Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements for Recertification

  • Perianesthesa nursing certification eligibilityCurrent, unrestricted RN license in the United States or any of its territories; or a verified international equivalent (CPAN only).
  • A minimum of 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice during your three-year period of certification*.
  • Successful completion of either the CPAN® or CAPA® examination (whichever credential you currently hold) OR attain 70 contact hours of continuing education as defined in the Recertification Handbook.

As you prepare for CPAN/CAPA recertification, ABPANC is aware that the past few years have presented significant challenges to your work environment that may be causing concern about meeting ABPANC’s recertification requirements.

As a result, our new recertification attestation states:

“In the past three years, you have completed a minimum of 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice in any role that supports or advances the practice of perianesthesia nursing.”

Some of the roles where practice hours may be obtained are:

  • Care coordination
  • Direct patient care
  • Education
  • Informatics
  • Leadership
  • Navigation
  • Patient/family liaison
  • Quality improvement
  • Research

Qualifying contact hours are listed by topic and must be directly related to the specialty. Activities that advance the practice of perianesthesia nursing can be found in the CPAN and CAPA test blueprints (derived from the most recent role delineation study).

Perianesthesia nursing is not a setting, it is the specialty care you provide. During COVID surges, many of you were deployed to a variety of practice settings where you continued to provide care to patients that received sedation or anesthesia.

If after reviewing this information you still have questions about your eligibility to recertify, please contact ABPANC at abpanc@cpancapa.org or at 347-708-7975.

Recertification Eligibility Requirements

  • Possess a current, unrestricted* registered nurse license in the United States or any of its territories which use the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) as the basis for determining RN licensure.
  • A minimum of 900 hours of perianesthesia nursing practice during your three-year period of certification.
  • Successful completion of either the CPAN® or CAPA® examination (whichever credential you currently hold) OR attain 70 contact hours of continuing education. (Examination option available until November 15, 2026.)

Recertification Contact Hour Requirements

Every contact hour submission must be perianesthesia related.

All contact hours submitted for recertification may be reviewed by ABPANC’s RN Certified Consultant. When submitting your contact hours consider the question: “Does this activity advance perianesthesia nursing?” If the answer is yes, chances are good that these hours will count towards your CPAN and/or CAPA recertification.

Please note that ABPANC will no longer accept the submission of activities that are not perianesthesia related. The following list includes examples of activities that will no longer count towards your required contact hours. This list is provided as an example only and is not a complete listing of ineligible activities:

  • Active Shooter Training/Drills
  • HIPAA Information
  • Fire/Safety Information
  • General Health Stream-Related Activities (Only perianesthesia-specific activities will qualify.)
  • Annual / Onboarding Compliance Training
  • Volunteer Activities Outside of Those Specified Below (Example: School Board, Neighborhood Walks, Food Pantry, etc.)
Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
1 semester hour or 1 credit = 15 Contact Hours; 1 quarter unit credit, 1 quarter hour or 1 credit = 10 Contact Hours 45 Hours A passing grade; and a formal transcript or grade report which clearly states (1) whether credit is given in semester hours or quarter hours; (2) grade; and (3) date of the course.
2 Hours 6 Hours Evidence of submission by author; ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
20 Hours 20 Hours Evidence of submission by author; ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
35 Hours 35 Hours Letter of acceptance with date of publication or published article.
10 Hours 10 Hours Evidence of submission by author; ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 30 Hours Evidence of submission by author; ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
10 Hours 30 Hours Proof of submission or proof of acceptance.
No limit No limit Certificates of attendance that include your name, date of attendance, title of program, and contact hours or CEUs awarded, OR the ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
No limit No limit
5 Hours 20 Hours (Includes Review & Update of Policy, Procedure or Protocol) ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
1 Hour 20 Hours (Includes Creating/Revising/Reworking of Policy, Procedure or Protocol) ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 20 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 20 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
15 Hours Per Year of Research Work 45 Hours Must be supported by an IRB. Must be listed as a researcher in the study.
10 Hours 30 Hours Submit a copy of the process improvement. Examples include PowerPoint, poster presentations, meeting minutes, etc. (must include name and date).
10 Hours 30 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 hours for every 80 hours of precepting. 40 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 30 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 12 hours if current. BLS does not count. 12 Hours
Attendance as a % of meetings attended. Committee name and contact hours specified in letter sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 15 Hours Per Year 45 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 15 Hours Per Year 45 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Meeting name and contact hours specified in form sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
5 hours per individual coached 30 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 2 Hours Per Year 6 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
TBD (Hour for Hour) 15 Hours
Contact hours specified in form sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
TBD based on the survey TBD ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
TBD based on the survey TBD ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 15 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 15 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 8 Hours 8 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Up to 15 hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
2 hours Per Complete Referenced Item Submitted 40 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
TBD based on project scope. TBD ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
2 Hours Per Committee 18 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
2 Hours Per Organization 12 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours Per Mission 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
5 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Certificate of Attestation

Academic Studies

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Academic courses offered by accredited colleges or universities that advance the nursing profession. 1 semester hour or 1 credit = 15 Contact Hours; 1 quarter unit credit, 1 quarter hour or 1 credit = 10 Contact Hours 45 Hours A passing grade; and a formal transcript or grade report which clearly states (1) whether credit is given in semester hours or quarter hours; (2) grade; and (3) date of the course.

