How to Maintain Your CEN Certification | 2025 Requirements

TLDR:

  • Validity: 4 years from initial certification
  • Recertify by: 100 CE hours or exam retake
  • CE Focus: 75+ hours emergency-specific
  • Plan: 25 CE hours per year
  • Submit: At least 30 days before expiration

Earning your Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential is a major professional achievement — but maintaining it is just as important. Recertification shows your continued commitment to excellence in emergency nursing and ensures that your clinical knowledge stays current with evolving standards.

The CEN certification is valid for four years, and during that time, you must meet specific renewal requirements to keep it active. Whether you choose to recertify by exam or through continuing education (CE), this guide breaks down every step you need to follow.

Before we start, make sure you’re studying with up-to-date resources aligned to current BCEN content and practice expectations:

👉 CEN Study Guide (Comprehensive Review Notes)
👉 CEN Practice Questions (Exam-Style Q&A with Rationales)

These resources not only help you pass but also serve as excellent review tools during your certification cycle to stay sharp and CE-ready.

CEN Recertification Requirements (Valid Through 2025)

Your CEN certification must be renewed every 4 years from your initial exam date. You can maintain it in one of two ways — by earning continuing education hours or by retaking the CEN exam.

Requirement Details
Certification Duration 4 years from the date of passing your initial CEN exam.
Option 1: Recertify by Continuing Education (CE) Earn 100 contact hours of emergency nursing–related CE within the 4-year period.
Option 2: Recertify by Exam Retake and pass the CEN exam again before your expiration date.
Valid RN License You must maintain an active, unrestricted RN license during your certification period.

💡 Tip: Mark your expiration date on your calendar as soon as you certify. BCEN sends reminders, but tracking it yourself helps you plan CE completion ahead of time.

Option 1: Recertification by Continuing Education (CE Credits)

The most popular renewal method is continuing education. This option is flexible and allows you to maintain your credential while working full-time.

Requirement Details
Total Hours Needed 100 contact hours every 4 years.
Emergency Focus At least 75 hours must directly relate to emergency nursing topics (e.g., trauma, critical care, cardiac emergencies).
Accredited Sources CE must come from accredited providers, such as ANCC, ENA, or BCEN-approved educational organizations.
Documentation You must retain CE certificates for all activities completed in case of a BCEN audit.

💡 Tip: Spread your CE hours throughout the 4-year cycle. Aim for 25 hours per year to avoid a last-minute rush before renewal.

Types of CE That Qualify

  • Workshops and Conferences (ENA, AACN, BCEN events)
  • Online CE Courses or Webinars
  • Simulation-Based Training Sessions
  • Academic Courses (if emergency-related)
  • Precepting or Teaching Emergency Nursing Topics

Each activity must align with emergency nursing competencies to count toward your 100-hour requirement.

Option 2: Recertification by Exam

If you prefer to assess your knowledge directly or want a structured refresh, you can recertify by retaking the CEN exam instead of logging CE hours.

Step Action
1. Apply for Recertification Visit the BCEN website and submit your recertification application under the “Recertify by Exam” section.
2. Pay the Exam Fee The recertification exam fee is typically $180 for returning candidates (same as retake).
3. Prepare Thoroughly Use updated study resources that reflect the current CEN blueprint. The exam evolves over time, so don’t rely on older material.
4. Schedule and Take the Exam The process is identical to your initial test — you’ll receive a new 4-year certification upon passing.

💡 Tip: Recertifying by exam gives you a strong sense of growth and mastery — you’ll confirm your competence across all 10 domains using the latest BCEN standards.

Tracking and Submitting Your Recertification

BCEN offers a convenient Recertification Dashboard through your online account. It lets you:

  • Upload CE documentation,
  • Track your completed contact hours, and
  • Submit your final recertification application.
Timeline Action
6–12 Months Before Expiration Begin reviewing your CE total and upload all certificates to your BCEN portal.
90 Days Before Expiration Submit your renewal application online. Double-check for any missing CE hours.
After Submission BCEN may randomly audit your application, so keep all CE proofs for at least 3 years after renewal.

💡 Tip: BCEN recommends completing your CE submission at least 30 days before expiration to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Why Maintaining Your Certification Matters

Recertification isn’t just a formality — it’s proof that you continue to meet the highest standards of emergency nursing practice.

Advantage Benefit
Professional Credibility Demonstrates continued expertise in managing emergency conditions and upholding patient safety.
Career Advancement Opens pathways to senior roles, leadership positions, and educator opportunities.
Compliance with Hospital Standards Many institutions require active certification for specialty pay or advancement.
Personal Confidence Validates that your knowledge remains current and relevant to real-world practice.
Networking and Recognition Maintaining certification keeps you engaged with the broader emergency nursing community.

💡 Tip: Display your CEN credential on your name badge, LinkedIn, and resume — it communicates professionalism and advanced skill instantly.

How to Stay on Track Throughout the 4-Year Cycle

Annual Goals

Set annual targets:

  • Complete 25 CE hours per year.
  • Attend 1 professional workshop or conference.
  • Take a mini-practice test every 6–12 months to stay exam-ready.

Keep Reviewing Core Topics

Use your study materials even after passing:

  • CEN Study Guide: Quick reference for complex cases (cardiac, neuro, trauma).
  • CEN Practice Questions: Reinforce rationales and decision-making logic.

Join Professional Organizations

Stay connected with organizations like the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) or local CEN study networks to keep up with policy, guideline, and blueprint updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake How to Avoid It
Waiting until the final months Plan CE evenly across 4 years (25 hours/year).
Using non-accredited CE sources Verify every course has ANCC or BCEN-approved accreditation.
Failing to save CE certificates Keep a digital folder for all CE proof in case of audit.
Forgetting your expiration date Set calendar reminders at 6-month and 3-month intervals.
Ignoring blueprint updates Review the most recent BCEN outline each year to stay aligned.

💡 Tip: Treat CE tracking like payroll — update it monthly, not annually.

Your Go-To CEN Review Tools

Even after earning your credential, continuous review keeps your knowledge sharp and aligned with current best practices:

✅ CEN Study Guide (Comprehensive Review Notes) 
✅ CEN Practice Questions (Exam-Style Q&A with Rationales)

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your CEN certification is a reflection of your commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and patient-centered emergency care.

Whether you choose to recertify through CE or by retaking the exam, the process ensures you remain at the forefront of emergency nursing practice. Spreading your CE hours across the four years, using updated study materials, and staying engaged with professional organizations will make the process seamless.

By staying proactive, organized, and resourceful, you’ll not only keep your CEN credential active but also continue growing as a confident, skilled, and respected emergency nurse.

Back to blog