Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN). The PSNCB was established in 1989 for the purpose of promoting the highest standards of plastic surgical nursing practice through the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of all aspects of the certification and recertification processes.

The PSNCB is comprised of registered nurses with content expertise in plastic surgical nursing. The Board collaborates with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) in test development, test administration, and test evaluation.

The PSNCB believes that attainment of a common knowledge base, utilization of the nursing process, and a high level of skill in the practice setting are required for proficient practice in the specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing. Certification provides professional recognition for these achievements. The Board recognizes the value of education, administration, research, and clinical practice in fostering personal and professional growth.

To be eligible to apply for certification, the candidate must

1. Be currently licensed as a registered nurse in the United States, its territories, or Canada;
2. Have a minimum of two (2) years of plastic surgical nursing experience as a registered nurse in a general staff, administrative, teaching, or research capacity within five (5) years prior to application; and
3. Have spent at least fifty percent (50%) of practice hours in plastic surgical nursing during two (2) of the preceding five (5) years.

If you have any questions regarding certification, contact the PSNCB National Office at (978) 927-8330.

For a list of sites and application deadlines, please visit the C-NET website.

Good luck on the exam!

Why Get Certified?

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) released a Position Statement on the Value of Specialty Nursing Certification.

The National Certification Corporation (NCC) has launched their "Just Ask" for Certified Nurses campaign to educate the public about the importance of requesting certified nurses. Please see the NCC website for more information.

PLASTIC SURGICAL NURSING CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS Deadline   Examination Date 03/01/2013   05/04/2013 Locations Vary 08/05/2013   10/05/2013 Locations Vary 08/09/2013   10/11/2013 At the ASPSN 39th Convention in San Diego

EDUCATION The Core Curriculum for Plastic Surgical Nursing, 3rd edition, represents the comprehensive documentation of plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing knowledge and skills. This edition reflects advances in technology and patient management and contains additional chapters presenting material on a wider variety of topics germane to plastic surgery. Download Order Form