To qualify for the exam, you must hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in either the United States, a U.S. Territory, Canada or Australia. A foreign nursing certificate that is equivalent to a U.S. Registered Nurse license is also acceptable and must be verified through TruMerit.

You may be eligible. We can help get your degree/licensure verified through our International Credential Evaluation service. Our partner, TruMerit, will help authenticate your international degree or license and report back to us.

BCEN recommends candidates have at least two years of experience in their specialty area before scheduling a certification exam; however, this is not required.

Yes, as long as you have a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license or international equivalent.

Your BCEN credential can be used until your expiration date; however, you can apply for a retired designation to maintain your certification beyond your bedside practice.

Any active restriction, suspension, probation, or any order arising from a nursing license authority will disqualify a candidate from sitting for a BCEN examination or from recertifying a BCEN credential. During the application process, candidates will attest that they meet the eligibility requirements for the specific BCEN certification examination program. A candidate who does not meet the stated eligibility requirements will have their application denied and be notified.