Apply for the CGRN Certification Exam
The ABCGN Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) exam meets the highest professional standards and is the only gastroenterology nursing certification program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
Ready to pursue your CGRN credential? Review the application deadlines, eligibility requirements and fees below before getting started.
The Fall 2026 application window is now closed.
The next application window for the Spring 2027 CGRN Exam opens January 1, 2027.
Exam Dates and Application Deadlines
Spring Exam
- Application Window: January 1–February 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Testing Window: May 1–31
- Scheduling: After the application window closes, eligible candidates can expect to receive scheduling information by mid-March. Candidates will select their exam date, time and location through Prometric. Refer to your application for exact scheduling dates.
Fall Exam
- Application Window: June 1–July 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Testing Window: October 1–31
- Scheduling: After the application window closes, eligible candidates can expect to receive scheduling information by mid-August. Candidates will select their exam date, time and location through Prometric. Refer to your application for exact scheduling dates.
Application Fees
| SGNA Member |
$430 |
| Non-SGNA Member |
$520 |
*CGRN Exam fees are non-refundable after the application window closes. No exceptions will be made.
Employers interested in purchasing exam applications for staff can learn more about the Employer Purchase Program.
Before You Apply
Before beginning your application, review the CGRN eligibility requirements to confirm that you meet the qualifications to sit for the exam.
Submit Your Application Through Certemy
ABCGN certification applications are completed through Certemy. The online application allows you to:
- Start your application and return to complete it later
- Submit required information and documentation online
- Receive email confirmation and application updates
The Fall 2026 application window is now closed.
The next application window for the Spring 2027 CGRN Exam opens January 1, 2027.
Since the inception of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan China, Prometric (who administers the ABCGN Certification Exam) has been actively engaged in identifying and responding to the potential health risks it presents to its test takers, staff, and other individuals in the impacted areas.
Its responses have taken into account numerous perspectives, including local governmental policy and actions, information provided by global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), corporate policies, and input from our testing partners and customers.
The Prometric Incident Management team will continue to monitor the situation around the globe and take proper future actions as needed. Please check back frequently for more updates regarding test center closings.
Test Center Actions
Candidate Safety
Candidates will be permitted to use medical masks and gloves while they are testing. Please note these items will be subject to visual inspection upon entry to the test center. For a full list of permissible items, please check here.
Test Center Cleanliness
We have fully reviewed all test center operations and continue to reinforce expected actions at all test centers around the world that will mitigate the risk of spread of the virus at these locations. These procedures include regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces (ex. test station keyboard keys, mouse, biometric touch chip device) and providing disposable wipes so that common surfaces can be wiped.
Protect Yourself!
Update as of March 11, 2020.
- Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap & water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
ABCGN certification is open to registered nurses currently engaged in GI/endoscopy. To qualify for certification or recertification, candidates must meet the following criteria:
By the first day of the testing period (May 1 or October 1), candidates must have been employed in clinical, supervisory, administrative, teaching/education 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 4,000 hours, within the past five (5) years in GI/endoscopy.
- Work experience must be as an RN (i.e., an LPN who has become an RN must have two years experience as an RN prior to sitting for the CGRN designation regardless of the number of years of GI experience as an LPN.)
- Full time industry nurses whose focus is at least 40% clinical practice, education, or research are eligible. Those whose focus is sales are not.
Each candidate is required to submit the contact information of two responsible practitioners in the specialty who can verify his/her work experience and professional qualifications.
Each candidate is required to submit a copy of his/her current and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States.
Read the Certification Handbook for more information regarding requirements and eligibility.