For more than 30 years NAPNES Certification in Pharmacology has allowed LP/VNs to measure their knowledge against a national test and offers a national, post-licensure credential that many employers require. Since the mid sixties, NAPNES Certification in Pharmacology has been a mark of excellence — certification above minimum standards for licensure — for licensed practical / vocational nurses. Put the LPN/LVN, NCP, designation in your portfolio! Use the links below for additional information and to become certified by NAPNES in pharmacology.
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found below.
NAPNES also offers a special program for schools that would like to have 100% of their students become pharmacology certified. Click the Special School Program link for details.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: NAPNES’ Certification Board has made several rule changes that become effective January 1, 2007. Please click here for more information.
Download Your Info
- Download Certification Application
- Electronic Certification Application
- Download Re-Certification Application
- Electronic Re-certification Application
- Special School Program
- On-Line Study Course
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does certification cost?
If you are applying for certification the first time, there are two primary costs involved. The first is a $100.00 registration fee paid to NAPNES at the time you apply. You will also be paying a testing fee to Scantron when you log-in to take the certification exam. The current fee for the Scantron testing is $60.00 for the first try and $50.00 for each additional attempt. Study course and exam fees are available at Online-EP | Napnes Pharmacology Certification Course
Recertification costs $100.00 for non-members and $50.00 for members. There are no testing fees unless you recertify by examination.
There can be other fees that are dependent on the candidate and not NAPNES. For example, you can order study materials at an additional cost. There are also fees if you do not take the exam within 60 days of application or if a check you send to NAPNES bounces. If you apply for renewal late, there are late filing penalties as well. NAPNES will not issue membership cards or certification cards if any fees are unpaid or outstanding.
How long will my certification be valid?
Certification is for a period of three (3) years from the date it is issued. NAPNES makes reasonable attempts to notify certified nurses that their credential is expiring, however, it is the nurses responsibility to maintain certification.
- Re-certification Reminders are sent via e-mail approximately 6 months before expiration.
- If we do not have a current e-mail address for you, the expiration date on your card is your reminder.
How long does the process take?
Much of the time required will depend on you. Basically it takes NAPNES four to six weeks to process an application. You can reduce this time by using online payments, faxing or emailing applications, etc. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. The process requires time as we conduct verifications on every application.
Does certification include membership in NAPNES?
No. Membership in NAPNES has no bearing on certification. NAPNES members do get discounts on membership study materials for example. If you want to be a member of NAPNES, this is a separate process and you must apply for and pay member dues.
Will I get a raise if I’m certified?
While many employers do pay an additional hourly rate to nurses who have a national certification, we cannot promise your employer does. You will need to check with your employer.
What about the test?
When you take the certification exam you will be asked 150 multiple choice questions. The test is time limited. You can take the test from any computer that is connected to the Internet. We strongly recommend that you have a place that will be quite and where you will be uninterrupted during the testing process. A score of 75% is required to pass the exam.