Why am I being audited?
In compliance with standard regulatory practices and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of our credentials, AACN Certification Corporation conducts random audits following submission of renewal applications.
What do I need to include with my audit documentation?
- Renewal Audit Checklist
- Copy of current, unencumbered RN or APRN license
- Verification of Practice Hours form
- Completed CERP Log
- Documentation of 100 CERPs as outlined in the Renewal by Synergy CERPs program (CMC and CSC renewal requires 25 Category A Clinical Judgment CERPs)
How should my audit information be submitted to AACN?
You are asked to email a single PDF file containing your complete audit documentation to certaudit@aacn.org with "AUDIT SUBMISSION - (last name)" in the subject line. If you are unable to email your documents, they may be mailed to AACN via USPS or other carrier.
What if I don't have my certification renewal handbook?
You may download a copy of the renewal handbook for your certification on the Documents and Handbooks page.
What if I lose my CERP Log?
A CERP Log may be found in your renewal handbook (link above) or downloaded using the links below.
If I misplace my renewal audit checklist, how do I obtain a duplicate?
Please email certaudit@aacn.org to request a duplicate Renewal Audit Checklist. For questions, please contact Ali Velt at 800-394-5995, ext. 276.
Within what date range must the CERPs for my renewal audit fall?
Your CERP activities must be completed in the three-year period prior to your scheduled renewal date.
Does my full name need to appear on all my CE certificates?
Yes. Please be sure your full name, the title and date of the course and the hours attended appear on all certificates and letters of attendance.
How many CERPs may I count for being an AACN member?
AACN membership is worth three (3) CERPs for each year of active membership, with up to nine (9) CERPs per three-year renewal period.
May I count my ACLS and BLS courses for CERPs?
Yes. However, a copy of your card alone is not sufficient as it does not include actual class time, which varies. Please provide documentation of hours in the course (so that the total number of CERPs may be calculated), along with the course date and title, your name and the signature of a supervisor, educator or professional associate.
- CMC and CSC renewal candidates may count an ACLS course for CERPs once per three-year renewal period; BLS courses do not count toward CMC or CSC renewal.
What happens if I do not respond to or pass the audit?
Certificants selected for audit are notified via email and have 60 days from the date of notification to submit the required documentation.
- If audit documentation is not received at AACN by the audit due date or is incomplete, certification will be revoked and notices may be sent to the candidate's employer and state board of nursing, where appropriate.
Still have questions?
Inquiries about certification renewal audits should be emailed to certaudit@aacn.org.