Recertification Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities available for CBUNA recertification

SUNA Foundation Recertification Scholarship

The SUNA Foundation will provide one time reimbursement of recertification fees for the applicant successfully complying with CBUNA recertification criteria. The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant selected by the CBUNA Review Board. Please contact the CBUNA office at cbuna@cbuna.org to receive an application for scholarship.  All documentation must be received by December 1 of the year in which the applicant is due for renewal.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Current licensure for RN, PA, LPN/LVN, and NP candidates.
  2. Must be a current member of SUNA.
  3. Current CBUNA certification as CUA, CURN, CUCNS, CUPA or CUNP.
  4. Must meet all requirements of CBUNA for recertification.
  5. Must submit completed scholarship application to CBUNA with all completed forms and documentation.

Selection Process

  1. CBUNA Board will select applicant to receive reimbursement for fees required by CBUNA for recertification.
  2. Completed application is to be submitted with documentation required for recertification.
  3. Applicant will submit a typed statement citing his/her reasons for seeking the scholarship.
  4. Recipient must comply with all CBUNA requirements.
  5. When the SUNA Foundation is notified that the recipient’s recertification has been completed, the recipient will be reimbursed the amount of the fee paid to CBUNA.
  6. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their status in a timely manner.
  7. Applicant must not have certification funding available from their employer.

Scholarship Recipients

2022 - Janelle Harris, MSN, RN, GNP, CUNP
2021 - Christine Aliory, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CURN, ONC
2020 - Brenda Madsen, BSN, RN, CURN
2018 - Jeff Guse, RT, RDMS, RVT, CUA
2017 - Maureen Johnson, CURN
2016 - Russell Clay, CUA
2015 - Rowena Mejia, CURN
2015 - Cindie Neufeld, BS, RN, CURN
2013 - Donna Canada, RN, CURN
2013 - Margaret Hayes, BS, RN, CURN

CBUNA "Margaret Baran Gott" Recertification Scholarship

CBUNA will provide reimbursement of the recertification fee to the applicant successfully complying with the CBUNA recertification criteria during the current recertification period. This scholarship will be awarded to the applicant selected by the CBUNA Recertification Committee. Please contact the office at cbuna@cbuna.org for an application.  All documentation must be received by December 1 of the year in which the applicant is due for renewal.. 

Download the Application

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Current licensure for RN, PA, LPN/LVN or NP candidates, (license not required for all CUAs).
  2. Must be a current member of SUNA.
  3. Applicant must meet all current CBUNA requirements for recertification by continuing education credits only.
  4. Must submit a completed scholarship application.
  5. Applicant must not have funding for the recertification fee available from their employer.
  6. When selected, the scholarship winner agrees to have the award information announced by CBUNA online and in SUNA publications.
  7. The winner will write a brief testimonial of the importance of CBUNA certification for possible publication.

Selection Process

  1. All applications received by December 1 are reviewed by the CBUNA Recertification Committee.
  2. The committee will select the applicant to receive reimbursement of the submitted fee.
  3. The applicant will be notified by CBUNA
  4. All scholarship applicants will be notified of their status in a timely manner.

Scholarship Recipients

2024 - Lisa Faircloth, MSN, CUNP
2022 - Russell D. Clay, CUA
2021 - Jeffrey Guse, RT, RDMS, RVT, CUA
2020 - Cheryl Bothwell, BSN, RN, CURN
2017 - Nancy Kuc, CURN

Preparing for Recertification

Tips and suggestions for those preparing to recertify with CBUNA

Congratulations to all of you who have just become certified and to everyone maintaining their certification over the years. It is hard work and a great achievement to pass the certification exam. We at CBUNA want to give you the following tips to make the recertification process stress-free, so that you will stay certified for the rest of your career.

As soon as you are certified or recertified, you need to plan how you will obtain your recertification in 3 years. First, you must decide if you want to recertify by written re-examination or continuing education (CE).

Preparing to Recertify by Exam

It will probably come as no surprise that almost no one opts to retake the exam. If you do opt to rectify by exam, the same requirements apply as if you were certifying the first time.

