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Information about the certification examination

ABCGN Certification Program
Certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental agency, such as ABCGN, validates an individual's qualifications and knowledge in a specific area of professional practice, based on a set of standards developed and accepted by members of that profession. The certification program for gastroenterology nurses and associates was developed by the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) to recognize professional achievement and to promote excellence in the specialty.Certification is well recognized in specialty nursing practice. An article in the July 1998 issue of Nursing Management listed 25 specialty certifications representing over 370,000 certified individuals. Additionally, ABCGN has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). ABCGN met stringent criteria in order to be accredited.A survey of more than 40,000 nurses conducted by the International Program of Research on the Certified Nurse Workforce in 1999-2000 demonstrated that certified nurses experienced personal growth and felt more satisfied, confident and accountable as a professional nurse. In addition, certified nurses were more likely to serve as a resource to staff and were recognized by their colleagues and by their employers as expert in the field. They were more confident in their decision-making and more autonomous in their practice.Certification is awarded to individuals who meet eligibility criteria based on experience and who pass an examination covering a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to their professional practice. Those individuals who achieve ABCGN certification can be recognized by the designation used after their name- CGRN. An independent board, the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN) was established in 1986 to administer the program. ABCGN employs a professional testing company in the development and administration of the certification examinations.

Eligibility Requirements
ABCGN certification is open to nurses currently or recently engaged in gastroenterology and gastroenterology endoscopy practice. To qualify, candidates must have been employed in clinical, supervisory, administrative, educational or research capacities in an institutional or private practice setting for a minimum of two (2) years full-time, or its part-time equivalent of 4000 hours, within the past five (5) years. Each candidate is required to obtain the signatures of two practitioners in the specialty (or physicians, supervisors or human resources specialists) who can verify this work experience.

ABCGN Examination
There is one ABCGN certification examination for RNs. The examination is based on role delineations -- surveys of practitioners which define the scope of practice and the knowledge and skills required to function in the field. All examination items are written by certified individuals with expertise in the field of gastroenterology and/or gastroenterology endoscopy nursing practice. Test items are then reviewed, referenced and validated by the ABCGN Item Writers Committee and, finally, edited by the testing company for construction, grammatical correctness and clarity.

Examination Content
The RN examination each consist of 150 multiple choice questions. Each question has four choices and one correct answer. Candidates have three hours to complete either examination.The RN examination contains questions from four major content areas. Approximately 18% of the questions test knowledge and skills on general nursing care, 47.3% on gastroenterological procedures, 22% on patient care interventions and 12.7% on professional standards and responsibilities. All questions are directly related to the GI specialty. Again, all questions are directly related to the GI specialty.More specific information regarding the content of the examinations is included in the Appendix of the Examination Handbook.

Preparation for the Examination
ABCGN does not sponsor or endorse test preparation or review courses for the certification examinations. SGNA, ABCGN's sister organization, offers both courses and materials for the exam and recertification. Visit www.SGNA.org for more details.

Test Dates and Sites
The RN certification examinations are offered twice each year, in the spring and in the fall. The test is given on Saturday in the spring and on Sunday in the fall. In the spring, the examination is offered at the SGNA Annual Education Course and at one or two other sites. In the fall, the examinations are offered at approximately ten sites. Dates and sites for any given year are established in the fall of the prior year. See Application Deadlines and Examination Dates for a list of current dates and sites.In addition to the published test sites, special test sites are available for one candidate or for a group of candidates. Often SGNA regional organizations schedule special test sites. Contact ABCGN approximately 12 weeks before any examination for a list of special test sites. Instructions for setting up a special test site are included in the Examination Handbook.

Application Deadlines
The application deadlines are set approximately eight weeks prior to the examination dates. Late registration deadlines, approximately six weeks prior to the examinations are available, but require payment of additional late registration fees. Because of the need to verify applications, produce admission tickets, secure sites and ship examination supplies, no exceptions can be made to these published deadlines. See Application Deadlines and Examination Dates for specific dates and deadlines for upcoming examinations.

Exam Fees
SGNA Member: 
            Computer Based: $400.00
            Paper and Pencil: $300.00
Non-Member: 
            Computer Based: $485.00
            Paper and Pencil: $385.00

Recertification Fees
SGNA Member: $300
Non-Member: $385

It is costly to develop, maintain, and validate certification examinations. For this reason, certification is expensive. ABCGN strives to insure that cost is not a barrier to candidates seeking certification by keeping fees as low as possible. Vendor support, product sales, SGNA grants and other sources of income underwrite the cost of the program. Candidate fees, however, reflect the cost of implementing this program. See the Examination Handbook for a complete explanation of all program fees, refund policies, etc. Contact ABCGN for information regarding Certification Scholarships.

Handbook for Candidates
An Examination Handbook is available from ABCGN's web site. This handbook is revised annually and contains more detailed information about the examinations themselves and about the examination process. Information includes: application procedures and forms, test center information, sample questions, refund, review and appeals policies, fees, information regarding confidentiality and much more.

Recertification
Gastroenterology certification is granted for a period of five years. The certification period begins with the date certification is granted and ends on December 31 five years later. In most cases, candidates may recertify either by taking the then current certification examination or by submitting an application for recertification by contact hours. Candidates who chose to recertify by examination undergo exactly the same procedure as do candidates for initial certification. They must meet the same eligibility criteria and take the same examinations as new candidates. To qualify for recertification by contact hours, candidates must submit documentation of 100 approved contact hours, including copies of contact hours certificates, writings, programs, etc. Since contact hours are accepted in lieu of re-examination, approved contact hours must be in specific categories and must include specific content which mirror the content of the examination. For example, 80 of the 100 required contact hours must be gastroenterology-specific and 50 of those GI-specific contact hours must be earned through participation in approved nursing seminars or workshops. All certifications expire on December 31st, the year of expiration.

Questions and Answers About Certification

Q. What's the difference between certification and licensure?
A. Licensure is a government requirement, granting permission to practice in a given profession. Certification is voluntary. An individual who seeks certification chooses to apply for measurement and recognition of competency.

Q. What are some of the benefits of certification?
A. The successful candidate receives an attractive pin, a certificate suitable for framing and the right to use the appropriate designation following his or her name. Today, many employers use certification as a factor in both hiring and annual review procedures. Other personal and professional benefits sometimes accrue, but vary widely among institutions. Many certified individuals however, believe that personal satisfaction and increased professionalism are the most important benefits of certification.

Q. How will I get ready for the exam?
A. You already may know and use much of the material tested in your every day work. You should, of course, review the literature, or perhaps take a review course. A study group organized of individuals sitting for the exam together will help you study and will increase your confidence. Remember that the material included on the certification examination is material identified by your professional peers as relevant to and required for your daily practice.

American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses
401 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4267
800-245-SGNA (7462), Option 3 | Fax: 312-673-6723
E-Mail: info@abcgn.org