Within the nursing field, there are many different credentials you can pursue. You become an RN, LPN, or even APRN—that is, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse. You can also become certified in various nursing specialties, accomplishing titles like CD-LPN, FNP-BC, or OCN. Representing licensure and certification, these postnominal letters are gateways to many rewarding careers within the nursing field. But what’s the difference between licensure and certification in nursing? Let’s find out!

What is licensure in nursing?

Licensure is what enables nurses to legally practice in the field. It is a mandatory requirement set forth by each state’s Board of Nursing, and is often achieved by passing an examination. The prerequisites for a nursing license will vary by level and by state. Where a nurse is licensed determines where they can practice.

Licensing is important in that it ensures all nurses meet the minimum standards, expectations, and competencies needed for their roles. Licensing exams test a nurse’s technical knowledge, skillsets, ethics, and judgment, confirming they can provide safe, effective, and high-quality care.

If you are looking to become a nurse, securing your license to practice is vital. Below is a list of common nursing licenses and their general requirements:

LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse:

Licensed Practical Nurses—or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states—provide basic bedside care to patients in need. They typically operate under the direction of RNs, APRNs, and physicians. In order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This is required in every state and administered at the state level.

RN, Registered Nurse:

Registered Nurses (RNs) deliver and coordinate treatment for patients who are sick, injured, and disabled, as well as those needing preventive care. They are commonly found in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and schools. In all environments, RNs must be licensed. To become an RN and earn licensure, you must successfully complete your state’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This is required to practice in every state, after completing an approved RN program, criminal background checks, and other prerequisites set by the state.

APRN, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse:

APRNs hold some of the highest-level positions in nursing, and therefore must have at least a master’s degree and licensure. The APRN license is granted at the state level, after completion of the national board examination. While APRN requirements vary by state, the Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that APRNs must have an RN license and APRN license to practice, after completing an accredited graduate nursing program and the national certification exam.

Learn how to become a nurse in our free guide!

Now that you know about licensing—a mandatory requirement in nursing—let’s explore what certification means.

What is certification in nursing?

In nursing, certification is a voluntary step one can take to advance their knowledge and become specialized in a certain area of the field. Certification allows nurses to take their skills to the next level and hone their practice in a topic they are passionate about. For example, nurses who wish to work with pediatric populations, cancer patients, or mental health cases can pursue certification in their respective areas.

Like licensure, there are prerequisites for certification. Most often, these requirements are determined by specific nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), but can involve:

• Specific degree or educational requirements
• Dedicated coursework in a certain topic or area of study
• A determined number of experiential hours in nursing
• Successful completion of a certification exam

Certification is not legally required, but it can be of incredible value for nurses looking to grow in their careers. Nursing certification shows that a nurse is committed to learning, trained to provide specific types of care, experienced in specialized equipment and patient populations, and has valuable skills that go beyond the standard expectations in nursing.

There are hundreds of different certifications you can pursue in nursing, depending on your interests and goals. Below are just some of the many examples of nursing certifications available:

• ACNP-BC, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• AMB-BC, Ambulatory Care Nursing
• AWCC, Advanced Wound Care Certified
• CBC, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
• CCRN, Acute/Critical Care Nursing (Adult, Pediatric & Neonatal)
• CDN, Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CHPN, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
• CMGT-BC, Nursing Case Management Certification
• CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife
• CNN, Certified Corrections Nurse
• CPEN, Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse
• CPN, Certified Pediatric Nurse
• CURN, Certified Urologic Registered Nurse
• CWCN, Certified Wound Care Nurse
• FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner
• NNP-BC, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• OCN, Oncology Certified Nurse
• PHNA-BC, Public Health Nursing, Advanced
• PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• TCRN, Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

Recapping the key differences between licensure and certification in nursing

While nursing certification and licensure sound similar, and both help nurses advance in their careers, there are three primary distinctions between the two:

• Purpose: Licensure confirms that nurses meet universal standards to practice and provide quality patient care. It is legally mandated in all states. Certification, on the other hand, is meant to enhance a nurse’s knowledge in one or more specialties. Certification is voluntary for nurses at every level.
• Process: Both licensure and certification have specific requirements and criteria. In general, licensure requires the completion of a board examination issued by the state, as well as specific educational requisites. Certification, on the other hand, involves the passing of a specialized certification exam. The experience/education requirements for certification can vary significantly.
• Scope: Licensure is granted by the state. It allows nurses to practice and deliver care in the state in which they received their license. Certification, on the other hand, is administered by various professional organizations in the nursing field and can carry over to many roles and places of work, regardless of your state.

Becoming a licensed and certified nursing professional

Both certification and licensure are great steps for those breaking into the nursing field. If you are looking to launch a nursing career, your pathway will likely look something like this:

1. Complete an accredited nursing program. Depending on your goals, this might be a certificate (LPN), an associate or bachelor’s degree (RN), or a master’s degree (APRN).
2. Earn licensure. Complete and pass the board examination needed to become licensed in your desired role.
3. Gain experience. After earning licensure, you can begin practicing as a nurse, working with patients and gaining clinical skills in the field.
4. Pursue certification. After gaining some experience, you may feel ready to enhance your skills and knowledge. Pursuing certification in a certain area of nursing can help you further your career and work with specialized patient populations.

If you feel ready to begin your nursing career, Goodwin University can help you reach your goals! Our career-focused nursing school offers a variety of programs for aspiring LPNs, RNs, APRNs, and nurse leaders.

Learn more today by visiting us online!