4. include an APRN on the visiting team when an APRN program/track is being reviewed; and

5. monitor APRN educational programs throughout the accreditation period by reviewing them using established accreditation standards and processes.

Certification programs providing APRN certification used for licensure will:

1. follow established certification testing and psychometrically sound, legally defensible standards for APRN examinations for licensure (see appendix A for the NCSBN Criteria for APRN Certification Programs);

2. assess the APRN core and role competencies across at least one population focus of practice;

3. assess specialty competencies, if appropriate, separately from the APRN core, role and population-focused competencies;

4. be accredited by a national certification accreditation body;¹⁰

5. enforce congruence (role and population focus) between the education program and the type of certification examination;

6. provide a mechanism to ensure ongoing competence and maintenance of certification;

7. participate in ongoing relationships which make their processes transparent to boards of nursing;

8. participate in a mutually agreeable mechanism to ensure communication with boards of nursing and schools of nursing.

APRN education programs/tracks leading to APRN licensure, including graduate degree-granting and post-graduate certificate programs will:

1. follow established educational standards and ensure attainment of the APRN core, role core and population core competencies;^11,12