Help Center – Report & Understand CE Credits

Report & Understand CE Credits

About CE Credits

What is the MAC Program?

A longitudinal assessment format to support lifelong learning

The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program replaces the Continuing Professional Certification Program (CPC) 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 

  • MAC begins for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists after their 2024 recertification cycle ends 
  • No more Core Modules 
  • Quarterly, self-paced check-ins within dynamic online platform with real-time feedback 

Please refer questions and feedback about the MAC program to support@nbcrna.com. 

What is the difference between Class A and Class B credit?

Class A Credits

Class B Credits

60 credits per four-year cycle 40 credits per four-year cycle
Contains assessment Doesn’t contain assessment
Requires application from your provider (“prior approved”) or application by you (“non-prior approved”) Doesn’t require prior approval or contain a non-prior approval application
Ensures knowledge and skills remain current and of the highest quality Supports patient safety and fosters understanding of broader healthcare environment
Example activities include meetings, workshops, online courses, and core modules Activities are more flexible and can be located on page two of the NBCRNAs Class B requirements table

 

If you are unsure if a course meets the requirements for Class A or B 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 CPC Certification requirements. Any Class A credits you earn over the required minimum of 60 may be used to fulfill your Class B credit requirements.

How do I submit my life support credits?

The procedure for uploading life support credits will vary based on how they have been earned

Reporting Class A Credits

Apply for Class A credits using the Individual Nonprior Application. To review the application and ensure the course meets the guidelines for a nonprior approval (Class A) application, there is a $60 fee. One application is required per course.

American Heart Association (AHA) Courses

To earn credit for AHA courses, scan and upload the following materials to the application within the AANA CE Portal:
  1. Copy of the life support card
  2. Copy of the certificate of attendance

The standard credits awarded for each core course is as follows:

Type of Certification   BLS   ACLS   PALS  
Initial 4 8 8
Renewal 2 4 4

Non AHA Courses

To earn credit for non AHA courses, scan and upload the following materials to the application within the AANA CE Portal:
Course Type   Copy of Life Support Card   Copy of Certificate of Completion   Hourly Schedule   Notes
Classroom Yes Yes Yes Certificate should include attendance, provider, city, and state
Online Yes Yes No Documentation of approval by an approved provider is required

Reporting Class B Credits

Since Class B credits do NOT require an assessment, they can be self-reported at no additional cost. Learn more about how to submit Class B credits here.
Courses eligible for life support credits:
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Life Support Instructor Courses

Note: The maximum number of life support credits permitted by the NBCRNA per 4-year CPC cycle is 20.

Pain-Designated CE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What constitutes a pain-designated CE credit?

Provides a means to integrate advanced knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and procedural safety involved in Pain Management therapies/procedures to prepare the CRNA to initiate appropriate Pain Management therapies safely and effectively throughout the lifespan.

The complete pain-designated CE criteria is provided in the prior approval application instructional materials as well as the AANA CE Program.

Who can apply for pain-designated CE?

CE program providers applying for AANA prior approval can request pain-designated CE.

What is the benefit of pain-designated CE?

The pain designation allows CRNAs practicing pain management to demonstrate ongoing professional development.

With pain-designated credits, CRNAs can use these credits towards requirements for the Non-Surgical Pain Management (NSPM) program and to enhance their marketability to care for patients with acute/surgical pain and/or chronic/nonsurgical pain.

As a CE program provider, can I request both pain- and pharmacology- designated credits?

Yes.

Can pain-designated credits be added to AANA prior approved programs that have already been held?

No.


Will pain-designated credit be included on my CE transcript, and transfer to the NBCRNA?

Yes.


I submitted a nonprior approval application. Can the credit be designated as pain?

A: No. Pain-designated credits apply only to AANA prior-approved programs that were approved with the pain designation included.

How do I upload Class A credits that were not prior-approved by AANA?

Submit an individual non-prior approval application in the CE Portal

You can apply for Class A credits to be added to your transcript, assuming the content meets the NBCRNA’s Class A 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:

  1. Sign in to the CE Portal
  2. Under Non-Prior Approval Application Forms, click Individual
  3. Complete the application and submit

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 Class A credit or see your CE transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Why do I have to pay a non-prior approval application fee?

For accreditation approval and processing

For Class A credit to be awarded, it must meet the Class A credit requirements, including approval by an accredited organization like AANA.

The $60 application fee covers the review of the application and supporting documents to ensure that the program meets the requirements for Class A credit, as well as the processing of the application.

When a program is “prior-approved” the provider has already completed the accreditation application and received approval to hold the meeting, workshop, seminar, or online course.

