Initial Certification Process
AFCNA Nursing Foot Care Certification!
Is available for
DNP, NP, BSN, RN, LPN/LVN
Requirements
Certification Eligibility Requirements:
Initial (first-time) Candidates Must:
Pay Fee of $425.00 for a 5 year Certification
- Have a current, unimpeded, nursing license.
- Have 25 CE/CME credits (contact hours) specific to foot care. (Examples: Wounds, Diabetes topics, dermatology topics, Vascular or Neuro topics, General patient care, Infection control. (CE Certificates to be uploaded when you complete the Online Application)
- Have 30 clinical hours under the direct supervision of an expert in foot care. (Podiatrist, CFCS, CFCN)
- If you are an experienced foot care nurse, we can waive the requirement for 30 clinical hours. For that consideration you must submit a Portfolio of ten routine foot care cases for review of your skill level. The remaining requirements remain the same. You will apply on the same link as shown below.
**If you are applying for the Recertification or the Reciprocal Certification (CFCN to CFCS):
Application Process
Prepare your Prerequisites
- Obtain a verification of your active, unencumbered nursing license (to be uploaded when you complete the Online Application)
- 25 CE Hours of Relevant content. Relevant content would include topics that are relevant to foot care nursing in the following ways: Wounds, Diabetes topics, dermatology topics, Vascular or Neuro topics, General patient care, Infection control. (CE Certificates to be uploaded when you complete the Online Application)
- 30 hours of Hands-on precepted foot care. (Preceptors must be one of the following: Podiatrist (DPM); Certified Foot Care nurse/Specialist (CFCS or CFCN) You must perform the work yourself under the observation and guidance of your preceptor
- The necessary Verification form is here Click dowload:
CFCS Preceptor Guidelines
Submit Application
The approval process takes approximately 2 weeks.
- After fulfilling the above requirements use green link to submit your application along with verification documents
- Review of your Application will take approximately 10-14 days
- When your Application has been approved, you will receive an email with instructions on accessing and taking the Certification Examination
- If you do not receive this email within 14 days, please check your spam box**
- This Exam is taken on-line and is electronically proctored
- You have six months to take the test
Click the button below to go to the online Application form.
Benefits of Certification
The Foot Care Nurse Certification credential indicates to peers, patients, employers, and the public that the nurse is qualified, competent, and current in providing Nursing Foot Care
Preparing for the Certification exam ensures that specialized knowledge and skills are current and comprehensive
Renewing your Certification through continuous learning ensures that the nurse is aligned with best practices and guidelines
Having a trademarked certification credential validates competency in any area of nursing practice
It validates and confirms knowledge and skill levels in your practice as a Certified Foot Care Specialist.
Increased job opportunities, as some employers prefer certification as an important qualification
Career advancement and increased responsibilities
Potential for salary differentials and reimbursement of certification exam costs
Greater peer respect
Formal workplace recognition