CGRN - Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse

The Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse credential (CGRN) is relevant for nurses with expertise in caring for clients with digestive conditions, infection prevention, and endoscopy. The CGRN credential is available through the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN).

Nursing certification is provided to professionals who have demonstrated current knowledge and skills within their practice specialty. For nurses working with clients in gastroenterology, the specialty certification provides validation of their commitment to quality care for this population.

Cost

The cost is $430 for Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) members and $520 for non-members.

Applicants for the CGRN credential may apply online via the ABCGN. The certification exam is 175 multiple choice questions with four hours allotted for the exam completion.

To be eligible for the CGRN certification, the following are required:

• Current RN licensure in the United States.

• Employed for a minimum of two years or 4000 hours in GI/endoscopy in clinical, supervisory, administrative, teaching, or research role(s).

  • Employment must be at the RN level of practice.

  • Nurses working in industry roles must have at least 40% focus on clinical practice, education, or research. Sales work is not eligible.

• Submission of two practitioners as references within the gastroenterology field that can verify work experience.  

• Copy of current RN licensure for ABCGN verification.

Application Deadlines

• Candidates that apply between January 1 and February 28, can test between May 1 - May 31.

• Candidates that apply between June 1 - July 31, can test between October 1 - October 31.

The CGRN certification is valid for five years. 

To renew the certification, the nurse must fulfill the following items:

• Employed in a clinical, supervisory, administrative, teaching/education, or research capacity for a minimum of two years full-time, or its part-time equivalent of 4,000 hours, within the past five years.

• Nurses working in industry roles must have at least 40% focus on clinical practice, education on research. Sales work is not eligible.

Recertification for the CGRN is available via two pathways: Examination or Continuing Education (CE) hours. 

• To recertify by examination, the nurse will take the most current certification examination for initial certification and must meet the same deadlines and fees.

• To qualify for recertification by contact hours, a candidate must submit 75 contact hours with a minimum of 60 GI-specific contact hours, 30 of which must be from CE-approved nursing seminars and workshops.

Renewal Fees

By Examination

• SGNA members $430

• Non-members $520

By Contact Hours

• SGNA members $350

• Non-members $435

The ABCGN provides a pre-review process for nurses who prefer to have their contact hours (CE) reviewed before submitting the certificate application. The fee is $50.

The ABCGN offers resources for exam candidates, including an Exam Blueprint, Exam Resources and Study Tips.