to have no children.d. consult a transplant surgeon.

5. A 76-year-old woman who has been on maintenancehemodialysis for one year is receiving digoxin. Herlast digoxin level was 3.6 ng/mL. A hemodialysistreatment with a 2 mEq/L potassium bicarbonatebath is initiated. Three hours into the dialysis treat-ment, she develops an irregular pulse. In assessingthe patient's cardiac status, which of these actionsshould the nurse take first?a. Measure the maximum heart rate.b. Monitor the peripheral pulses.c. Calculate the optimum heart rate.d. Determine the apical/radial pulse.

6. In patients with chronic kidney disease, bleedingtendencies are due to a. decreased vitamin K intake.b. decreased cryoprecipitation.c. abnormal platelet function.d. abnormal renin level.

Answer Key: 1. b 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. d 6. c

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Test BlueprintDistribution of 200 Items in Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) Examination

Objective

Content

1Path/Comp

2Intervent

3Phys/Tech

4Teach

5Meds

6Interdisc

7Psychosoc

8Infection

9Professional Total

AConcepts ofRenal Failure

35%

13-14 10-11 8-9 6-8 8-9 3-4 4-5 11-12 2-3 69-71(35%)

BHemodialysis

30%

12-13 8-10 7-8 5-7 7-8 2-3 3-4 9-10 2-359-61

(30%)

CPeritonealDialysis

18%

7-8 5-6 4-5 3-4 4-5 1-2 2-3 5-6 1-235-37

(18%)

DTransplant

12%

4-5 3-4 2-3 2-3 2-3 1-2 1-2 3-4 0-123-25

(12%)

EAcute Therapies

5%

2-3 1-2 1-2 0-1 1-2 0-1 0-1 1-2 0-19-11

(5%)

Total39-41

(20%)

29-31

(15%)

23-25

(12%)

19-21

(10%)

23-25

(12%)

9-11

(5%)

11-13

(6%)

31-33

(16%)

7-9

(4%)

200

(100%)

Revised 2006

Certification Examination Application


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Revised 4/10

Examination ApplicationApplication must be postmarked on or before the application deadline date - ten weeks prior to test date.

Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned to the applicant minus a $50 processing fee.

1. Exam date _______________ Exam city and state ______________________________________________________

2. Application fee (check one): ❏ $250 ANNA Member ❏ $275 Non-member ❏ $50 Late fee

3. Payment method (check one): ❏ Check or money order ❏ Visa or MasterCard (see bottom of form)

4. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________Last Maiden First Middle

5. Last 4 digits of social security number _____________ E-mail____________________________________________

6. How would you like your name to appear on your certificate? _____________________________________________

7. Home address ___________________________________________________________________________________Street City State Zip

8. Home phone ______________________________________ Work phone __________________________________

9. RN license: State _______________________________ Permanent number: ________________________________

10. Date originally licensed as an RN ___________________________ RN license expiration date ___________________

11. Years of experience as an RN in nephrology nursing: _________ years _______months

12. Have you been employed as an RN in nephrology nursing at least 2 out of the past 3 years? ❏ Yes ❏ No- and -

13. During your work experience, were at least 50% of your working hours spent in nephrology? ❏ Yes ¨ ❏ No

14. Highest level of education completed (choose one):❏ Diploma ❏ Baccalaureate Degree - Other❏ Associate Degree – Nursing ❏ Master’s Degree – Nursing❏ Associate Degree - Other ❏ Master’s Degree – Other❏ Baccalaureate Degree – Nursing ❏ Doctorate

15. If you are successful on the examination, would you like us to notify your employer? ❏ Yes ❏ No

16. If YES, please mail notification to: ____________________________________________________________________

❏ Check here if this is a recertification by examinationapplication. Contact hoursneed not be submitted.

The NNCC only accepts Visa and MasterCard credit cards.

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: (as it appears on your credit card statement)

____________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________________

State: ______ Zip: __________ Country:____________________

Home telephone: ______________________________________

Work telephone: ______________________________________

Charge my: ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard the amount of $________

Card number:____________________________CVV__________

Expiration date: _______________________________________

_____________________________________________________Authorized Signature

Credit Card Authorization Form


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Employment HistoryBegin with your present employer. Only nephrology-related positions during the past three (3) years need to be document-ed. Please do not send resumes. (Use a blank sheet of paper if additional space is needed).

