About ABPANC

The American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc., (ABPANC) is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1985 by the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) for the purpose of sponsoring certification programs for qualified registered nurses caring for patients who have experienced sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia. ABPANC sponsors the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN®) and the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA®) programs. ABPANC’s programs and services are focused on achieving its mission and vision.

Click here to review the 2010 – 2011 ABPANC Annual Report.


ABPANC’s Vision

Recognizing and respecting the unequaled excellence in the mark of the CPAN and CAPA credential, perianesthesia nurses will seek it, managers will require it, employers will support it and the public will demand it.

ABPANC’s Mission

ABPANC’s mission is to assure a certification process for perianesthesia nurses that validates knowledge gained through professional education and experience, ultimately promoting quality patient care.

Our Organizational Values

  • Excellence - Promotion of excellence in perianesthesia patient care is the driving force behind ABPANC’s existence, contributing to quality patient care.
  • Integrity - ABPANC values integrity as a commitment to a fair certification process.
  • Innovation - ABPANC values innovation as an integral part of continual learning, development and improvement within our sphere of influence.
  • Dedication - Dedication is reflected in our celebration of perianesthesia nursing and the certified perianesthesia nurse.