Frequently Asked Questions

ABNS (American Board of Nursing Specialties, Inc.) is a not-for-profit, membership organization consisting of specialty nursing certification organizations. 

ABSNC (Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, Inc.), is the only accrediting body specifically for nursing and non- RN nursing team members certification. ABSNC accreditation provides a peer-review mechanism that allows nursing certification organizations to obtain accreditation of their certification programs by demonstrating compliance with the highest quality standards available in the industry.

Nursing certifying organizations interested in applying for accreditation are not required to be ABNS members to apply. However, ABNS members receive a discount on the accreditation application fee. 

Beginning January 1, 2024, ANCC Magnet status will be limited to only board certifications that are accredited. Accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) is one of the recognized credentialing bodies necessary to achieve Magnet status.

Organizations interested in verifying individual certification credentials should contact the appropriate certification board. The ABSNC does not certify practitioners. It accredits certification programs that demonstrate adherence to ABSNC's rigorous standards. 

ABSNC Reviewers can earn up to three (3) ICE‑CCP recertification credits per year—for a total of 12 credits over the four‑year certification cycle—for volunteer service.

To document earned credits when renewing the ICE-CCP credential, reviewers can submit verification of appointment (e.g., an ABSNC appointment letter) for the applicable period. To request an appointment letter, email info@absnc.org.

An organization seeking initial accreditation from ABSNC should submit an electronic Letter of Intent to the ABSNC office at info@absnc.org at least 90 calendar days before application submission.

The application is designed to be descriptive for substantiating a standard. Words such as “submit”, “provide”, “present”, or “document” require a document.  “Describe”, “discuss”, “explain”, “reference”, or “specify” only require narrative. 

To view the complete standard, click on the arrow on the left-hand side of the page to expand the standard and then click on the hyperlink “(show more)”.

All questions regarding issues with the application should be directed to ABSNC headquarters, info@absnc.org.

Documents such as bylaws that may not change and are required for individual applications, need only be submitted once. These documents are indicated as “shared”. If submitting multiple applications at the same time, the documents will be shared across applications. When submitting applications individually, the “shared” documents can be accessed in the organization’s “Library”. 

Organizations can upload to the list of reports identified as “Supporting Documents”. These documents include Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Policy & Procedures Manual, Certification Handbook, etc. and are always available in the “Library”. 

A downloadable copy of the application is available on the ABSNC website at https//absnc.org/accreditation/accreditation-standards-examination-based-certification and at https//absnc.org/resources.

Although approved applications are locked for editing, the detail included on the application can be viewed by clicking on: (1) the blue “View” button on the completed application to open the application, (2) the ellipses (next to the sub-standard you wish to review, (3) “Overview” to see the narrative and the documents provided, and (4) copy and paste to the new application.

An organization must respond within 45 days for an initial information request.  The response must be received within 30 days for a second additional information request.

All reviewers annually execute a non-disclosure agreement and must decline review of applications when a conflict of interest exists. Further, reviewers and staff agree to not upload, input, or otherwise disclose any applicant materials or information into any non-secure, publicly accessible, or third-party system.