Why can't I access the AANA CE Portal?

Access to the CE Portal is reserved for Active Members only

The AANA CE Portal contains the prior and non-prior approval applications for earning Class A credits. Helping members get credit for courses that meet the NBCRNA requirements is one of the benefits of AANA membership.

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 Class A credits or see your CE transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

How do I get Class A credits for DNP/DNAP?

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.

First, review the application criteria

  1. Open the Guidelines for Completion of an Application for Non-Prior Approval
  2. Ensure the course meets non-prior approval requirements
  3. Ensure you have the materials to submit with the application

Then, apply for non-prior approval

  1. Log in to the AANA CE portal
  2. Click College University Course
  3. Complete the application and submit

What is eligible for Class B credit?

The NBCRNA determines which activities qualify for Class B credit

View the NBCRNAs requirements for Class B Credits to learn about what activities are eligible. If you are still unsure if a course meets the requirements for Class B credit, please contact support@nbcrna.com to ask them directly.

Note: The NBCRNA may audit your Class B submissions as part of the certification review process, so it is important to retain a record of your involvement for at least one year after your CPC renewal.

How do I submit Class B credits?

Submit Class B credits in the CE Portal

  1. Log in to the AANA CE Portal
  2. Enter the name of the activity, completion date, and credits earned
  3. Upload supporting documentation, referring to the NBCRNA Class B Requirements
  4. Select Submit New Entry

You should expect to see your CE credits within two business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CT).

Note: AANA manages the technical aspects of Class B submissions through your transcript as an Active Member benefit, while NBCRNA controls all matters pertaining to categorization, content, and credit.

Why are my credits missing?

There are a few reasons credits from an event or course may be missing from your CE transcript

If it was an AANA event or course

Please contact us with the details of what is missing, and we will get back to you within two business days.

If it was NOT an AANA event or course

You will need to contact the program provider directly and confirm the course was “prior-approved by AANA.”

Typically, program providers submit credits to AANA within 30 days as required, and the credits appear on your transcript. If your credits are still missing after 30 days, email continuingeducation@aana.com with the course details and your receipt from the provider.

If it was NOT an AANA event or course AND it wasn’t prior-approved

Some providers do not have their content approved for CE credit before hosting the course or event. For these, you need to submit the details of the course to AANA using the non-prior approval application to ensure the course meets the accreditation requirements.

Note: Recording your full CE transcript is a benefit for AANA Active Members only. If you are an Inactive, Associate, or Emeritus Member (or if you are not a member) you will not be able to see your credits or transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Why don’t I see any CE credits in my account?

Credit tracking is a benefit for AANA Active Members

AANA maintains transcripts and submits them to the NBCRNA for Active Members only. If your CE Dashboard does not display any credits, please confirm you are an Active Member.

Upload your credit directly to the NBCRNA as a nonmember

To help you record your credits and provide the required supporting documentation to your NBCRNA CPC application, you can request a nonmember transcript from AANA for $100 that will display all credits earned from AANA or a prior-approved provider. However, this transcript is not accepted by the NBCRNA for CPC renewal purposes. You will need to hand-enter all information and documentation into your CPC application.

You can contact the NBCRNA directly at support@nbcrna.com or 855-285-4658 for questions about this process.

How many credits are needed for CPC Certification?

100 credits need to be earned for CPC Certification

Of these 100 CE credits, at least 60 must be Class A and the remaining can be Class B. To see how many credits you have earned for your your current four-year certification cycle, log in to your membership dashboard.

Tip: Any Class A credits you earn over the required minimum of 60 may be used to fulfill your Class B credit requirements.

What is the NBCRNA two-year check-in?

It is a requirement of the NBCRNA's Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Program

The two-year check-in occurs at the midpoint of each four-year certification cycle. It is an online process that asks you to:

  • Validate state licensure
  • Confirm active practice
  • Update contact information
  • Review CPC Program progress

To learn more about your personalized CPC timeline, log in to the NBRNA portal.

Note: There is no charge for the two-year check-in.

What do I need to know about the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA)?

The assessment is being phased out after current cycles

Information about the current CPC Assessment is as follows:

  • It is administered and controlled by the NBCRNA
  • It is a standardized assessment containing 150 questions
  • There is a three-hour time limit
  • It is closed book
  • It is NOT pass/fail
  • No CE credits are awarded for completing the assessment

The assessment does not impact your certification. However, additional targeted continuing education will be required for any area(s) where you do not meet the performance standard.

Transition away from the CPCA

As of August 1, 2024, the NBCRNA has introduced an enhanced Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program where the CPCA will be replaced by a  longitudinal assessment. However, you must complete your current cycle requirements before moving to this enhanced program.

