NAPNES offers licensed practical / vocational nurses post licensure certification in Pharmacology, Long-Term Care, and IV Therapy.
Designations
After successful completion of certification exams, candidates
may use the following designations in their signature / title:
NAPNES is also researching additional post licensure certifications in partnership with other organizations. These include but are not limited to: first responder, case management, PN Education and more. From time to time, NAPNES conducts practice analysis surveys via our web site. We encourage LP/VNs, LP/VN employers and educators to participate in all surveys applicable.
In order to help keep our costs at a minimum, certified nurses and certification candidates should review all of the FAQs and follow the procedures exactly. This helps reduce our costs and helps us serve you more quickly.
This page serves as the gateway to information about current certifications, certification news, certification research, certification and recertification application. The menu that appears at both the top and bottom of this page appears throughout this section. Candidates are strongly encouraged to subscribe to our free online newsletter (form below). Notices about certification / recertification changes are sent via our free online newsletter, and through the "Journal of Practical Nursing" (which requires either membership in NAPNES or a separate subscription).
Allied Health Professional Certificate in Long-Term Care
New in 2010, NAPNES approved a certification exam in Long-Term Care for unlicensed assistive personnel. The AHP CLTC reviews the following concepts:
This program confirms to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable in long-term care and is engaged in skill building.

OVERVIEW
NAPNES Certification in Intravenous Therapy (IV Therapy Certification) allows LP/VNs to measure their knowledge against a national test and offers a national, post-licensure credential that many employers ask for by name. Since the mid sixties, NAPNES Certification programs have been a mark of excellence -- certification above minimum standards for licensure -- for licensed practical / vocational nurses. Put the LPN/LVN, IV Therapy designation in your portfolio! Use the links to the right for additional information and to become certified by NAPNES in IV Therapy.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found below.
NAPNES also offers a special program for schools that would like to have 100% of their students become pharmacology certified. Click the Special School Program link for details.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: NAPNES' Certification Board has made several rule changes that become effective January 1, 2007. Please click here for more information.
Download Your Info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does certification cost?
If you are applying for certification the first time, there are two primary costs involved. The first is a $100.00 registration fee paid to NAPNES at the time you apply. You will also be paying a testing fee to Castle Worldwide when you log-in to take the certification exam. The current fee for the Castle testing is $60.00 for the first try and $50.00 for each additional attempt.
Recertification costs are not yet established, since IV Therapy certification is not yet 3 years old.
There can be other fees that are dependent on the candidate and not NAPNES. For example, you can order study materials at an additional cost. There are also fees if you do not take the exam within 60 days of application or if a check you send to NAPNES bounces. If you apply for renewal late, there are late filing penalties as well. NAPNES will not issue membership cards or certification cards if any fees are unpaid or outstanding.
If you are applying for the IV Therapy exam, the registration fee paid via PayPal at NAPNES is $100. The study course fees are separate from the registration fee. Study course and exam fees are available at www.nursingcerts.com.
How long will my certification be valid?
Certification is for a period of three (3) years from the date it is issued. NAPNES makes reasonable attempts to notify certified nurses that their credential is expiring, however, it is the nurses responsibility to maintain certification.
How long does the process take?
Much of the time required will depend on you. Basically it takes NAPNES four to six weeks to process an application. You can reduce this time by using online payments, faxing or emailing applications, etc. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. The process requires time as we conduct verifications on every application.
Does certification include membership in NAPNES?
No. Membership in NAPNES has no bearing on certification. NAPNES members do get discounts on membership study materials for example. If you want to be a member of NAPNES, this is a separate process and you must apply for and pay member dues.
Will I get a raise if I'm certified?
While many employers do pay an additional hourly rate to nurses who have a national certification, we cannot promise your employer does. You will need to check with your employer.
What about the test?
When you take the certification exams you will be asked 125-160 multiple choice questions. The test is time limited. You can take the test from any computer that is connected to the Internet. We strongly recommend that you have a place that will be quite and where you will be uninterrupted during the testing process. A score of 80% is required to pass the exam.

