What Is CPC and Why Does It Matter?
Continued Professional Certification (CPC) is the NBCRNA's program for maintaining your CRNA credential. It replaced the previous recertification examination model, which required passing a high-stakes exam every few years.
CPC is designed to be ongoing rather than a single point-in-time test. You earn credits throughout a 4-year cycle by completing approved education, practice-related activities, and an assessment. The goal: demonstrate that you're maintaining and advancing your clinical competence — not just passing a test.
If you don't complete your CPC requirements by your cycle deadline, your NBCRNA certification lapses. That means you can't practice as a CRNA until you remediate. It's not hypothetical — CRNAs lose income every year because they didn't track their credits properly.
The Two Credit Classes: A and B
CPC credits fall into two categories. You need both. They're not interchangeable — 100 Class B credits doesn't satisfy the Class A requirement.
Class A — Core Anesthesia
60 credits required per cycle
Pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, anesthesia techniques, and other content directly related to anesthesia practice. These are the "clinical knowledge" credits.
Approved sources:
- • AANA-approved CE with Class A designation
- • Academic courses in anesthesia-related subjects
- • NBCRNA CPC Assessment modules (8 credits each)
- • Simulation-based education (approved programs)
- • Board-approved specialty CE conferences
Class B — Professional Development
40 credits required per cycle
Patient safety, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy, ethics, wellness, and professional issues. Broader than pure anesthesia knowledge.
Approved sources:
- • AANA-approved CE with Class B designation
- • Patient safety coursework (APSF, IHI, etc.)
- • Quality improvement projects (with documentation)
- • Professional publications (authorship credits)
- • Leadership and management education
Key detail: You need a minimum of 60 Class A and 40 Class B, but you can earn more than 100 total. Extra credits in one class do notcarry over to the next cycle and cannot substitute for the other class. If you have 80 Class A and 20 Class B, you're still short on Class B.
The CPC Assessment
In addition to earning credits, every CPC cycle requires completing CPC Assessment modules. This is the closest thing to the old recertification exam — but it's open-book, self-paced, and designed for learning rather than gatekeeping.
Format
Online, self-paced modules. Each module covers a specific anesthesia topic area (pharmacology, regional, cardiac, OB, pediatric, etc.). Modules include content review and assessment questions.
Passing
You must achieve a minimum score on each module. If you don't pass, you can retake the module. There is no limit on retakes, and you can use references during the assessment.
Credits earned
Each completed CPC Assessment module earns 8 Class A credits. These count toward your 60 Class A requirement. Completing 4 modules gives you 32 of your 60 Class A credits.
Required modules
The NBCRNA determines which modules are required for your cycle. Typically 4 modules per cycle, though this can vary. Check your NBCRNA portal for your specific requirements.
Timing
Modules are released on a rolling basis throughout your cycle. Don't wait until the last year — start as soon as modules become available. The content is substantial and takes 4-8 hours per module.
Your 4-Year Cycle Timeline
Your CPC cycle is individualized — it's based on your initial certification date, not a universal start date. Log into your NBCRNA portal to see your exact cycle dates. Here's how to pace yourself:
Year 1
- Log into NBCRNA portal, confirm cycle dates and required modules
- Complete 1 CPC Assessment module (8 Class A credits)
- Earn 10+ additional Class A credits from CE activities
- Earn 10 Class B credits
- Running total target: ~28 credits
Year 2
- Complete 1-2 CPC Assessment modules (8-16 Class A credits)
- Earn 10+ additional CE credits (mix of A and B)
- Attend at least one major conference (AANA Annual, state meetings)
- Running total target: ~55 credits
Year 3
- Complete remaining CPC Assessment modules
- Audit your credit totals — are you on pace for both A and B?
- Fill gaps in whichever class is behind
- Running total target: ~80 credits
Year 4
- Complete remaining credits — do not wait until the last month
- Verify all credits are posted to your NBCRNA transcript
- Confirm all CPC Assessment modules show as complete
- Submit any pending documentation at least 60 days before deadline
- Running total: 100+ credits (60 A + 40 B minimum)
Where to Earn Credits
Not all CE is created equal. Here are the most efficient and cost-effective ways to accumulate your CPC credits:
AANA Annual Congress
30-40+ credits (mix A/B)$$$ (registration + travel)The single highest-yield CE event. 4 days can cover 30-40% of your cycle requirements. Worth attending at least once per cycle.
