Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health Nursing certification
This is a paper-and-pencil exam
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
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Application and Pricing (PDF: 339KB)
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health (CNS) is a registered nurse prepared in a graduate
level public/community health clinical nurse specialist program or an accepted equivalent. The CNS has
advanced knowledge and proficiency in utilizing public health sciences and skills in the assessment of
communities and populations, policy development, program planning, effective communication, and the
impact of cultural influences on health. By combining public/community health with nursing theory and
research, the CNS’s practice considers all influences on the population and community in decision making
and outcome evaluation. The CNS is actively engaged in education (e.g. community, staff, students, and
colleagues), case management, expert clinical practice, consultation, research, and administration.
Eligibility Criteria
(Must meet requirements in either Option A or Option B)
Option A
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Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
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Hold a master’s, post-master’s, or doctorate from a public/community health clinical nurse specialist program accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
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A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in the Public/Community Health CNS role and
specialty must be included in the educational program. Public/community health supervised clinical hours are interpreted broadly to include: population-focused and community-focused hours in a practicum; field work in community-based organizations; project planning related to populations and/or communities; or program development for specific populations or communities.
Option B
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Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
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Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing.
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Hold a master’s or higher degree in public health with a specialization in community and/or public health nursing. The specialization in community and/or public health nursing must be verified by an official letter from the institution where your degree was obtained or by a statement on your official transcript.
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A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical/practicum hours in the Public/Community Health CNS role and specialty must be included your educational program. Public/community health supervised clinical hours are interpreted broadly to include: population-focused and community-focused hours in a practicum; field work in community-based organizations; project planning related to populations and/or communities; or program development for specific populations or communities.
All requirements must be completed prior to application for the examination.
Credential Awarded: CNS-BC (Clinical Nurse Specialist – Board Certified)
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