Initial Certification Process

Certification Eligibility (effective 2009)
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria per the application deadline as indicated in the handbook:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the United States or the equivalent in other countries for at least five years. The license must be active without any restrictions. A copy of current licensure must be submitted with the Application.
   
2. At least two years of full time or the equivalent (4,000 hours) case management experience or the equivalent in nursing demonstrating experience in the continuum of care: acute care through community care.  
3. Candidates meeting criteria one and two must also meet one of the following eligibility options pertaining to experience, education, and Life Care Plan Submission:

Route 1   A minimum of 60 continuing nursing education units in case management, life care planning and/or expert witness with Course Title, Provider Number, Date and Location of Course AND a redacted life care plan with candidate’s name displayed as author must be submitted with the Application. Attach a letter of verification from a CNLCP that the candidate is the author of the plan.

Route 2   A minimum of 60 continuing education units specific to Life Care Planning from a Board approved Life Care Planning course. Documentation of 60 continuing education units with Course Title, Provider Number, Date of Course, Location of Course, AND a redacted life care plan with candidate’s name displayed as author must be submitted with the Application. Attach a letter from the Board approved training program that the plan has been peer reviewed for appropriate content and that the candidate is the author of the plan.

Route 3   Five hundred (500) hours of life care planning experience within two years of application. (Experience must be verified on Application by an employer or proof of independent practice reflecting at least 500 hours) AND submit a redacted life care plan with candidate’s name displayed as author. Attach a letter of verification from a CNLCP that the candidate is the author of the plan.

Checklist for Application Submission
Application submission shall include the following:

1. A completed Application for the Certification Examination for Nurse Life Care Planner.
2. A copy of current non-restricted RN license or computer generated document from the candidate’s State Board of Nursing demonstrating active licensure without restrictions.
3. The candidate’s resume or curriculum vitae.
4. A completed redacted life care plan authored by applicant with letter of verification.
5. Full payment of required fee(s).

Download Handbook & Initial Certification Application