The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) manages the certification of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. All courses must be approved to meet NBCRNA requirements to count toward a CRNA’s/nurse anesthesiologist’s certification. This includes 100 credits of continuing education and professional development every 4-year cycle. At least 60 must be MAC Ed credits.
If the program is not prior approved by AANA, AANA members can submit a non-prior approval application for a $60 fee, which covers the review of the application and supporting documents and processing of the application. Learn more.
The AANA is the recognized approver of MAC Ed Credit by NBCRNA. CE Program Providers are responsible to apply for prior approval and ensure credit reporting of a program. Learn more.
AANA members easily track MAC Ed credit activity through their AANA dashboard.
If you are a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, and you want to complete a Non-Prior Approval Application, you may use your www.aana.com username and password to access the portal and complete and pay for the application fees using a major credit card. For assistance with your web username and password, contact us with your First and Last Name and AANA ID number. Your inquiry will be addressed within 2 business days or sooner.
If you are a company representative (Hospital, State Nurse Anesthetist Association, Accredited Program, or other entity) contact continuingeducation@aana.com for your AANA web user credentials. In your communication, include your company name, your first and last name, and contact phone number and email address. Your inquiry will be addressed within 2 business days or sooner.
Apply for new credits, upload supporting documents, and review your prior submissions.
Inquire about applying for AANA prior approval for CE programming provided by a hospital, state nurse anesthetist association, accredited nurse anesthesiology program, or other entity.
AANA is the recognized approver of MAC Ed Credit by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
AANA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing’s Commission on Accreditation.
A longitudinal assessment format to support lifelong learning
The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program replaces the Continuing Professional Certification Program Program. This new longitudinal assessment format to support lifelong learning was developed in collaboration with CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and underwent a one-year research study to ensure its effectiveness.
Changes
Please refer questions and feedback about the MAC program to support@nbcrna.com.
Updated: 6/3/2026
If you are unsure if a course meets the requirements for MAC Ed or Dev credit, please contact support@nbcrna.com to ask them directly.
Tip: You must earn a total of 100 credits every four years as a part of the MAC Certification requirements. Any MAC Ed credits you earn over the required minimum of 60 may be used to fulfill your MAC Dev credit requirements.
Submit a non-prior approval application in the CE Portal
You can submit DNP/DNAP credits, or other nurse anesthesia-related coursework, using the non-prior approval application. Each application has a $60 processing fee and the application review process is 30 business days. If approved, your credits will appear on your CE transcript.
Submit an individual non-prior approval application in the CE Portal
You can apply for MAC Ed credits to be added to your transcript, assuming the content meets the NBCRNA's MAC Ed credit requirements. One application is required per course, and each application has a $60 processing fee. The application review process is 30 business days. Follow these steps to apply:
Note: If you are an Inactive, Associate, or Emeritus Member (or if you are not a member) you will not be able to apply for MAC Ed credit or see your CE transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.