CMSRN Recertification Requirements

You must renew your CMSRN credential every 5 years by completing 1,000 medical-surgical practice hours and earning 90 contact hours, or by passing the exam again. You also need to maintain an active RN license throughout your entire certification cycle.

How often do I need to renew my certification?

You must recertify every 5 years. Your cycle begins the day you pass the test and ends exactly five years later.

How many practice hours do I need to renew?

You need 1,000 medical-surgical practice hours. You must complete these clinical hours within your current 5-year certification window.

How many continuing education hours are required?

You need a total of 90 contact hours if you choose to renew through continuing education instead of testing.

What types of contact hours count toward renewal?

Out of your 90 total hours, at least 68 must be directly related to medical-surgical nursing. You can use up to 22 hours for general professional development.

Can I renew by taking the test again?

Yes. You can choose re-examination instead of logging 90 contact hours. You still need to meet the 1,000 practice hour requirement and hold an active RN license.

Do I need to keep my nursing license active?

Yes. An active, unencumbered RN license is mandatory for renewal.

What happens if I do not have enough practice hours?

You cannot renew if you fall short of the 1,000 medical-surgical practice hours. For specific extension or inactive status policies, check the MSNCB official handbook.

How do I submit my contact hours?

You will log them through your online account. For the exact submission steps and deadlines, review the MSNCB renewal guidelines.

What counts as professional development hours?

These 22 allowable hours can cover broader nursing topics outside strict med-surg clinical care. To see a list of acceptable leadership or education topics, consult the MSNCB certification manual.

If I choose to re-test, how should I prepare?

You should study the current test blueprint. We offer over 4100 practice questions to help you review the five core domains before your test date.

How much does it cost to recertify?

Renewal fees vary based on your membership status and whether you use contact hours or re-test. Refer to the official MSNCB website for the current pricing schedule.