Nurse practitioner certification exam now available

Dermatology Nursing, August, 2008 by Daniel B. Burfeind

The Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB) is now offering a certification exam for nurse practitioners in dermatology. The first NP exam was offered during the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) Convention in March 2008 and is scheduled to be held three times each year. The credential earned after passing the exam is Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP). Forty-seven nurse practitioners in dermatology have taken the exam, and 72% have earned certification. Eligibility requirements and application deadlines are available at www.dnanurse.org/certification.> DCNP certification provides an added credential beyond the nurse practitioner license and demonstrates the NP has acquired specialized dermatology knowledge and adheres to practice standards. "The DCNP credential recognizes the highest achievement for nurse practitioners specializing in dermatology nursing practice," said DNCB President Melissa O'Neill, MS, APRN, DNC. "This new exam is one more way we, as dermatology nurses, can validate proficiency of practice and excellence in dermatology nursing."

Those who wish to become certified must hold a current RN license, hold a current NP license, and meet all eligibility requirements. The certification is valid for 3 years and recertification may be attained through contact hours of continuing nursing education credit or by examination. The fee for the exam is $275 for DNA Nurse Practitioner Society members and nurses who are Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC), and $375 for those who are not DNA Nurse Practitioner Society members. The next DCNP exam will be offered on October 11, 2008, at various cities around the country.

For more information on the DCNP exam or to obtain an application, visit www.dnanurse.org/certification. The DNCB National Office can be reached at 856-256-2330 or dncb@ajj.com. Applications should be mailed to DCNP Certification Program c/o C-NET, 601 Pavonia Avenue, Suite 201, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

Daniel B. Burfeind, RN, DNC, is a Staff Nurse, Molts Department, Panzer Dermatology, Newark, DE; and a Dermatology Nursing Editorial Board Member.