Examination Dates and Fees
Testing for CNL certification is web-based and conducted onsite at the candidate’s school of nursing. Program Directors are responsible for setting the testing date within the testing period and notifying CNC (cnl@aacn.nche.edu). CNL graduates and online students have the option to utilize a SMT testing center if an Exam Site is not conveniently located.
Click Here for Site Registration Form
Examination DATES
| Test Period |
Application Deadline | Program Registration Deadline |
| January 7 - January 25, 2013 | December 7, 2012 | December 7, 2012 |
| *April 1 - April 6, 2013 | March 1, 2013 | March 1, 2013 |
| April 29 - May 24, 2013 | March 22, 2013 | March 22, 2013 |
| July 15 - August 9, 2013 | June 7, 2013 | June 7, 2013 |
| December 2 - December 13, 2013 | November 1, 2013 | November 1, 2013 |
| January 20 - January 31, 2014 | December 13, 2013 | December 13, 2013 |
Note: Applications must be received by the deadline, not postmarked.
Exam Fees
| Administered at a School of Nursing | ||
| CNL Exam Registration Fee (1st Time Applicant Only) | $345.00 | |
| Re-testing CNL Exam Registration Fee | $245.00 | |
| Administered at a Testing Center (optional for graduates and online students) | ||
| CNL Exam Registration Fee (1st Time Applicant Only) | $410.00 | |
| Re-testing CNL Exam Registration Fee | $310.00 |
All fees are subject to change. *Beta test participants will receive a $50 discount for the initial testing fee and/or to retest.
Access to the exam will be denied if payment has not cleared at least 5 days prior to the exam date.
Note: There is a $30 late fee for applications submitted after the deadline. Applications submitted more than five business days after the deadline will be considered for the next testing period. There is a $75 fee for each candidate requesting an alternate test date outside of the testing period. If approved, the exam may be administered up to five business days after the official testing period.
If submitting a late application or requesting an alternate test date, submit a hard copy of the application.
