CRNFA Certification
for Registered Nurse
First Assistants
Discover the stories of passionate surgical nurses who have transformed their careers and become better professionals, leaders, and team members through Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification.
NASC's Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
Here are the steps for RNFAs to become CRNFA certified
Graduate from an acceptable
RNFA program
Work 2,000 documented hours in the RNFA role
(including pre-, intra-, and post-op)
Apply for CRNFA certification using the employer-paid voucher
Complete the
CRNFA Portfolio
(approximately 3 months)
If the RNFA receives a failing score, they have one chance to revise and resubmit
CRNFA Certification
is awarded when the RNFA receives a passing score.
Eligibility for CRNFA Certification
If the applicant is an RN (not an advanced practice registered nurse), the eligibility requirements for CRNFA certification include the following:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field.
- Current CNOR certification.
- Completion of an acceptable formal RNFA program.
- Current, unrestricted RN licensure in the country where currently practicing.
- A minimum of 2,000 documented hours of practice as an RNFA. Hours may include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care.
If the applicant is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), e.g., CNS, NP, CNM, or CRNA, the eligibility requirements for CRNFA certification include the following:
- Certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) by an accredited national certification program.
- Completion of an acceptable formal RNFA program.
- Current, unrestricted RN licensure in the country where currently practicing.
- A minimum of 2,000 documented hours of practice as an RNFA. Hours may include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care.
Three studies:
- Clinical Case Study
- Professional Practice Study
- Workplace Safety Study
Question and answer format
Three months to complete
Purchase Multiple Vouchers! — Save $$
Your facility can purchase multiple vouchers at a discount for certification of your RNFAs. You have three years to use CRNFA vouchers.
Number of Vouchers
Cost per Voucher
1
$550
2-5
$500
6-10
$400
10-20
$350
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Testimonials
Certification by CRNFA Professional Portfolio
B.P.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Tennessee
The clinical case study portion of this portfolio did a great job inspiring reflection and allowing me to state the reasons behind my practices.
R.D.
BSN, RN, CNOR, RNAS-C, CRNFA
Florida
The CRNFA Professional Portfolio is very thorough and challenging. It needs attention and effort to complete, but it brought out the best in me!
C.P
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Virginia
I am thankful for the opportunity because I feel that this has helped me think about how I will continue to develop my RNFA growth.
N.E.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
California
The portfolio gave me a sense of professionalism by looking deeper into every best standard of practice. It was well worth the time spent.
D.B.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
California
The CRNFA Professional Portfolio required a lot of thought and revisiting of sources for the knowledge and practices I follow.
A.M.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
California
While I was working on it, I realized how much I do as an RNFA. I’ve gained a lot of information that I can share with my co-workers.
D.P.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Alabama
I learned a great deal of information working on the portfolio. The reference list of books and articles was very helpful.
S.K.
MSN, RN, CNOR-CSC, CRNFA. FNP-BC
Indiana
I can only imagine the time and thought that went into developing this certification portfolio! This is a certification to be proud of.
M.F.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
New Jersey
The research and the critical thinking needed to accomplish the CRNFA portfolio gives a better impression of how ready an RNFA is for certification than sitting for an exam.
M.R.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Texas
Earning my CRNFA was a huge accomplishment for me at my workplace. Going through the process of achieving my certification was an added learning experience for me.
H.M.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Tennessee
It has been a personal and professional goal of mine to achieve this certification. Successfully completing the CRNFA professional portfolio made my dream a reality.
L.J.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Ontario, Canada
The CRNFA Professional Portfolio helped me realize the contributions I have made within my hospital system and helped me focus on the importance of my role within my team.
M.E.
BSN, RN, CBN, CNOR, CRNFA
Texas
I worked extremely hard on the portfolio to achieve something that I've always wanted to do. I learned a great deal about my role and felt very proud of my work upon completion.
D.M.
DNP, FNP-C, CRNFA
California
The CRNFA Professional Portfolio was a good and challenging experience. It built upon my existing knowledge and helped me realize how much I have learned.
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W.M.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Michigan
The CRNFA Professional Portfolio has really opened my eyes to all the risks that I normally don’t think about and how things can be done better at my facility.
J.T.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
New Jersey
I definitely have benefited from this portfolio. It was difficult and challenging but it has increased my knowledge and inspired me to get more involved as an RNFA.
I.R.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
California
After completing my RNFA training, I set my sights on the goal of becoming a CRNFA. CRNFA certification has expanded my knowledge and better enables me to practice my profession.
D.S
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Washington
I am mainly an intraoperative RNFA so I had to really study the preoperative and postoperative sections. I feel that I learned a great deal about the other departments.
K.V.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Ohio
The Portfolio gave me the opportunity to reflect on my practices and to continue learning through the current standards. This provided me with the opportunity to further develop my surgical skills.
M.G.
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA
Alabama
What I like most about being a CRNFA is knowing that I have earned this achievement and can confidently provide the best care possible to my patients while assisting our surgeons.
