- Why was I selected for audit?
- The BCEN credential managements system randomly selects and flags a minimum of 10% of all submitted CE Recertification by Attestation applications for audit.
- Do I have to submit my documentation if I am audited?
- Yes – the audit is NOT optional.
- Can you be selected for audit more than once?
- Yes – Certificants are RANDOMLY selected for audit.
- I submitted a Recertification application for my CEN and my CPEN credential. My CPEN application was approved but I was audited for my CEN application. Why?
- BCEN audits are RANDOM it is possible that one application is approved and one application is selected for audit.
- My credential does not expire for a few months but I am submitting my CE Recertification by Attestation early. Can I continue to obtain CE’s until my expiration date?
- No. You are attesting that, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, you have obtained 100 CE’s required for credential renewal. You can continue to earn CEs after you have submitted your application, however, they cannot be used towards your next certification period.
- How long do I have to submit my CE documentation to BCEN?
- You have 30 days from receipt of the audit notification email to submit your documentation to BCEN.
- Why do I need to have 100 CE’s to renew my credential? I only need 20 or 25 every 2 years to renew my nursing license?
- Achieving and maintaining certification demonstrates to patients, families, employers and the public that a nurse’s knowledge, skills and abilities meets rigorous national standards and reflects a commitment to patient safety. Recertification also demonstrates that a nurse is staying current with the changing dynamics of their field of practice. Certified nurses are distinguished in their specialty area; experienced and highly skilled care providers – therefore, the continuing education requirements for recertification reflects this higher level of clinical competence, expert knowledge and commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
- What documentation do I need to submit to BCEN as proof of my CE’s?
- Copies of corresponding certificates for all CE activities earned within your 4-year recertification period. Please submit copies of corresponding certificates for all CE activities earned within your 4-year recertification period. Certificates should include name of CE provider, nurse’s name, name of topic, number of contact hours awarded for completion and date the contact hours were awarded.
- Submit a copy of your academic transcript if using college courses for contact hours.
- What is the difference between ‘Clinical’ and ‘Non-Clinical’ CE’s?
- Clinical CE’s are applicable to direct practice in the clinical area to individuals, families or the community. Non-clinical CE’s include content related to the professional practice of nursing the specialty (emergency, pediatric emergency, flight/transport or trauma) care system.
- Can I use ENPC, TNCC, PALS or ACLS for CE’s? Can I submit my provider card?
- Yes – However, only one (1) initial and one (1) renewal course for each provider can be counted during your current recertification period (e.g. If you renewed ACLS in 2014 and in 2016 and your credential expires in 2018, you can only submit one (1) ACLS renewal).
- You must submit a copy of a certificate of completion for these courses that indicates how many CE’s were awarded, course date, your name, and signature of course provider. Submitting the provider card is NOT sufficient since BCEN does not determine the number of contact hours awarded for an activity.
- How do I know if an organization is accredited?