This means that if you are in the middle of your completing your four-year cycle, you must complete the CPCA. When your next four-year cycle begins, you will then transition to the enhanced program and begin the longitudinal assessment, which consists of a series of multi-choice and multi-select questions every quarter, rather than a single assessment at the end of the four-year cycle.

If you’re unsure about your current requirements and deadlines, log in to NBCRNA to view your CPC Timeline.

What courses can I take for CPCA remediation?

Find a list of courses in CRNA Education Edge

CPCA remediation requires the completion of courses in four main subject areas:

  • Airway Management
  • Anesthesia Equipment and Technology
  • Applied Clinical Pharmacology
  • Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

To access the available courses for CPCA remediation, follow these steps:

  1. Visit CRNA Education Edge
  2. Find CPCA Remediation Courses
  3. Select All — or– select a specific subject
  4. Press Search to see course results

Who can answer questions about the CPC?

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

If you have questions about the recertification process or requirements, contact the NBCRNA at support@nbcrna.com or 708-667-0002.

Does the NBCRNA have access to CE transcripts for AANA members?

Yes, for Active Members only

As an AANA Active Member benefit, your Continuing Education (CE) credits in your transcript are automatically shared with the NBCRNA to make your CPC certification process easier.

Note: If you are an Inactive, Associate, or Emeritus Member (or if you are not a member) you will not be able to see your transcript and your credits will not be sent to the NBCRNA. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Where can I access my certification?

Your CRNA certification is managed by the NBCRNA

You can download your certificate following these steps:

  1. Log in to NBCRNA website
  2. Click Requests on the left menu
  3. Find and click Print Certificate
  4. Click Actions
  5. Click Print

For help, contact support@nbcrna.com.

Help With Class A Credits

How do I upload Class A credits that were not prior-approved by AANA?

Submit an individual non-prior approval application in the CE Portal

You can apply for Class A credits to be added to your transcript, assuming the content meets the NBCRNA’s Class A 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:

  1. Sign in to the CE Portal
  2. Under Non-Prior Approval Application Forms, click Individual
  3. Complete the application and submit

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 Class A credit or see your CE transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Why do I have to pay a non-prior approval application fee?

For accreditation approval and processing

For Class A credit to be awarded, it must meet the Class A credit requirements, including approval by an accredited organization like AANA.

The $60 application fee covers the review of the application and supporting documents to ensure that the program meets the requirements for Class A credit, as well as the processing of the application.

When a program is “prior-approved” the provider has already completed the accreditation application and received approval to hold the meeting, workshop, seminar, or online course.

Why can't I access the AANA CE Portal?

Access to the CE Portal is reserved for Active Members only

The AANA CE Portal contains the prior and non-prior approval applications for earning Class A credits. Helping members get credit for courses that meet the NBCRNA requirements is one of the benefits of AANA membership.

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 Class A credits or see your CE transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

How do I get Class A credits for DNP/DNAP?

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.

First, review the application criteria

  1. Open the Guidelines for Completion of an Application for Non-Prior Approval
  2. Ensure the course meets non-prior approval requirements
  3. Ensure you have the materials to submit with the application

Then, apply for non-prior approval

  1. Log in to the AANA CE portal
  2. Click College University Course
  3. Complete the application and submit

Help With Class B Credits

What is eligible for Class B credit?

The NBCRNA determines which activities qualify for Class B credit

View the NBCRNAs requirements for Class B Credits to learn about what activities are eligible. If you are still unsure if a course meets the requirements for Class B credit, please contact support@nbcrna.com to ask them directly.

Note: The NBCRNA may audit your Class B submissions as part of the certification review process, so it is important to retain a record of your involvement for at least one year after your CPC renewal.

How do I submit Class B credits?

Submit Class B credits in the CE Portal

  1. Log in to the AANA CE Portal
  2. Enter the name of the activity, completion date, and credits earned
  3. Upload supporting documentation, referring to the NBCRNA Class B Requirements
  4. Select Submit New Entry

You should expect to see your CE credits within two business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CT).

Note: AANA manages the technical aspects of Class B submissions through your transcript as an Active Member benefit, while NBCRNA controls all matters pertaining to categorization, content, and credit.

CE Transcript

Why are my credits missing?

There are a few reasons credits from an event or course may be missing from your CE transcript

If it was an AANA event or course

Please contact us with the details of what is missing, and we will get back to you within two business days.

If it was NOT an AANA event or course

You will need to contact the program provider directly and confirm the course was “prior-approved by AANA.”

