The RNAS-C certification is conferred by NASC for a period of three years, at which time a certificant may seek recertification by points or by exam. The RNAS-C recertification requirements were reviewed in 2025 by a committee of active RNAS-Cs and CRNFAs, and an updated set of requirements was developed. The new requirements are described in detail here. If you have already begun your recertification using the old requirements, please contact NASC at info@nascertification.org, and we will work with you to transition to the new method.
Pricing
Method
Fee
Points
$275
Exam
$325
How to submit your application?
To submit your RNAS-C Recertification application:
Download the RNAS-C Recertification Application. Mail the completed RNAS-C Recertification application to: National Assistant at Surgery Certification, 8547 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite J-262, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80112-1436, Fax to 866-681-6272, or email to application@nascertification.org. Please call NASC at 866-681-6272 to confirm your application was received.
Recertify by Points
To recertify your credential by points, you must:
Be RNAS-C certified
Be currently licensed as a registered nurse in the state or country where currently practicing
Hold BLS certification
Have a minimum of 300 documented hours in the RNFA role (including 250 intraoperative hours) during the 3-year certification cycle.
Earn recertification points according to the requirements set forth by NASC
A percentage of recertification applications will be randomly selected for audit. Additionally, if there is reason to believe there has been a breach in the integrity of the process by an individual seeking recertification, NASC may also select those individuals for audit.
Applicants selected for audit will be required to submit additional documentation. An email will be sent to the applicant detailing the results of the audit after the documents have been reviewed.
Alternatives to Recertification
If you are unable to fulfill eligibility requirements for certification, you have the option to apply for a one-year extension of your certification or for Emeritus Status.
One-Year Extension
An extension year allows an additional year to accrue the necessary practice hours and points activities for recertification. Your RNAS-C credential will remain active during this time. Below are some key points regarding the extension year process:
The process is only available once every 6 years or 2 recertification cycles for the RNAS-C certification.
The extension year lasts one calendar year, and there are no extensions to that time period.
Your current recertification options remain unchanged for the extension year.
Download the One-Year Extension application. Mail the completed One-Year Extension application to: National Assistant at Surgery Certification, 8547 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite J-262, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80112-1436, Fax to 866-681-6272, or email to application@nascertification.org. Please call NASC at 866-681-6272 to confirm your application was received.
Emeritus Status
NASC offers RNAS-Cs who are no longer working in the RNFA role the option to maintain their credential in an emeritus capacity with the RNAS-C Emeritus Status or RNAS-C(E). The Emeritus Status was established for RNAS-Cs who wish to retain a professional title without the need to meet future recertification requirements and to recognize retired RNAS-Cs’ service and commitment to the perioperative profession along with their achievement and maintenance of the RNAS-C credential.
To apply for Emeritus Status, you must currently hold the RNAS-C credential in good standing. The one-time fee for Emeritus Status is $125. Once your application and fee have been received, your Emeritus Status certificate will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.
Please note that once you retire your RNAS-C credential, it cannot be reactivated. You would need to meet eligibility requirements and successfully pass the RNAS-C national exam to become certified again.
Download the RNAS-C Emeritus Application. Mail the completed RNAS-C Emeritus application to: National Assistant at Surgery Certification, 8547 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite J-262, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80112-1436, Fax to 866-681-6272, or email to application@nascertification.org. Please call NASC at 866-681-6272 to confirm your application was received.
