CNL® Certification Requirements

/ Exam Prep / By / September 16, 2025
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How to Become Certified as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL®)

With excerpts from Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, Third Edition, by Cynthia R. King, PhD, MSN, NP, RN, CNL, FAAN, and Sally Gerard, DNP, RN, CDE, CNL

So, what do you do to become certified as a CNL®? Here’s a step-by-step guide to meeting the CNL® certification requirements and advancing your nursing career.

1. Make Sure You Qualify for the Exam

Ask yourself:

  • Are you a graduate of an accredited CNL® master’s or post-master’s program OR a student in your final term of such a program?

  • Do you hold a current, active RN license in the United States with no active disciplinary cases?

If you said yes to both, you’re off to a great start!

2. Apply for the Exam

Exam Location Options

  • Most candidates take the exam at their school (see if your school is listed as an Eligible CNL® Education Program).

  • Online students or those not near a participating school can take the test at ISO Quality Testing, Inc. (IQT) centers.

  • Find a location here: IQT Testing Centers.

Required Documents

When applying, be prepared to submit:

  1. CNL® Certification Examination Application

  2. Application Attestation

  3. CNL® Education Documentation Form (signed by your program director)

  4. Request for special exam accommodations (if needed)

  5. Disability-Related Needs forms (if applicable)

3. Get Approved

  • Once your application is received, the CNC will email you a confirmation.

  • If documents are missing, you’ll be notified.

  • After approval, you’ll confirm your exam date, time, and location with your faculty contact/proctor or the testing center.

4. Start Studying

If you haven’t already, begin preparing with trusted study materials. Explore our CNL® exam prep products to help you succeed.

Resources

👉 Learn more in our Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Overview.

Springer Publishing Editorial Staff
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