Fall is nearly here, which means that the application window for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification renewal by continuous learning is now open!
If you have previously received your CNA Certification, your credential will only be valid for a five-year term. At the end of five years, you must renew by submitting a record of continuous learning hours or rewriting the exam. Unsure how? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about renewing your certification by continuous learning!
Why should you renew?
The CNA certification is a nationally recognized nursing specialty credential for nurses. Once certified, you can proudly use the credentials associated with your specialty (WOCC(C) ) after your name. As a CNA-certified nurse, you demonstrate that you "care to be the best", as
certified nurses are…
Recognized nationally for their practice excellence and commitment to lifelong learning
Valued by employers, because their certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and brings many benefits to organizations
Viewed as having enhanced professional credibility
How do you renew my certification through continuous learning (CL) hours?
Continuous learning is a great way to maintain your CNA certification. If you're due for certification renewal, the application window for renewal by continuous learning is open from January 15 to December 15 2024.
Did you know? As an NSWOCC Member, you are eligible for additional Exam Prep Benefits and continuous learning hours to make the renewal process seamless.
Eligible Continuous Learning Activities
By registering as an NSWOCC Member, you automatically gain access to 4 continuous learning hours per year, adding up to a total of 20 hours during the five-year period between certification writing and renewal.
Participating in NSWOCC activities can also earn you CL hours:
NSWOCC Members Journal Club: Qualifies as CL hours under "Independent Study."
NSWOCC WOC Institute Continuing Education Webinars: Qualifies as CL hours under "Webinars."
WOC Institute Preceptors are eligible for CL hours.
Professional Publications: Authors of articles, textbook chapters, teaching guides, or Best Practice Recommendations Documents are eligible for CL hours.
All NSWOCC Board Members and Core Program Leaders can claim 25 hours of CL activities.
If you have any questions or you don’t see an activity you completed, please do not hesitate to contact CNA at certification@cna-aiic.ca.
Not a NSWOCC Member? Not to worry! Simply visit the link below to learn more about becoming a member.
Did you know?
Completing the Advanced Wound Debridement Course counts for 32 hours that you can apply towards your Renewal by Continuous Learning for the WOCC(C) credential through the Canadian Nurses Association! Learn more about this program by clicking the link below.
[NEW!] Track Your Learning with NSWOCC:
To keep track of your CL hours effortlessly, use our brand new tracking form, Simply log your completed activities and submit them as part of your renewal application at the end of your five-year term.
Continuous Learning (CL) Activities — General Guidelines:
The CNA Certification Program offers flexibility in the type of CL activities you can count toward renewing your certification credential. Here are some key guidelines:
CL activities must relate to improving knowledge and skills in your nursing practice specialty.
Each CL activity must be completed within the five-year certification term.
Count one CL hour for each clock hour.
Count any CL activities that are 30 minutes or longer.
No pre-authorization is required to count your CL activities.
Count the same CL activity only once during the five-year term, unless it’s at a higher level.
At NSWOCC, we are here to support you in your journey toward CNA renewal. Don't miss these valuable opportunities! Please feel free to reach out to office@nswoc.ca or chair@wocinstitute.ca with any questions or concerns.