Typically, program providers submit credits to AANA within 30 days as required, and the credits appear on your transcript. If your credits are still missing after 30 days, email continuingeducation@aana.com with the course details and your receipt from the provider.

If it was NOT an AANA event or course AND it wasn’t prior-approved

Some providers do not have their content approved for CE credit before hosting the course or event. For these, you need to submit the details of the course to AANA using the non-prior approval application to ensure the course meets the accreditation requirements.

Note: Recording your full CE transcript is a benefit for AANA Active Members only. If you are an Inactive, Associate, or Emeritus Member (or if you are not a member) you will not be able to see your credits or transcript. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Why don’t I see any CE credits in my account?

Credit tracking is a benefit for AANA Active Members

AANA maintains transcripts and submits them to the NBCRNA for Active Members only. If your CE Dashboard does not display any credits, please confirm you are an Active Member.

Upload your credit directly to the NBCRNA as a nonmember

To help you record your credits and provide the required supporting documentation to your NBCRNA CPC application, you can request a nonmember transcript from AANA for $100 that will display all credits earned from AANA or a prior-approved provider. However, this transcript is not accepted by the NBCRNA for CPC renewal purposes. You will need to hand-enter all information and documentation into your CPC application.

You can contact the NBCRNA directly at support@nbcrna.com or 855-285-4658 for questions about this process.

Help With CPC

How many credits are needed for CPC Certification?

100 credits need to be earned for CPC Certification

Of these 100 CE credits, at least 60 must be Class A and the remaining can be Class B. To see how many credits you have earned for your your current four-year certification cycle, log in to your membership dashboard.

Tip: Any Class A credits you earn over the required minimum of 60 may be used to fulfill your Class B credit requirements.

What is the NBCRNA two-year check-in?

It is a requirement of the NBCRNA's Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Program

The two-year check-in occurs at the midpoint of each four-year certification cycle. It is an online process that asks you to:

  • Validate state licensure
  • Confirm active practice
  • Update contact information
  • Review CPC Program progress

To learn more about your personalized CPC timeline, log in to the NBRNA portal.

Note: There is no charge for the two-year check-in.

What do I need to know about the Continued Professional Certification Assessment (CPCA)?

The assessment is being phased out after current cycles

Information about the current CPC Assessment is as follows:

  • It is administered and controlled by the NBCRNA
  • It is a standardized assessment containing 150 questions
  • There is a three-hour time limit
  • It is closed book
  • It is NOT pass/fail
  • No CE credits are awarded for completing the assessment

The assessment does not impact your certification. However, additional targeted continuing education will be required for any area(s) where you do not meet the performance standard.

Transition away from the CPCA

As of August 1, 2024, the NBCRNA has introduced an enhanced Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program where the CPCA will be replaced by a  longitudinal assessment. However, you must complete your current cycle requirements before moving to this enhanced program.

This means that if you are in the middle of your completing your four-year cycle, you must complete the CPCA. When your next four-year cycle begins, you will then transition to the enhanced program and begin the longitudinal assessment, which consists of a series of multi-choice and multi-select questions every quarter, rather than a single assessment at the end of the four-year cycle.

If you’re unsure about your current requirements and deadlines, log in to NBCRNA to view your CPC Timeline.

What courses can I take for CPCA remediation?

Find a list of courses in CRNA Education Edge

CPCA remediation requires the completion of courses in four main subject areas:

  • Airway Management
  • Anesthesia Equipment and Technology
  • Applied Clinical Pharmacology
  • Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

To access the available courses for CPCA remediation, follow these steps:

  1. Visit CRNA Education Edge
  2. Find CPCA Remediation Courses
  3. Select All — or– select a specific subject
  4. Press Search to see course results

Who can answer questions about the CPC?

The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

If you have questions about the recertification process or requirements, contact the NBCRNA at support@nbcrna.com or 708-667-0002.

NBCRNA

Does the NBCRNA have access to CE transcripts for AANA members?

Yes, for Active Members only

As an AANA Active Member benefit, your Continuing Education (CE) credits in your transcript are automatically shared with the NBCRNA to make your CPC certification process easier.

Note: If you are an Inactive, Associate, or Emeritus Member (or if you are not a member) you will not be able to see your transcript and your credits will not be sent to the NBCRNA. Access your membership dashboard to view your membership type.

Where can I access my certification?

Your CRNA certification is managed by the NBCRNA

You can download your certificate following these steps:

  1. Log in to NBCRNA website
  2. Click Requests on the left menu
  3. Find and click Print Certificate
  4. Click Actions
  5. Click Print

For help, contact support@nbcrna.com.