Getting Certified for the First Time

Certification FAQs

What is a professional board certification?

• Any approved certification above that which is required to maintain your licensure.

Who should pursue RN professional board certifications?

• All UVA University Medical Center RNs should pursue professional board certification in their nursing or health care specialty.  This includes all Clinical Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, and RNs in administrative roles.

Did you know that having a professional board certification helps to maintain your Virginia nursing license?

• Per the Virginia Health Professions Board of Nursing website (Virginia Board of Nursing - RN/LPN), completion of a professional board certification is a suggested learning activity to renew an active nursing license.  Additionally, the credit hours acquired can be used for both the professional board certification requirements and the Virginia licensing requirements.

How are certifications chosen for inclusion on the approved professional board certification list?

• The list of approved specialty certifications meets criteria for reporting as a Magnet organization. It also differentiates between certifications and certificate programs.

I do not see my certification listed on the prepay program page.  Why not?

• The prepay program webpage lists our approved contracts with current certification prepay vendors.  Additional programs can be reviewed.  If you know of other programs, please email NPGO@uvahealth.org for consideration.

I do not currently hold an RN professional board certification. How do I get started and how long does the process usually take?

• Visit uvacertifiednurse.com and click on "Getting Certified for the First Time" for steps and resources.
• Timelines will vary for each individual.  Professional organizations have different processes/timelines from submitting the request to sit for the exam, to taking the exam and completing the reimbursement process.

Is the $500 for certification reimbursement available annually? (Example, if I get one certification one year, could I use those funds the next year to get a 2nd certification?)

• Yes, eligible team members have $500 available each calendar year for reimbursement of certification expenses that are incurred that year, including recertification fees. Please visit the HR Education Benefits Program website for specific information.

Can I use the $500 to reimburse the re-certification fees?

• Yes, you can if you are eligible for the HR Education Benefits Program.

Does the $500 come from the $5250 allowance for education? The policy states that any educational assistance above $5250 is subject to different taxation since it is considered income.

• No.  There is a separate maximum of $500 for Professional Certification expenses, so a team member could get both the $500 and $5,250.  However, all amounts would be combined to determine if the team member has exceeded the IRS maximum of $5,250 and thus has incurred some tax liability for over $5250. Please reach out to AskHR@virginia.edu for specific questions.

Once I obtain my certification, what are my next steps?

• Visit uvacertifiednurse.com and click on "I'm certified! Now what?" for what to do once you’re certified.

Is the $500 bonus annual?

• Yes.

Are wage RNs eligible for the $500 bonus?

• Yes.

I am already certified but I am newly hired to the UVA Medical Center.  Am I still eligible for the bonus?

• Yes.  Please enter your certification in Workday by the deadline.

If I have more than one certification, do I get a $500 bonus for each certification?

• No. All eligible professional board-certified RNs receive $500, whether they hold one or more.

I am an Advanced Practice Provider and hold a NP certification. Am I eligible for the annual bonus?

• No. To be eligible for the annual bonus, the professional board certification must be above the minimum requirement for the position the RN is in.

An example of an APP who would be eligible for the annual bonus: NP who also holds a current CCRN certification.

Can I include my Manager and ANM when calculating my department's certification rate?

• Yes, Managers and ANM's are included.  Do not include CNL or APPs, as they will be included in their department's data.  They can, however, be included in your recognition events and boards, as well as certification efforts.

Are Passport USA RNs included when calculating my department's certification rate?

• We cannot include Passport USA RNs in the department certification rates/goal setting, as they are technically contingent positions. However, they can be included in your recognition events and boards, as well as certification efforts.