AHN-BC - Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified
- Cost: $450-$550
- Renews every 5 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified (AHN-BC) certification validates the knowledge and skills of registered nurses providing advanced holistic care. The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) offers the AHN-BC exam and contracts the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) to handle applications and administration. The Accreditation Board for Speciality Nursing Certification (ABSNC) accredits the AHN-BC certification.
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the AHN-BC exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Have an active RN license in the U.S. or other country of residence
Hold a master’s degree or higher in nursing
1 year of full-time practice as a holistic nurse or 2,000 hours of part-time practice over the last 5 years
Completed 48 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in holistic nursing or holistic health-related courses in the past 2 years
Cost: Applicants must pay an initial application fee and an examination fee.
Application Fee:
AHNA/FBCN/NOVA Member: $100
Non-member: $125
Endorsed school program graduates: $75
Examination Fee:
AHNA/FBCN/NOVA Member: $395
Non-member: $425
Endorsed school program graduates: $375
Retake fee: $225
Course Format
Exam Format
The AHN-BC exam includes a maximum of 150 questions. Exam topics include:
Holistic Philosophy, Theories, and Ethics (12%)
Holistic Nurse Self-Reflection, Self-Development, and Self-Care (3%)
Holistic Caring Process (43%)
Holistic Communication, Therapeutic Relationships, Healing Environments, and Cultural Care (25%)
Holistic Education and Research (17%)
Test Dates
PSI Test Centers offer AHN-BC exams Mondays through Saturdays year-round.
Register for the Exam
After AHN_BC applicants pay the examination fee, they receive an electronic examination permit within 5 days from PSI Test Centers. This email contains a candidate ID and online scheduling instructions. Candidates must use the online link provided in their electronic examination permit to schedule their test date. They receive a confirmation email with the date, time and location of their exam. Candidates should verify the accuracy of this information.
View PSI Test Center locations page to find the nearest testing center.
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time
Bring government-issued photo identification
Don’t bring any items besides identification as the testing site doesn’t provide lockers
Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the testing room
Examinees receive their exam results immediately after exam completion. They receive their certificates digitally 2 to 3 weeks after passing their exam.
Certification
Application Process
Navigate to the C-NET website
Click “Learn More” under AHN-BC: Advanced Holistic Nursing - Board Certified
Click “Online Application” under Handbook - Application - Study Materials
Select “AHN-BC: Advanced Holistic Nursing - Board Certified” and click “Select”
Enter demographic information
Enter license information
Enter eligibility and background information
Answer personal information questions
Enter current employer information
Enter education information
Check the box under Candidate Agreement and Signature
Type name and click “Next”
Attach a copy of government ID, RN license, and transcript/diploma
Check the box under Candidate Statement and Signature
Click “Submit Application and Proceed to Payment”
Enter payment information
Applicants receive an email confirmation of eligibility from C-NET within 4 to 6 weeks of application submission with instructions on how to pay their examination fee. They have 14 days to pay this fee.
Renewal
AHN-BC certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal applicants are encouraged to apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiration and no later than 60 days before expiration. To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:
Have an active RN license in the U.S. or their country of residence
Have a valid AHN-BC certification
Be actively involved in holistic nursing
Complete 100 contact hours of continuing education or professional development in holistic nursing
Write and submit 2 test items relevant to current holistic nursing
Pay renewal fee
To renew certification:
Download the recertification application
Check the box next to “AHN-BC”
Complete background information
Complete employment and education information
Complete license information
Read and sign the Letter of Agreement with AHNCC
Include a copy of RN license and 2 written test items
Include a check or PayPal receipt
Email to [email protected] or mail to AHNCC, 811 Linden Loop, Cedar Park, Texas 78613
Renewal Fees
AHNA/FBCN/NOVA Member Renewal: $345
Non-member Renewal: $375
Continuing Education
Renewal applicants must complete 100 hours of continuing education or professional development in any of the following categories related to holistic nursing:
Accredited contact hours
Academic courses
Employer in-services or other programs, courses, workshops not offering official CE credits
Presentations
Poster presentation
Curriculum development
Publications
Designing educational materials
Research projects
Professional committee membership
Item writing
Item review session or examination development committee
Preceptor in holistic nursing
Holistic, integrative nursing projects
Refer to the Recertification Handbook for full information on continuing education and professional development categories.
Other Resources
The AHNCC provides several resources to help prepare for the AHN-BC exam, including:
AHN-BC Handbook with sample questions on page 11
Practice Exam 50-questions available for $65
Core Essentials for the Practice of Advanced Holistic Nursing
Related Certifications
Frequently asked questions
What if I fail the AHN-BC?
If you fail the AHN-BC, you must wait 30 days to retake the test. The reduced rate of $225 is applicable for 12 months after the initial test date.
Can I keep my AHN-BC certification if I’m no longer practicing?
If you’re no longer practicing, you can place your AHN-BC certification in inactive or retired status if applicable.
Can I apply for the AHN-BC before I graduate?
No, you can’t apply for the AHC-BC exam before graduation because you must be able to provide all eligibility documentation at the time of application.
Is there a deadline to renew the AHN-BC certification?
The AHN-BC recertification application must be postmarked or received 60 days before the expiration date or a $35 late fee will be applied.
Can I renew my AHN-BC certification after it has expired?
Yes, you have 2 years after the expiration date to reactivate your AHN-BC certification. You must submit a reactivation application and a $100 reactivation fee.