Authorship

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Writing an article in a newsletter 2 Hours 6 Hours Evidence of submission by author; Signed Attestation Form.
Writing a chapter in a textbook 20 Hours 20 Hours Evidence of submission by author; Signed Attestation Form.
Writing a research article (must be published) 35 Hours 35 Hours Letter of acceptance with date of publication or published article.
Writing a journal article (must be published) 10 Hours 10 Hours Evidence of submission by author; Signed Attestation Form.
Peer reviewer of a professional journal 5 Hours 30 Hours Evidence of submission by author; Signed Attestation Form.
Writing research abstract proposal 10 Hours 30 Hours Proof of submission or proof of acceptance.

Continuing Education Activities

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Attendance at formal continuing education offerings.
Continuing education classes do not need to be formally approved and can be offered by hospitals, professional organizations or independent educational groups. These classes do not need to be approved for CEUs by an approved provider.		 No limit No limit Certificates of attendance that include your name, date of attendance, title of program, and contact hours or CEUs awarded, OR the ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Participation in home study or self-study programs in professional journals or via computer that grant contact hours No limit No limit

Facilitation of Quality Care

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Creating or rewriting greater than 50% of an evidence-based nursing policy, procedure, or protocol. 5 Hours 20 Hours (Includes Review & Update of Policy, Procedure or Protocol)
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Review and minor edits of an evidence-based nursing policy, procedure, or protocol. 1 Hour 20 Hours (Includes Creating/Revising/Reworking of Policy, Procedure or Protocol)
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Creating patient education materials including, booklets or audiovisual projects. 5 Hours 20 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Designing or enhancing the electronic medical records for perianesthesia care 5 Hours 20 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation

Perianesthesia-Related Research

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Perianesthesia-Related Research 15 Hours Per Year of Research Work 45 Hours Must be supported by an IRB. Must be listed as a researcher in the study.
Quality Improvement Projects 10 Hours 30 Hours Submit a copy of the process improvement. Examples include PowerPoint, poster presentations, meeting minutes, etc. (must include name and date).

Teaching/Mentoring

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Creating a learning module for health care providers 10 Hours 30 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Teaching a one-hour learning module for health care providers. 5 Hours 15 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Presenting a Professional Poster 5 Hours 15 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Precepting Staff 5 hours for every 80 hours of precepting. 40 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Professional One Hour Podium or Virtual Presentation 5 Hours 30 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation

Life Support Classes

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
PALS/ACLS/PEARS Activities Up to 12 hours if current. BLS does not count. 12 Hours

ABPANC Volunteer/Leadership

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
ABPANC Committees Attendance as a % of meetings attended. Committee name and contact hours specified in letter sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
Marketing and Awards Committee Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Exam Review Committee Up to 15 Hours Per Year 45 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Item Review Committee Up to 15 Hours Per Year 45 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Professional Practice & Displinary Review Committee Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Exam Preparedness Committee Up to 5 Hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Professional Development Committee Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Nominations & Board Development Committee Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Executive Committee (Serves as Finance Committee and Review & Appeal Committee) Up to 5 hours Per Year 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Certification Coaches Meeting name and contact hours specified in form sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
Serving as an ABPANC Certification Coach 5 hours per individual coached 30 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Certification Coach Virtual Training / Coaches Forum Up to 2 Hours Per Year 6 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
ABPANC Liaisons
Board Liaison Positions TBD (Hour for Hour) 15 Hours
Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Special ABPANC Surveys Contact hours specified in form sent to participants by ABPANC staff liaison
Completion of Role Delineation Survey (RDS) TBD based on the survey TBD ABPANC Attestation Form
External Survey Participation (Case by Case) TBD based on the survey TBD ABPANC Attestation Form
Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Special ABPANC Activities
Recertification Task Force Up to 15 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Role Delineation Study Task Force Up to 15 Hours 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Standard Setting Panel Up to 8 Hours 8 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Practice Exam Task Force Up to 15 hours 15 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
Item Writing for CPAN/CAPA Exams 2 hours Per Complete Referenced Item Submitted 40 Hours ABPANC Attestation Form
ABPANC Task Forces TBD based on project scope. TBD ABPANC Attestation Form

Other Volunteer/Leadership

Activity Description Contact Hours Maximum Hours Per Recertification Cycle Evidence / Documentation
Service on unit or hospital committees with attendance at 75% of meetings annually: such as audit, policy and procedure, QA, continuing education, Magnet, anesthesia review, etc. 2 Hours Per Committee 18 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Involvement in a professional health care organization outside of your hospital 2 Hours Per Organization 12 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Participating in a health care mission in a perianesthesia role 5 Hours Per Mission 15 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation
Participating in legislative activities 5 Hours 15 Hours
ABPANC Certificate of Attestation

Evidence/Documentation

All evidence must include the date the activity occurred and your full name. If it does not include these requirements, a signed attestation form must be submitted. ABPANC’s Certificate of Attestation is available by clicking here.

Recertification Handbook

Click here to access the Recertification Handbook.

Audit of Recertification Applications

  • ABPANC reserves the right to audit any or all applications and supporting documentation for recertification.
  • ABPANC randomly audits a certain percentage of certified nurses seeking recertification.
  • If you have been selected for Audit, you will be notified when you submit your application.
  • Submission of an application indicates your agreement to comply with the terms of the audit process.
  • Documentation requested during the audit process that is not submitted or is unacceptable will result in denial of recertification.
  • Please follow the instructions listed in the Recertification Handbook describing the process for submitting an online application.

Recertification Rates

Recertifications # Eligible # Renewed % Renewed
CAPA 764 496 65%
CPAN 1053 744 71%
Totals: 1,817 1,240 68%