2025 Highlights and What’s Ahead from the ABPANC President
A Year of Growth and Continued Commitment to Certification Excellence
As we come to the close of another productive year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the meaningful progress made by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) and to share our excitement for what lies ahead.
Throughout 2025, ABPANC focused on initiatives that strengthen certification pathways, expand access to resources, and support perianesthesia nurses across all stages of their professional journey.
This year, ABPANC expanded recertification status alternatives, thoughtfully designed to provide greater flexibility while upholding the rigor and integrity of our credentials. These options help certificants maintain certification in ways that align with their professional roles and evolving career stages.
We also made enhancements to the ABPANC website, creating a more intuitive and comprehensive resource for certificants, candidates, and employers. A notable addition was the launch of Abby — ABPANC’s CPAN®/CAPA® website assistant, powered by BettyAI. Abby provides timely, accurate information about certification, recertification, eligibility, and deadlines, offering 24/7 support for nurses navigating their CPAN and CAPA journeys.
In support of organizational partners, ABPANC expanded its existing voucher offerings through the Certify More, Save More bulk discount program in 2025. This enhancement helps organizations meet their goals for increasing certification among perianesthesia nursing teams while reinforcing ABPANC’s commitment to workforce development and quality patient care.
ABPANC’s educational webinars continued to provide accessible, relevant learning opportunities that support certification preparation, recertification, and ongoing professional development for perianesthesia nurses.
Another significant milestone in 2025 was the continued growth of the CPAN examination for international nurses, expanding access to certification for perianesthesia nurses practicing outside the United States and reflecting ABPANC’s growing global reach.
ABPANC also increased its visibility by presenting the value and benefits of certification at major professional gatherings, including the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress and the International Collaboration of Perianesthesia Nurses (ICPAN) Conference. These engagements strengthened global connections and highlighted the positive impact of certification on professional practice and patient outcomes.
Looking ahead to 2026, ABPANC is excited to continue building on this momentum. Certificants and candidates can expect additional certification preparation and review materials, along with new education and professional development resources designed to support recertification and ongoing competence in an evolving healthcare environment. We remain focused on innovation, accessibility, and relevance as we expand our offerings.
Another important initiative on the horizon is our work toward advancing pediatric perianesthesia nursing through certification, with the Certified Pediatric Perianesthesia Nurse (CPPN) exam. Recognizing the specialized knowledge and skills required to care for pediatric patients, ABPANC remains committed to exploring pathways that support certification and professional recognition in this vital area of perianesthesia care.
As we look ahead to 2026, ABPANC will begin putting into action a new strategic plan. This five-year plan will guide how we support nurses now and into the future. Simply put, this will help us stay focused on what matters most – strong, trusted certification programs; meaningful professional connections; and practical resources that support nurses at every stage of their career. Over the coming years, you’ll see this reflected in how we strengthen the CPAN and CAPA certifications, expand certification options, improve exam preparation and support, and build partnerships that reinforce the value of certification in the workplace.
None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary dedication of our volunteers and staff. I extend my deepest gratitude to the many CPAN and CAPA certified nurses who generously give their time, expertise, and leadership to ABPANC, including our Item Writers and Reviewers, Exam Reviewers, Education and Professional Development Committees, Marketing and Awards Committee, certification coaches, and our Board of Directors. I also want to recognize the ABPANC staff, whose commitment, collaboration, and operational excellence provide the foundation that supports and advances all of our programs and initiatives.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2025, we do so with pride and optimism. I look forward to the opportunities ahead and to continuing our work together in 2026 to support and elevate perianesthesia nursing practice.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ABPANC and to the profession we serve.
Warm regards,
Marie Graziela “Graze” Bautista, MSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA
President, ABPANC