Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board

Certifying Excellence in Orthopaedic Nursing

The Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board’s (ONCB®) certification exams recognize a commitment to lifelong learning and a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety. Having a specialty nursing certification is almost a requirement in the 21st century. Many employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff. The ONC examination is accredited by the The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). Click here to learn more about the ABNS standards for accreditation.

Stay a step ahead in your career by earning the ONC® and ONP-C® or
OCNS-C®, credentials for advanced practice nurses.

Certificants Update Addresses, Emails Online

ONCB now offers certificants the opportunity to update addresses and emails electronically. Click here to access the site. Using the “Log In” function, enter your first and last initials and zip code; the initials are case sensitive (e.g., DR29073). Default password for the first access is “oncb2012.” If you have moved since your original certification and are uncertain if ONCB has your current address in the data base, be sure to use the zip code you had at the time of testing.

ONCB members encourage you to update your address, telephone number, and email address as well as changing your password from the default as soon as possible. When you select “Reset Password,” you will receive an email at the address you have provided. Please be sure to access the ONCB data base to make these changes so communication about your certification can reach you without delay.

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Pick a quick link to the most requested information regarding orthopaedic nursing certification
Learning Builder
Exam Study Resource List
FAQs General Information
FAQs Recertification
ONC® Candidate Handbook (Examination Information)
ONP-C® Candidate Handbook
OCNS-C® Candidate Handbook
Online Practice Module Application
ONC Recertification Application
APN Recertification Application
Recertification Form A
Recertification Form B
Reactivation Application
Learning Needs Self-Assessment
ONC® Recertification Requirements
APN Recertification Requirements
Value of Certification Booklet
Willingness to Serve Form

Year-Round Testing Starts in 2013

Beginning January 1, 2013, ONCB will offer year-round testing at more than 170 computerized centers across the country. Exam candidates may use the convenience of online application through ONCB’s test vendor AMP (www.goamp.com - “Candidates”), or can use the Candidate Handbook to submit a paper application to test. Once an application is received by AMP, the candidate has 90 days to test. A test date can be rescheduled once without penalty, but any additional cancellation would result in loss of exam fees. If a candidate does not pass the examination, he or she can re-test in 90 days as well. AMP provides a form that allows re-testers to receive a $50 discount on exam fees; the discount cannot be given, however, with online application or use of the standard written application. Questions? Please call the ONCB office (888-561-6622).

ONCB Offers Certificant Resource

How can you get the most out of your new credential? Demonstrate your pride in earning orthopaedic nursing certification? Share the benefits of certification with your employer? ONCB can help!

Use the new publication Certification Makes a Difference: Getting the Most out of Your Credential for ideas on credential promotion and ways to serve as a certification leader in your practice setting. A sample letter and press release are included to help you share the good news of certification with your employer and colleagues. ONCB also offers certification brochures for special events, such as Orthopaedic Nurses Day (October 30) or Certified Nurses Day (March 19). Call ONCB(888-561-6622) with any questions about how you can promote certification. . .and yourself as a Board-certified orthopaedic nurse.

ONCB Programs Accredited by ABSNC

The ONC, ONP-C and OCNS-C examination programs have been received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). Accreditation is granted for 5 years.

ABSNC is the standard-setting body for specialty nursing certification programs, and offers a very stringent and comprehensive accreditation process. ONCB provided extensive documentation demonstrating it has met the 18 ABSNC standards of quality.

What does ABSNC accreditation mean for those interested in orthopaedic nursing certification or those already certified? It means a nationally recognized accrediting body has determined the ONC, ONP-C, and OCNS-C credential are based on a valid and reliable testing process, and the structures in place to administer the examinations meet and even exceed the standards of the certification industry from legal, regulatory, and association management perspectives.

For further information about the ABSNC accreditation process and standards, visit the web site (www.nursingcertification.org).