YOUR SUPERVISOR MUST COMPLETE THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY:

As indicated above __________________________________________ is/has been employed in nephrology nursing at least

(2 ) two years during the past (3) three years by ____________________________________________________________Employer

________________________________________________________________ ____________ ____________________City State Zip

I further attest that _________________________________________________________________________________

is currently licensed as an RN in the state of _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature Date

____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________Title Facility/Institution

______________________ ________________________ _________________________________________________Phone Fax E-mail

The occurrence of any of the following actions will result in the denial, suspension, or revocation of the Certification:

• Falsification of the NNCC application• Falsification of any materials or information requested by the NNCC• Any restrictions such as revocation, suspension, probation, or other

sanctions of professional RN license by nursing authority• Misrepresentation of CNN status• Cheating on the CNN examination

APPLICANT — PLEASE READ AND SIGN THE STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING BELOW:I hereby attest that I have read and understand the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) policy on denial, suspension, or revocation ofcertification and that its terms shall be binding on all applicants for certification and all Certified Nephrology Nurses for the duration of their certification.I hereby apply for certification offered by the NNCC. I understand that certification depends upon successful completion of the specified requirements. I fur-ther understand that the information accrued in the certification process may be used for statistical purposes and for evaluation of the certification program.I further understand that the information from my certification records shall be held in confidence and shall not be used for any other purpose without mypermission; however, upon passing the examination, the NNCC reserves the right to publish my name and certification expiration date by state on the NNCCwebsite. To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application is true, complete, correct, and is made in good faith. I understand thatthe NNCC reserves the right to verify any or all information on this application.

____________________________________________________________ ____________________________Legal Signature Date

FromMonth/Year

ToMonth/Year

Employer name andAddress Position/Title Supervisor

HoursPer Week

Revised 4/10

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Did you remember to ✓

❏ Complete the CNN examination application in its entirety?❏ Attach a clear copy of a baccalaureate degree in nursing or a master’s degree in nursing diploma? If diploma does not

state nursing as area of study, then a transcript showing nursing as a major must be included along with a copy of thediploma.

❏ Attach clear copies of contact hour certificates to total 30 contact hours specific to nephrology?❏ Attach a copy or a verification of your current RN license, with the expiration date clearly visible or a letter or printout

from your state board of nursing verifying licensure with license number and date of expiration?❏ Attach proof of name change if applicable?❏ Include a check, money order, or credit card authorization form for the appropriate fee?❏ Have your employer complete his/her portion of the application?❏ Sign and date the application?❏ Keep a copy of the application and supporting documents for your records?

Note: Examination permits are issued only to applicants with completed, approved applications.

Contact hour certificates MUST include the following information:

❏ Name of attendee❏ Date of program❏ Name of program❏ Number of contact hours awarded❏ Accreditation statement

Programs MUST be accredited by one of the following:

❏ Organizations, accredited by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center – Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA),the credentialing body of the American Nurses’ Association.

For example: The American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA) which is both an accredited provider and approver of continuing education in nursing.

❏ The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)❏ The Council of Continuing Education❏ California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, or Ohio State Boards of Nursing

Please be aware that although programs may meet requirements set forth by other state boards of nursing, they may not meet the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission criteria.

Mail completed application to:

NNCCEast Holly Avenue Box 56Pitman, NJ 08071-0056

For a current examination schedule, please visit the NNCC website at:www.nncc-exam.org

CNN Application Checklist


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Steps Toward Recertification for the CertifiedNephrology Nurse (CNN)

Notification/ExpirationAs a courtesy, the NNCC will notify certificants at 90,

45, and 30 days prior to certification expiration. Ultimatelyit is the certificant’s responsibility to obtain the necessaryapplication form and submit it to the NNCC before the cer-tification expiration date. The NNCC is not responsible forundelivered mail. A recertification application may beobtained by visiting the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org or by calling 888.884.6622 and requesting onebe mailed to you. Your completed application, appropriateforms, copies of supporting materials, and fee(s) must besubmitted as required. Keep a copy of your recertificationapplication and supporting materials for your records.Certification expires on the last day of the month, threeyears from the original date of certification.

