Is Nursing Certification Online Legit?

Interested in advancing your nursing career? Pursuing a nursing certification can help you qualify for more specialized roles within the nursing field. You've heard that there are online nursing certifications, but are they legit?

Online nursing certifications are legitimate as long as they are awarded by legitimate certification agencies. Not all certifications are available online, so it's important to find out what organization offers your specific certification and whether or not it can be completed remotely.

Is an Online Nursing Certification Legitimate?

There are more than 150 unique certifications available for registered nurses. Some of these include:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC)
• Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)
• Advanced Wound Care Certification (AWCC)
• Advanced Forensic Nursing (AFN-BC)
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)

The exams are administered by different organizations. Common certification bodies include:

• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation
• Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
• Center for Nursing Education and Testing
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses

Many of these organizations require you to complete an examination at a testing center to get certified, but some allow you the option of completing your test online from a remote location.

For example, the National Certification Organization has two testing options: candidates can complete a computerized exam at a testing center, or they can complete it using their own computer. Those who opt for using their own computer are monitored using a process called live remote proctoring.

Other organizations that allow testing via live remote proctoring include:

• Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
• National Commission on Colorectal Health Care
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education
• American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses

Do Employers Recognize Online Nursing Certifications?

Yes, employers recognize and accept online nursing certifications just as they accept those obtained in-person at testing centers.

As long as your certification comes from a reputable, recognized certifying body, such as the ones listed in the previous section, you should have no problem with your credentials being recognized and accepted wherever your job search takes you.

If you have any questions regarding whether a specific certification is legitimate, check with your current or prospective employer to make sure they will recognize the certification.

What Is an Online Nursing Certification?

An online nursing certification is an examination you complete online, from a remote location such as your home, to obtain a specific nursing credential. These credentials allow you to expand your scope of practice and provide care in highly specialized areas of nursing.

What To Expect From an Online Nursing Certification

Each certification has its own unique set of eligibility requirements. These typically include:

• an active, unencumbered RN license
• a certain amount of experience
• a certain number of practice hours within a specialized field

You will submit an online application which will be reviewed by the certifying organization to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. The organization will then send you an invitation to test.

If you choose to test online via live remote proctoring, you will be monitored live throughout the test, and your exam session will be recorded. You will have to use a computer that meets required specifications and test functions such as the webcam before your test. It's important to ensure your computer meets the requirements well before your test to prevent delays.

Benefits of Earning an Online Nursing Certification

Completing your nursing certification online provides a high level of flexibility, as you can complete your test from any location that is convenient for you. You may also have more flexibility in choosing when to take your test.

Online certifications may provide fewer distractions since you can choose a location where you're completely alone instead of being in a room with other test-takers.

Getting certified online may also save you time and money, since you won't have to commute to a test location and can complete the test at home if you choose.

Key Differences Between an Online Nursing Certification and a Traditional One

Online and in-person nursing certifications are quite similar, but they also have some key differences. These differences are as follows:

• Online certifications provide more flexibility.
• In-person certifications are completed at a testing center, while online certifications are completed remotely.
• Online programs may be more affordable and accessible.
• There are more certifications offered online than in-person.

FAQs About Online Nursing Certifications

Still have questions about online nursing certifications? We've answered the most frequently asked questions below.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Nursing Certification?

Each nursing certification is different, but most allow a set amount of time to complete your test, usually three or four hours. Once you have finished, you may be able to view your results immediately and receive your official certification package within a week or two.

Does an Online Nursing Certification Require Any In-Person Training?

Most online nursing certifications provide test outlines or other study materials to help you prepare for the examination. They generally don't require any extra training above what you received in your nursing degree program.

Are Online Nursing Certifications Difficult?

Nursing degrees can be challenging for some candidates, as they often involve long and complicated exams. However, online certifications are not more difficult than in-person certifications. Some test-takers may even find online exams easier since they can complete them from anywhere.

Would an Online Nursing Certification Advance My Nursing Career?

Yes, getting a nursing certification often allows an RN to obtain the title of APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) or to move into more specialized or managerial roles within their field.