NCSN - National Certified School Nurse

The Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential is available through the National Board for Certification of School Nurses, Inc. (NBCSN). The NCSN is relevant for nurses with knowledge and skills in the care of students in the educational environment.

School nurses fill an important role in managing student health and illness for children of all ages. The duties of a school nurse include first aid for student snatchers, care plan coordination for students with chronic health needs, medication administration, vision/hearing screenings, and training for allergies, diabetes and other infection prevention strategies.

Applicants for the NCSN credential may apply online via the NCSN Credentialing Portal.

Costs

The cost of certification is $370 for early applicants and $390 for applicants during the two weeks of the application window. There is a $100 late fee for applications submitted after the deadline.

The NBCSN offers examinations through a computer-based testing center or through remote online proctoring from any computer with the internet.

To be eligible for the NCSN credential, the applicant must submit:

• A copy of their registered nurse (RN) license.

• An academic transcript or proof of current certification, demonstrating completion of one of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing or the equivalent in other countries

  • A master’s degree in education with a concentration in school nursing or school health services from an NBCSN approved, accredited institution. 

  • Current certification by NBCSN as an NCSN.

Applicants who completed their education outside of the U.S. must submit verification of their international credentials obtained through a certified evaluation service.

• Completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours that have been worked within the three years documented by a note on letterhead from your supervisor or district official.

According to the NBCSN, “eligible clinical practice in school nursing means actively employed or contracted to provide a direct or indirect professional contribution to the health and education of students and their families in public or private school settings.”

The NCSN certification is valid for five years. The nurse must either retake and pass the Certification Examination for School Nurses, or meet current continuing education and recertification requirements.

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

• A copy of the applicant’s current RN license.

• Employment in school health or related services with a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the area of school nursing during the past five years, at least 750 of which must be in the last three years.

• Payment of required application fee of $255.

To apply for recertification by continuing education, 75 hours of continuing education or approved professional activity credits related to school nursing practice must be submitted. These activities must be related to the practice of school nursing, sponsored by an approved national or state accrediting organization, and must have been completed during the five years before the expiration date on the applicant’s certification.

The nurse may submit the requirements for recertification up to 90 days late with a $100 late fee.

The NBCSN offers a candidate handbook, online study group and other exam prep resources to help candidates prepare for the NCSN exam.

Other related certifications include:

• NASP Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)

• ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC)

• NASW Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

• NBCC National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) offers the School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) for nurses in California.