Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Certification: Overview and FAQ
Do you find gratification in helping other nurses build new skills? If you love being a resource for others, earning your Nursing Professional Development (NPD) certification can help you solidify your skills. This certification validates your expertise in developing educational programs, fostering professional growth, and supporting the career advancement of nurses.
Nurses who work in professional development can go by many titles and fill many roles. Here are some of the nursing professionals who may want to pursue this credential:
- Clinical nurse supervisor
- Unit educators
- Nurse preceptors
- Nursing managers or supervisors
- Staff development coordinators
- Quality improvement specialists
- Magnet program coordinators
- Nurse consultants
- Nurse coaches
- Academic nurse educators
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits, requirements, and process for earning this credential, so you can feel confident taking the next step in your nursing leadership journey.
What Is NPD Certification?
The Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BP) certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). NPD certification shows that a nurse is board-certified to assist other nurses in developing their skills, knowledge, and careers. These nurses have demonstrated expertise in staff development, education, and training, making them a valuable asset to healthcare organizations focused on continuous improvement and learning.
Think you might want to be NPD certified? A nurse professional development certification shows that you can bridge the gap between nursing theory and practice. Plus, there are several benefits of certification:
- Professional credibility: Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment and can make you a resource in your organization.
- Career advancement opportunities: Certification can make you a stronger candidate when applying to new roles or leadership positions.
- Earning potential: Some facilities offer hourly or yearly bonuses for certified nurses, so your certification investment could keep paying off for years to come.
- Job satisfaction: Certification can make you feel more confident and fulfilled in your role.
How to Get NPD Certified: 4 Steps
Step 1: Review the NPD Certification Requirements
Before applying for this credential, you must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the ANCC. These requirements include:
- Active RN license: You must hold a valid RN license in a U.S. state or territory, or the professional equivalent for international applicants.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing (BSN or MSN) is required.
- Experience: At least 2 years of full-time registered nursing experience.
- Professional development hours: At least 30 hours of continuing education in nursing professional development within the past 3 years.
- Practice hours: At least 2,000 hours of practice in NPD over the past 3 years.
Step 2: Apply for Certification
Once you’re eligible, you can apply for certification through the ANCC website. You’ll need to submit documentation of your RN license, education, and professional development activities. You can either physically mail these documents to the mailing address listed with ANCC or email them to aprnvalidation@ana.org.
You’ll also need to pay a fee to schedule the certification exam. Here’s a breakdown ofNPD certification cost:
- American Nurses Association (ANA) Members: $295
- Non-ANA Members: $395
Step 3: Pass the Exam
The NPD exam consists of 125 questions that cover topics such as educational process standards, leadership, and evidence-based practice and research. You’ll have three hours to take the test. To prepare, you might want to go through NPD certification practice questions, and taking an NPD certification practice test may be helpful as well. There are also third-party NPD certification programs that can help you prepare in a more structured way.
The NPD exam is administered by Prometric and is pass/fail. You’ll receive your results immediately after completing the exam. If you don’t pass, you’re eligible to retake the exam after 60 days, but you can’t take it more than three times in a 12-month period. Be sure to prepare thoroughly to boost your chances of success on the first try.
Step 4: Maintain Your Certification
Your certification is valid for five years, and you can submit your renewal application up to one year before your certification expires. To be eligible for renewal, you must complete 75 hours of continuing education, plus a professional development activity. Here are the types of professional development options you can complete to renew:
- Continuing education
- Academic credit
- Presentations
- An evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement (QI), publication, or research project
- Publication
- Research
- Preceptor hours
- Professional service
- Practice hours
- Test or portfolio
In addition to meeting renewal requirements, you’ll also need to pay a renewal fee to continue using your credential. Here are the fees:
- ANA members: $250
- Non-ANA members: $350
NPD Certification: FAQs
CNE vs. NPD certification: What’s the difference?
The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and NPD certifications may sound similar — both are meant to verify that a nurse is an expert nurse teacher and advisor. However, the two certifications serve distinct roles in nursing and healthcare education.
CNE certification is geared toward nurses who work in academic settings, teaching nursing students in schools or universities. Their primary goal is to prepare and educate the next generation of nurses. In contrast, NPD certification is for nurses working in clinical settings, helping current healthcare professionals develop skills and stay up to date through continuing education, staff development, and professional growth initiatives.
CNE-certified nurses focus on the academic educational process, including curriculum development, instruction methods, and student evaluation. NPD-certified nurses focus more on career development and supporting nurses already in practice through mentorship, training programs, and helping them transition into new roles within their healthcare organizations.
Is there a free NPD certification?
No, NPD is the only accredited certification for nursing professional development leaders and has an initial application cost and a renewal fee.
Related Certifications
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Nurse Executive — Board Certified (NE-BC)
- Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE)
Find Roles Where Your Skills Are Valued
Looking for new ways to broaden your nursing expertise? Whether you have an NPD certification or not, IntelyCare can help you find a role that matches your scheduling and specialty needs. Sign up for job notifications to learn more.