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Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC)

Presented by Ancc
Specialty Certifications

Credential Awarded: MEDSURG-BC™

The ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing board certification examination is a competency based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the medical-surgical specialty after initial RN licensure. Once you complete eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential: Medical Surgical Nurse – Board Certified (MEDSURG-BC™). This credential is valid for 5 years. You can continue to use this credential by maintaining your license to practice and meeting the renewal requirements in place at the time of your certification renewal. The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification accredits this ANCC certification.

Apply online       Renew online

See below for instruction and pricing for new and renewal applications.

Apply

Apply for Certification

Initial Certification Application

You may apply for this computer-based test year round and test during a 120-day window at a time and location convenient to you. The exam allows 3 hours to answer 150 questions (125 scored plus 25 pretest questions that are not scored). For exam prep resources, scroll down to view Study Aids. If you do not pass a certification exam, learn about retesting.

STEP 1: Review Pricing, Eligibility Requirements, and FAQs

Review certification pricing and eligibility requirements below. FAQs provide a deeper dive into topics including online application, document submission, APRN and RN specialty certification requirements, and renewal requirements.

REVIEW FAQs

See Pricing & Discounts

Pricing & Discounts INITIAL CERTIFICATION
Non-member $395
American Nurses Association members* $295
  • Prices above include $140 non-refundable administrative fee. Additional fees for special services may apply. See application for details.
  • Discounts may be claimed for up to 5 business days after ANCC receives your application. Discount claims received after this time will not be honored and refunds will not be issued.

Eligibility

  • Hold a current, active RN license within a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country
  • Have practiced the equivalent of 2 years full-time as a registered nurse
  • Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area of medical-surgical nursing within the last 3 years
  • Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in medical-surgical nursing within the last 3 years

Apply from Outside the U.S.

Learn about additional requirements for candidates outside the U.S.

STEP 2: Apply

APPLY ONLINE

Step 3: Testing

To schedule your exam, visit the Prometric website at https://www.prometric.com/ancc and use your certification number to schedule your exam

Maintain & Renew

Maintain Certification

To maintain certification, complete professional development requirements between the start and end dates of your certification, and provide this information on your renewal application.

CALENDAR Your Renewal Date

Certifications are renewed every 5 years. You may submit a renewal application up to 1 year prior to your expiration. You may be ineligible to practice beyond your expiration date.

CREATE an ANCC Account

Track professional development, mail preferences and purchases in one place. Online applications are also stored in your account. Visit Access My Account

UPDATE Contact Information

If you move, change names or acquire a new phone or email, please update contact details in your account. Or email Customer Care or call 1.800.284.2378.

DISPLAY Your Credentials

Learn common questions and answers about displaying your credentials in the proper order.
Download How to Display Your Credentials.

TRACK PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ANCC

Online renewal is simpler when you store professional development activities in your ANCC account immediately upon completion. At renewal, you can transfer stored information to the renewal application, saving time. Note: To renew online, you must store professional development activities before starting the online renewal application.

  1. After each activity, gather proof of professional development.
  2. Click Track Professional Development to the right.
  3. Enter and save professional development activities.
  4. From account summary, top right column, under Professional Development find links to enter continuing education (contact hours), academic credits, presentations, publications/research, preceptorship and professional service.
  5. Log out.

Renew Certification

Renewal Certification Application

You may submit a renewal application up to 1 year prior to your expiration.

STEP 1: Review Requirements, FAQs, and Pricing

Download renewal requirements   Read renewal FAQs

See Pricing & Discounts

Pricing & Discounts RENEWAL
Non-member $350
American Nurses Association members* as low as $250

*Separate discounts may apply.

  • Prices above include $140 non-refundable administrative fee. Additional fees for special services may apply. See application for details.
  • Discounts may be claimed for up to 5 business days after ANCC receives your application. Discount claims received after this time will not be honored and refunds will not be issued.

STEP 2: Submit Renewal Application

Required: BEFORE starting a renewal application online, proof of professional development must be entered and stored in your ANCC online account. To record professional development activities go to Track Professional Development with ANCC. Then return to renew online.

RENEW ONLINE   TRACK PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

RENEW BY MAIL

If you would like to renew by mail, please send a request to certification@ana.org.

Retiring

ANCC Retired Certified Nurse Recognition celebrates achievements for life!

Learn more

ANCC Study Aids

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