OVERVIEW
LP/VN LTC Certification
Long-Term Care certification is comprehensive in that it covers the entire life-span, from cradle to grave, for people that are chronically ill. So whether your patients and clients are babies, seniors, or in between, this is an excellent certification to have in your portfolio. This certification replaced the NAPNES Gerontology Certification program. It is more comprehensive because while it certainly covers nursing care in geriatrics, it has a much broader appeal for excellence in nursing care for all age groups with chronic illnesses. The LPN, CLTC, designation confirms to employers that you engage in national skill-building.
For fastest service we recommend that you pay online and then download the application form and mail it along with supporting documentation to NAPNES.
Allied Health Professional
New in 2010, NAPNES approved the Certificate in Long-Term Care for unlicensed assistive personnel - the Allied Health Professional - Certificate in Long-Term Care (AHP CLTC).
AHPs register directly at www.nursingcerts.com.
Three years in the planning, the certificate exam for the basic entry level for care of the chronically ill is now approved by NAPNES. The preparation for this exam provides the foundation to pass the exam, develop the skills, the knowledge, and professionalism.
New in 2011, NAPNES approved the IV Therapy Certification Course for LP/VNS. Information about this new course is also on this page. The NAPNES approved online study course is available at www.nursingcerts.com.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: NAPNES' Certification Board has made several rule changes that become effective January 1, 2007. Please click here for more information.
Download Your Info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does certification cost?
If you are applying for the LP/VNcertification the first time, there are two primary costs involved. The first is a $100.00 registration fee paid to NAPNES at the time you apply. You will also be paying a testing fee to Castle Worldwide when you log-in to take the certification exam. The current fee for the Castle testing is $60.00 for the first try and $50.00 for each additional attempt.
Recertification costs $150.00. There are no testing fees unless you recertify by examination. Recertification costs more because we must verify your continuing education and employment.
There can be other fees that are dependent on the candidate and not NAPNES. For example, you can order study materials at an additional cost. There are also fees if you do not take the exam within 60 days of application or if a check you send to NAPNES bounces. If you apply for renewal late, there are late filing penalties as well. NAPNES will not issue membership cards or certification cards if any fees are unpaid or outstanding.
If you are applying for the AHP CLTC exam, the registration fee paid via PayPal at NAPNES is $35. The study course fees are separate from the registration fee. Study course and exam fees are available at www.nursingcerts.com.
How long will my certification be valid?
Certification is for a period of three (3) years from the date it is issued. NAPNES makes reasonable attempts to notify certified nurses that their credential is expiring, however, it is the nurses responsibility to maintain certification.
How long does the process take?
Much of the time required will depend on you. Basically it takes NAPNES four to six weeks to process an application. You can reduce this time by using online payments, faxing or emailing applications, etc. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. The process requires time as we conduct verifications on every application.
Does certification include membership in NAPNES?
No. Membership in NAPNES has no bearing on certification. NAPNES members do get discounts on membership study materials for example. If you want to be a member of NAPNES, this is a separate process and you must apply for and pay member dues.
Will I get a raise if I'm certified?
While many employers do pay an additional hourly rate to nurses who have a national certification, we cannot promise your employer does. You will need to check with your employer.
What about the test?
When you take the certification exam you will be asked 150 multiple choice questions. The test is time limited. You can take the test from any computer that is connected to the Internet. We strongly recommend that you have a place that will be quite and where you will be uninterrupted during the testing process. A score of 80% is required to pass the exam.

OVERVIEW
For more than 30 years NAPNES Certification in Pharmacology has allowed LP/VNs to measure their knowledge against a national test and offers a national, post-licensure credential that many employers require. Since the mid sixties, NAPNES Certification in Pharmacology has been a mark of excellence -- certification above minimum standards for licensure -- for licensed practical / vocational nurses. Put the LPN/LVN, NCP, designation in your portfolio! Use the links below for additional information and to become certified by NAPNES in pharmacology.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found below.
NAPNES also offers a special program for schools that would like to have 100% of their students become pharmacology certified. Click the Special School Program link for details.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: NAPNES' Certification Board has made several rule changes that become effective January 1, 2007. Please click here for more information.
Download Your Info
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does certification cost?
If you are applying for certification the first time, there are two primary costs involved. The first is a $100.00 registration fee paid to NAPNES at the time you apply. You will also be paying a testing fee to Castle Worldwide when you log-in to take the certification exam. The current fee for the Castle testing is $60.00 for the first try and $50.00 for each additional attempt.
Recertification costs $100.00 for non-members and $50.00 for members. There are no testing fees unless you recertify by examination.
There can be other fees that are dependent on the candidate and not NAPNES. For example, you can order study materials at an additional cost. There are also fees if you do not take the exam within 60 days of application or if a check you send to NAPNES bounces. If you apply for renewal late, there are late filing penalties as well. NAPNES will not issue membership cards or certification cards if any fees are unpaid or outstanding.
How long will my certification be valid?
Certification is for a period of three (3) years from the date it is issued. NAPNES makes reasonable attempts to notify certified nurses that their credential is expiring, however, it is the nurses responsibility to maintain certification.
How long does the process take?
Much of the time required will depend on you. Basically it takes NAPNES four to six weeks to process an application. You can reduce this time by using online payments, faxing or emailing applications, etc. DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. The process requires time as we conduct verifications on every application.
Does certification include membership in NAPNES?
No. Membership in NAPNES has no bearing on certification. NAPNES members do get discounts on membership study materials for example. If you want to be a member of NAPNES, this is a separate process and you must apply for and pay member dues.
Will I get a raise if I'm certified?
While many employers do pay an additional hourly rate to nurses who have a national certification, we cannot promise your employer does. You will need to check with your employer.
What about the test?
When you take the certification exam you will be asked 150 multiple choice questions. The test is time limited. You can take the test from any computer that is connected to the Internet. We strongly recommend that you have a place that will be quite and where you will be uninterrupted during the testing process. A score of 75% is required to pass the exam.
This page contains links to important news regarding NAPNES certifications and the Certification Department.
|
Date
|
News Headline and Link
|
| 3/1/08 | LP/LVN and PN EDUCATORS - Salary Survey |
| 3/1/09 | Infusion Therapy Job Analysis Survey - LP/VNs with 1+ years of experience only. (Survey Complete see "Published Surveys" for details) |
| 7/1/2007 | New Policy - Unencumbered License (All Certifications) <PDF File> |
| 11/12/2006 | Summary of Rule Changes (All Certifications> <PDF File> |
| 11/06/2006 | New Certification Term (All Certifications) <PDF File> |