CNL - Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurses are being called upon to lead healthcare policy, technology, and education initiatives worldwide. The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification is managed by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC), accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). CNL certification distinguishes those nurses who have demonstrated the competencies to support nursing practice across the healthcare continuum.

The CNL certified nurse will be involved in oversight of the coordination of patient care in complex situations, implementing evidence-based nursing practice, leading the evaluation of patient care outcomes, and making decisions to improve care delivery. This certification focuses on masters and post-masters graduates of CNL accredited programs.

Costs

• Exam fee: $425

• Re-take fee: $325

• Rescheduling five or more days before scheduled date: $25

Applicants for the CNL exam must register online. The exam is a computer-based test with 140 multiple-choice items and allows up to three hours to complete.

The CNC administers the CNL exam during four testing windows each year: Winter (January–February), Spring (April–May), Summer (July–August), and Fall (November–December).

To be eligible for the CNL certification exam, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Completion of a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate program or a student in the last term of their eligible program.

• Completion of the minimum 500 initial hours of practice as a CNL as part of their clinical immersion experience in the CNL accredited program.  

• A minimum of 300 clinical hours as listed in American Colleges of Nursing Recommended CNL Practice Experiences.

• Active, unrestricted RN licensure.

Certification is awarded by the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) after verifying the candidate’s RN licensure requirements, successful passing of the CNL exam and submission of the required application documents. These documents include:

• Online CNL Examination Application.

• Online acceptance of the Application Attestation and CNL Standards of Conduct.

• Online Education Documentation Form (submitted by the CNL Program Director).

• Online Request for Special Accommodations Form and Documentation of Disability-Related Needs Form (if applicable).

• Online CNL Faculty Eligibility Documentation Form (if applicable; submitted by the Dean).

The CNL certification is valid for 5 years. In order to renew the certification, the following criteria are required:

• Current CNL certification (active status).

• Current and active, unrestricted professional Registered Nurse license.

• Employment status attestation: minimum of 2,000 hours including direct clinical practice; nursing administration; nursing education; research; or consultation (employment in a CNL capacity, and job title as Clinical Nurse Leader is not required for renewal).

• 50 continuing education hours that support the CNL (continuing education used for RN licensure is acceptable).

• Online Renewal Application and $310 USD fee. Applications submitted on or before December 31st.

• Late fee is $360. For applications submitted after December 31st and July 1-December 30 of the following year.

The CNC offers resources for certification candidates, including:

• Certification Guide

• FAQs

• Clinical Hour Requirements (2024)

• Exam Content Outline

The nurse seeking additional verification of skills in the nursing leadership category may also observe the following certifications:

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC): Validates skills for nurses working in management or program leadership roles.  

• Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC): Credential for nurses working in education and training leadership roles.

• Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM): For healthcare risk management professionals.

• Director of Nursing Services–Certified (DNS-CT): Demonstrates the recipient is a leader who can improve the quality, communication and care of clients at healthcare facilities.

• CCMC Certified Case Manager (CCM)