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 CNE certification 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 eligible for the CNE examination, 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 CNE candidate handbook. Be sure to check the NLN’s website for the most current version of the handbook.
Certification Renewal
The CNE certification is valid for five years. 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 official website.
Related Resources
- National League for Nursing – Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Certification
- CNE® 2024 Candidate Handbook (PDF)
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