I am an RNFA. How do I get certified?
The certification body for RNFAs is the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC). To become certified as an RNFA you must:
- Be a graduate of an acceptable RNFA program.
- Hold RN licensure in the state where you are practicing
- Hold CNOR certification (requirement is waived for Advanced Practice nurses)
NASC offers two RNFA certifications:
- RNAS-C
In addition to the above eligibility requirements, to apply for RNAS-C you must:- Hold a current CPR, ALS, or BCLS certificate.
- Submit a log showing at least 120 intraoperative hours practicing in the RNFA role. (You may use hours practiced during the clinicals of your RNFA program).
Note: RNAS-C is a 3-year certification. If you have recently completed an RNFA program, you may consider applying for RNAS-C now. Then you will be certified for 3 years as you earn the 2,000 hours required for CRNFA certification.
- CRNFA
In addition to the above eligibility requirements, to apply to CRNFA you must:- Hold a bachelor’s degree (in any field) or higher.
- Be currently employed as an RNFA.
- Submit a log showing at least 2,000 clinical hours practicing in the RNFA role. Hours may include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties.
Note: CRNFA is a 5-year certification. If you hold CNOR, your CNOR will automatically be renewed when you earn your CRNFA certification. When you renew your CRNFA, your CNOR will automatically be renewed with no extra expense or effort on your part.
How do I apply for RNFA certification?
To apply for RNFA certification, click the “Login” link at the top of this page, then click the orange “Register as an Applicant” button to create your online account. After you create your account, you will have access to the online RNAS-C or CRNFA certification application.
These guides includes handy checklists to check your eligibility and gather your documents before you apply.
8 Comments
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Julia Johnson says:
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for your inquiry. We will be adding information about the professional portfolio to our website as it becomes available. The last day to apply to take the exam is October 31, 2020 and the last day to take the exam is December 31, 2020. When you apply in 4-5 months from now, you will be certifying by portfolio.
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gabrielle cleary says:
I have been an RNFA for 20 years. I have multiple pages from when I first started in 2000 in a log book but stopped as we where told don’t need it any longer. Can I use the hours from previous? Also what are the portfolio requirements?
Thank you!
Gabrielle Cleary, BSN, RN, CNOR, RNFA-
For CRNFA certification, your 2,000 hours must be within the past 5 years, and 500 of the hours must be within the past 2 years. Many applicants are able to get a printout from their facility showing their OR hours.
The portfolio consists of a clinical case study, a workplace safety study and a professional practice study. It is in a question-and-answer format.
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Thank you for your interest in certification. Many applicants are able to get a printout from their facility that shows their First Assisting hours.
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Jenn says:
I’m eligible for RNFA-c. If I don’t plan on ever getting my bsn, can I keep renewing as a RNFA-c?
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Absolutely! You can hold your RNAS-C certification throughout your career.
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Sommer Verley says:
I am a nurse practitioner in oregon. I just passed NIFA RNFA. I spoke to the oregon board of nursing and they said they only recognize the CRNA not the RNAS-C. Is this correct?
I received an email a few days ago and it mentioned the test for CRNFA was ending. I am about 4 or 5 months away from certifying. The email said the certification would now be by professional portfolio. Is there any place I can find more info about this or can you send me some??? Thanks