State License Database

AANC Board Certification

Q: How do I know which contact hours are accredited/approved?
A: Formally approved continuing education must meet the following criteria:

  • Continuing nursing education (CNE) approved for nursing contact hours by an accredited provider or approver of nursing continuing education
  • Continuing medical education (CME) approved for CME hours
  • Sponsored by organizations, agencies, or educational institutions accredited or approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • Provided by one of these accepted agencies:
    • American Nurses Association (ANA)
    • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
    • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
    • American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
    • American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)
    • American Psychiatric Association (APA)
    • American Psychological Association (APA)
    • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
    • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
    • National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH)
    • National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners (NAPNAP)

For a list of ANCC accredited organizations, please visit Accredited Organizations