CNE®cl Certification Requirements

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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Steps to Earning Your CNE®cl Certification

(With excerpts from Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Review Manual, by Ruth A. Wittmann-Price, Karen K. Gittings, and Linda Wilson)

Thinking about advancing your career as a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl)? Here’s what you need to know to qualify, apply, and prepare for success.

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

There are two pathways to eligibility:

First Option – Meet Criteria 1, 2, and 3

  1. Licensure: Current, active, unencumbered RN license in your country of residence.

  2. Education: A graduate degree in nursing education.

  3. Professional Practice: At least three years of practicing nursing in any specialty.

Second Option – Meet Criteria 1, 2, 3, and 4

  1. Licensure: Current, active, unencumbered RN license.

  2. Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in nursing.

  3. Professional Practice: At least three years of practicing nursing in any specialty.

  4. Academic Practice: At least two years of teaching nursing academically within the past five years (simulation counts).

Step 2: Apply for the CNE®cl Exam

Before applying, the National League for Nursing (NLN) requires candidates to read the official CNE®cl Candidate Handbook.

What You’ll Need to Register:

  • RN license number and expiration date.

  • Credit card details for fees.

  • NLN member login credentials.

Not an NLN member? Create an account here.

When you’re ready, sign in to your NLN account to begin the registration process.

Step 3: Know the Fees

Exam Type NLN Member Non-Member
Initial Testing $400 $500
Retesting $350 $450

Step 4: Schedule Your Exam

  • The CNE®cl exam is delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) through PSI.

  • There are 120+ nationwide testing centers—find one here.

  • After completing online registration, PSI will confirm your eligibility (usually within 3 weeks).

  • You’ll then have 90 days to schedule your exam appointment.

See also  So, What's the CNE®cl Exam Like?

Step 5: Start Studying!

Most candidates take 2–3 months to prepare for the CNE®cl exam due to the broad content. Plan your study time wisely and use trusted resources.

📘 Check out our exam prep guide: Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Review Manual.

Resources

  • National League for Nursing. Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Candidate Handbook. Download PDF

  • NLN Account Setup: Create Account | Sign In

  • PSI Test Centers: Locate Exam Sites

  • Wittmann-Price, R. A., Wilson, L., & Gittings, K. K. (2019). Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Review Manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

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