What is Specialty Certification? - Canadian Nurses Association

CNA Certification Program

What is certification?

CNA certification is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. The CNA Certification Program consists of 23 nursing practice specialties. Earning this credential shows your employer, peers and clients that you are a dedicated professional committed to lifelong learning, patient advocacy and professional practice. Certification is a great way to demonstrate your continuing competence in your nursing specialty. It can also help you fulfil some of the quality assurance program requirements of your employer and/or licensing body.

Care to Be the Best

The first certification exam, offered in 1991, was in neuroscience nursing. Today, more than 13,000 nurses are CNA certified (see breakdown by specialty and province/territory).

Certified nurses are…

Recognized nationally for their practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning
Valued by employers, because their certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations
Viewed as having enhanced professional credibility

Testimonials

Important Exam-based Certification Dates

Financial Support

“Certification really gives that extra knowledge that makes a difference in your nursing care.”

Maria Chiera, RN, BScN,MN, CNN(C)

“I look to CNA for specialty certification and ensuring we have standards for specialty nursing”

Vida Johnston, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)

CNA members receive significant savings on their certification application fee. Visit our membership webpage for fees, benefits and instructions on how to join.

Questions about certification? Please contact the certification team.

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Canadian Academy of Nursing

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