State Association Meetings
10-20 credits$$ (lower cost, less travel)Most state CRNA associations hold annual meetings with AANA-approved CE. Often closer and cheaper than the national congress.
AANA Online CE Center
Variable (per course)$ - $$ (many free for members)Self-paced modules on anesthesia topics. AANA members get access to a library of free CE. Good for filling Class A gaps.
ProCE / NursingCE / APEX
Variable$ (subscription models)Third-party CE platforms with AANA-approved courses. Subscription pricing can be efficient if you need a lot of credits quickly.
Hospital-Sponsored CE
Varies widelyOften freeGrand rounds, in-services, journal clubs. Check with your department — some facilities provide significant CE as part of your employment benefits.
Academic Teaching
Class B creditsFree (you're the one teaching)If you precept SRNAs or teach in a program, this counts toward Class B credits. Document your hours and submit to NBCRNA.
Published Research / Quality Improvement
Class B creditsFree (your time)Published papers, poster presentations, and documented QI projects can earn Class B credits. Great for CRNAs in academic or leadership roles.
CPC Credit Tracker
Pro+ members get a built-in CPC tracker that logs Class A/B credits, calculates remaining requirements, sends deadline reminders, and exports your full transcript.
Common Mistakes That Cost CRNAs Their Certification
Waiting until Year 4 to start
The most common failure mode. CPC Assessment modules take hours of focused study. CE conferences sell out. Don't create a situation where you're scrambling for 40 credits in 3 months.
Not checking credit classification
You attend a great conference and assume all credits are Class A. They're not — many sessions are Class B. Always verify the classification before counting a credit toward your total.
Assuming CE from your employer counts
In-house training may or may not be AANA-approved. ACLS recertification doesn't count unless it's specifically approved for CPC. Verify every credit source against the NBCRNA approved list.
Not verifying your transcript
Credits earned aren't always posted immediately. Some CE providers take weeks to report. Log into your NBCRNA portal quarterly and verify every credit is showing. If something's missing, follow up immediately — don't discover it at the deadline.
Ignoring the CPC Assessment modules
Assessment modules are required separately from regular CE credits. Having 100 CE credits doesn't matter if you haven't completed the assessment. Check your portal for which modules are assigned to your cycle.
Letting your AANA membership lapse
AANA membership gives you access to free and discounted CE, the online CE center, and conference pricing. Letting it lapse during your cycle means paying retail for credits that would have been free.
What Happens If You Don't Complete CPC?
If you reach the end of your 4-year cycle without meeting all requirements, your NBCRNA certification lapses. Here's what that means:
You cannot practice. Your state license is tied to NBCRNA certification. No certification = no license = no clinical practice. This takes effect immediately at cycle end.
Remediation is required. The NBCRNA has a remediation process to restore certification, but it's not instant. It can take weeks to months, during which you cannot work as a CRNA.
Financial impact is severe. At average CRNA daily rates of $800-$1,500, even a 2-week gap costs $8,000-$15,000 in lost income. Plus remediation fees.
Professional reputation. Employers and staffing agencies notice. A certification lapse shows up in verification checks and can affect future credentialing.
Bottom line: CPC is not optional and the consequences of falling behind are real and expensive. Treat it like any other non-negotiable professional obligation.
CPC for New Graduates
If you're a newly certified CRNA, your first CPC cycle starts on your initial certification date. A few things to know:
- Your first cycle is still 4 years and still requires 100 credits (60 A + 40 B)
- Credits earned during SRNA training do NOT count toward CPC — the clock starts at certification
- Join AANA immediately for access to free CE and member pricing on conferences
- Start your CPC Assessment modules as soon as they're assigned — don't let the new-grad learning curve distract you
- Set up a tracking system from Day 1 — spreadsheet, app, or our CPC Tracker tool
Quick Reference: State CE Requirements vs. CPC
CPC is a national certification requirement from the NBCRNA. Your state board of nursing may have additional continuing education requirements for license renewal. These are separate and you must satisfy both.
NBCRNA CPC (National)
- 100 credits per 4-year cycle
- 60 Class A + 40 Class B
- CPC Assessment modules required
- Maintains your CRNA certification
State CE (Varies by State)
- Hours vary (20-50+ per renewal cycle)
- May require specific topics (pharmacology, opioids, ethics)
- Renewal cycle may differ from CPC cycle
- Maintains your state APRN/CRNA license
Many CE activities satisfy both CPC and state requirements simultaneously. Check your state board's specific CE requirements on our 50-State Map.