Employer FAQ
DCNP certification helps employers identify nurse practitioners who have demonstrated specialized dermatology knowledge, professional commitment, and continued competency in dermatology nursing practice.
Is DCNP certification required to practice?
No. DCNP certification is a voluntary specialty credential that validates advanced dermatology knowledge and competency beyond baseline nurse practitioner licensure and national nurse practitioner certification.
What makes the credential meaningful?
Eligibility requires active dermatology practice experience, national nurse practitioner certification, and successful completion of a specialty examination focused specifically on dermatology nurse practitioner practice.
The examination is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), supporting the integrity and credibility of the certification process.
How often must clinicians recertify?
DCNP certification is maintained through ongoing recertification requirements and continuing competency expectations every three years.
Why should employers care about certification?
Certification provides a measurable indicator of specialty commitment, ongoing education, and professional accountability while helping organizations strengthen quality, credibility, and patient confidence.
What are the costs associated with certifying and recertifying?
The DCNP certification examination fee is $400, which includes a non-refundable $50 application fee.
Recertification is $300 every three years when completed by the standard deadline. Late recertification submissions may incur additional fees.
What are the requirements to certify?
To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing.
- Maintain current nurse practitioner state licensure.
- Maintain national certification as a nurse practitioner.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of recent dermatology nurse practitioner practice within the previous three years.
What are the requirements to recertify?
To recertify, DCNPs must maintain active nurse practitioner licensure and national certification, continue practicing dermatology, and meet continuing competency requirements every three years.
Recertification may be completed by submitting 60 hours of approved dermatology continuing education or by successfully passing the certification examination again.