Recertification OptionsYou may meet the recertification requirements by

choosing either the examination option or the continuingeducation option.1. If you elect the examination option, you may test with-

in the year prior to expiration of your current certifica-tion. You must submit an examination application formand fee prior to the postmark deadline date printed onthe exam schedule. An examination application andexamination schedule may be obtained by visiting theNNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org or by calling888-884-6622. Processing of applications received afterthe deadline date cannot be guaranteed.

2. If you elect the continuing education option, you mustsubmit a recertification application listing the requireddocumentation of continuing education and the recerti-fication fee. The application for recertification must bepostmarked by the last day of the month in which yourcertification expires.

Eligibility CriteriaTo qualify for recertification, you must be a Certified

Nephrology Nurse (CNN) and meet all of the eligibilityrequirements. 1. Must be a registered nurse holding a current, full and

unrestricted license in the United States or its territories.2. Must have at least two (2) years experience in nephrol-

ogy nursing caring for patients on dialysis as a registerednurse during the last three (3) years. • The work requirement includes a minimum of 1000

hours in the last three (3) years.3. Must have spent at least fifty percent (50%) of employ-

ment hours in nephrology nursing caring for patientson dialysis in meeting criteria #2.• Certificants enrolled full-time in a baccalaureate

degree in nursing program may waive the workrequirement for one recertification period.

•• Certificants must verify full time student status.Documentation must be on letterhead, signed bya school official, verifying matriculation and mustbe submitted with the recertification application.

4. Must have acquired 45 contact hours of nephrologynursing continuing education credit in the previousthree (3) years. • Certificants enrolled full time in a baccalaureate

degree in a nursing program may apply all academiccoursework in lieu of nephrology nursing continuingeducation for one recertification period.

• Certificants enrolled in graduate nursing degree pro-grams (master’s or higher) may apply only nephrolo-gy related coursework toward the contact hourrequirement.

FeesRecertification application fees are non-refundable.

Periodically fees are re-evaluated and adjustments may bemade. Only NNCC Commissioners can authorize feechanges. The required fees are listed on the application forms.

Verification of RecertificationIf approved for recertification, certificants will receive a

wallet card with expiration date within sixty (60) days of thedate the National Office receives a recertification applica-tion. Replacement cards are available for a fee.

Nephrology Nursing Certification CommissionCertification: Your Commitment to Quality Care

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Current AddressIt is the certificant’s responsibility to notify the NNCC

National Office of any changes in name and/or address dur-ing the three (3) year period following certification/recertifi-cation. Notification of changes on other mailing lists, suchas ANNA, will not effect a change in the recertificationrecords.

Inactive StatusA Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) may request inac-

tive status if he/she is unable to meet the requirements forrecertification. To apply for inactive status, the certificantmust complete the application for inactive status (availableon the NNCC website at www.nncc-exam.org or by calling888.884.6622), submit a letter describing the reason, andsubmitt the fee. If approved, inactive status will be grantedfor only one three (3) year period. During this time, theCNN credential may not be used. In order to recertify afterthe three (3) year inactive period, the criteria for regularrecertification must be met and a recertification applicationmust be submitted. Under no circumstance will the inactiveperiod be extended beyond three (3) years.

Emeritus StatusNurses who have maintained an active credential, who

are over 50 years of age, and who have retired from activepractice may apply for emeritus status. To apply for theretired credential the certificant must complete the applica-tion for Emeritus Status (available on the NNCC website atwww.nncc-exam.org or by calling 888.884.6622) and sub-mit a one time fee. If approved, the certificant may use theemeritus credential to acknowledge a previous active cre-dential and the accomplishments it signifies. If the certifi-cant chooses to return to active practice and wishes to againhold the active credential, he/she must meet current eligibil-ity criteria and certify by examination.


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Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)East Holly Avenue Box 56 • Pitman, NJ 08071-0056888.884.6622 • 856.589.7463 (fax)[email protected] • www.nncc-exam.org

Documents

Certification Examination Application Booklet Table of Contents