The Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC) is a prestigious credential awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to nurses who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in nurse executive roles. This certification recognizes nurses who have achieved a high level of competence in leading and managing nursing teams and organizations.
Key Facts
- Credential: The NE-BC certification is awarded to nurses who demonstrate competency in nurse executive roles.
- Scope: NE-BC certified nurses are typically responsible for a single group of nurses and/or non-nursing staff. They focus on daily operations, staffing, staff development, and individual and group performance.
- Influence: These nurses have unit, team, service line, department, or program influence and make day-to-day tactical decisions. They are visible to the workforce.
- Eligibility: To be eligible for the NE-BC certification, nurses must fulfill specific requirements set by the ANA, including education, experience, and holding a current license to practice.
- Certification Exam: The NE-BC certification examination is competency-based and assesses the entry-level knowledge and skills of nurse executives. It is a valid and reliable assessment of their abilities.
- Certification Validity: The NE-BC certification and credential are valid for five years. Nurses must renew their certification by fulfilling the renewal criteria in effect at the time of renewal.
- Accreditation: The ANCC Nurse Executive Certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Credential and Scope
The NE-BC certification is a nationally recognized credential that signifies a nurse’s proficiency in nurse executive roles. Certified nurses are typically responsible for a single group of nurses and/or non-nursing staff. They focus on daily operations, staffing, staff development, and individual and group performance. NE-BC certified nurses have unit, team, service line, department, or program influence and make day-to-day tactical decisions. They are visible to the workforce and play a crucial role in shaping the quality of patient care.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NE-BC certification, nurses must fulfill specific requirements set by the ANCC. These requirements include:
- Holding a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or an equivalent in another country
- Holding a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing
- At least 2000 hours of experience in a leadership, management, or administrative role with a primary responsibility for the daily operations and outcomes of one or more unit(s)/departments within the last three years
- Completion of 30 hours of continuing education in leadership, management, or administration within the last three years
Certification Examination
The NE-BC certification examination is competency-based and assesses the entry-level knowledge and skills of nurse executives. It is a valid and reliable assessment of their abilities in areas such as:
- Leadership and management
- Quality improvement
- Patient safety
- Human resources management
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
The exam consists of 150 questions (125 scored plus 25 pretest questions) and must be completed within three hours.
Certification Validity and Renewal
The NE-BC certification and credential are valid for five years. Nurses must renew their certification by fulfilling the renewal criteria in effect at the time of renewal. This includes completing 30 hours of continuing education in leadership, management, or administration within the last five years.
Accreditation
The ANCC Nurse Executive Certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This accreditation ensures that the certification meets the highest standards of quality and validity.
Conclusion
The NE-BC certification is a valuable credential for nurses who aspire to leadership and management roles in healthcare organizations. It demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to professional development and excellence in patient care. By obtaining this certification, nurses can enhance their credibility, advance their careers, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.
References
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC®) | ANA
- Nurse Executive Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) | ANA
- Nurse Executive Certification: NEA-BC & NE-BC Overview | Alliant
FAQs
What is the NE-BC degree?
The NE-BC degree is a certification, not a degree. It is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to nurses who demonstrate competency in nurse executive roles.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NE-BC certification?
To be eligible for the NE-BC certification, nurses must:
- Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or an equivalent in another country
- Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing
- Have at least 2000 hours of experience in a leadership, management, or administrative role with a primary responsibility for the daily operations and outcomes of one or more unit(s)/departments within the last three years
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education in leadership, management, or administration within the last three years
What does the NE-BC certification exam cover?
The NE-BC certification exam covers a range of topics related to nurse executive roles, including:
- Leadership and management
- Quality improvement
- Patient safety
- Human resources management
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
How long is the NE-BC certification valid for?
The NE-BC certification is valid for five years. Nurses must renew their certification by fulfilling the renewal criteria in effect at the time of renewal.
What are the benefits of obtaining the NE-BC certification?
The NE-BC certification demonstrates a nurse’s commitment to professional development and excellence in patient care. It can also enhance a nurse’s credibility, advance their career, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.
Who should consider obtaining the NE-BC certification?
Nurses who aspire to leadership and management roles in healthcare organizations should consider obtaining the NE-BC certification.
How can I prepare for the NE-BC certification exam?
There are a variety of resources available to help nurses prepare for the NE-BC certification exam, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses.
What is the pass rate for the NE-BC certification exam?
The pass rate for the NE-BC certification exam varies, but it is typically around 70%.