School Nurse National Certification
School nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice. Professional certification recognizes the knowledge and expertise required to provide safe, effective care to students.
National Certification (NCSN)
National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) offers voluntary national certification for eligible school nurses. Nurses who successfully meet education requirements earn the credential National Certified School Nurse (NCSN).
National certification recognizes specialized knowledge and professional expertise in school nursing. NASN supports national certification as an important means of advancing professional practice.
NBCSN is an independent organization responsible for establishing certification requirements, administering the examination, and maintaining the NCSN credential.
Interested in becoming nationally certified?
Explore NCSN certification requirements and the exam.
Find certification exam preparation resources.
Join the NASN Online Study Group.
Questions about the certification exam, eligibility, or recertification should be directed to NBCSN at info@nbcsn.org
State Level School Nurse Requirements
Requirements to practice school nursing vary by state. Depending on the state, school nurses may be required to obtain additional certification, credentials, or licensure beyond their nursing license.
State-level requirements are separate from voluntary national certification through NBCSN.
School nurses should consult their NASN state affiliate or state school nurse consultant to learn about requirements in their state.
Understanding Certification and Certificate Programs
Professional certification and educational certificate programs serve different purposes.
Professional certification recognizes an individual's demonstrated knowledge and expertise in a specialty, typically through an assessment process.
Certificate programs recognize completion of a defined educational program and its requirements. Completing a certificate program does not confer professional certification or the NCSN credential.
NASN Resources
National Association of School Nurses. (2026). Education, licensure, and certification of school nurses [Position Statement]. Silver Spring, MD: Author.
Please address all questions regarding the NCSN credential and certification exam to NBCSN at info@nbcsn.org.
Page last updated October 2026.