Preparing for the CBUNA Exams

Preparing to Recertify by Continuing Education

The preferred method is to earn continuing education (CE) credits. With this option, you have 3 years to accumulate 36 CE credits. Below are tips to help you recertify by CE.

  1. Set up a schedule that will allow you to take 12 CE credits each year. Stick to this schedule, and make sure you do not fall behind. If you do fall behind, you should re-evaluate your schedule and plan ahead on what activities will allow you to fulfill your CE credits.
  2. If your schedule allows, attend a SUNA national conference. If you cannot attend a conference and you are a SUNA member, take advantage of SUNA’s monthly, free CE program available in SUNA’s Online Library at www.suna.org/library. There are many additional websites that offer free CE credits, such as: www.medscape.com, www.rn.com, and www.myfreece.com to name a few. CBUNA does not endorse specific courses or commercial CE vendors. Be aware that providers may designate some content as "urologic" but this does not mean the activity automatically qualifies for Category A credit.
  3. In addition to conferences and online resources, there are other ways you can choose to accumulate your CE credits. For example, are you an author of a book chapter or a journal article? Are you a textbook editor? Are you taking academic courses? If you are involved in these or other urologic-specific activities you think will make you eligible for CE credit, please do not hesitate to contact us at cbuna@cbuna.org.  You can inquire if your activities are eligible for CE credit towards recertification.
  4. SUNA members will receive the Urologic Nursing journal, which features CE articles for which you can earn contact hours for a fee.
  5. Stuck waiting at the airport or in a doctor’s office? Using your mobile device, access your courses online so that you can utilize your downtime and learn on the go!

Many of our certified members have found a way that makes the recertification process easy for them. However, we also see members who wait until the last minute to fulfill their requirements. This can cause anxiety and additional stress, which we would like to eliminate for all of our members. So, in summary, start planning your recertification as soon as you become certified or recertified. Discover which certification options work best for you. Create your 3-year schedule in advance, and stick to the plan.

If you have concerns regarding the eligibility of activities for credit or any other questions, please contact CBUNA at cbuna@cbuna.org or 202-591-2470.

Recertification Eligibility

Requirements for recertification of a CBUNA credential

Current licensure for RN, PA, LPN/LVN, NP or CNS Current CBUNA certification. Minimum of 800 hours of urological practice experience during the previous 3-year certification period. CBUNA recognizes 3 distinctive components of nursing practice: service, education, and research. Practice may be direct or indirect and include acute or long-term care, clinics/offices, home care/community health, surgery, education, research, and administration.

It is the policy of CBUNA that no individual shall be excluded from the opportunity to participate in the CBUNA certification program on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Eligibility Requirements Rationale

These requirements assure the following: must have achieved initial certification, 800 clinical practice hours is sufficient to maintain exposure to urologic practice, candidate meets all current legal requirements of their licensure, and 36 contacts hours over 3 years is sufficient to maintain current knowledge in the specialty of urology. The inclusion of nephrology as an associated area of knowledge is due to the interrelatedness of urological and nephrology conditions, e.g., obstructions caused by prostatic hypertrophy or stone disease can lead to hydronephrosis and kidney failure.

Grace Period/Late Submission

After December 31 of the recertification period, CBUNA will accept late recertification applications from January 1 through March 31. A $50 late fee will be incurred.

Use of the CBUNA credential during the extension (grace period) is prohibited. If recertification requirements are met, there will be no lapse in certification dates.

Any application received after the 3-month grace period will be declared ineligible. There will be no exceptions or extension of this time frame. Contact hours earned and applied during the grace period may NOT be used in future recertification applications.
 

Frequently Asked Questions - Certification

Frequently asked questions about CBUNA certification

Does the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) provide certification?

SUNA does not provide certification. Certification is provided through a separate organization, the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates (CBUNA), and it provides urology certification for Associates, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners.

Does my state require specialty certification for RNs, NPs or CNSs?

No state requires specialty certification. If you are considering specialty certification, contact the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at www.ncsbn.org/aprn.htm and the American Nurses Association (ANA) at www.nursingworld.org/Consensus-Model-Toolkit to determine licensure requirements.

How many times can I take the exam?

Candidates who sit for a CBUNA certification exam are not limited to the number of times they can take an examination.

Can I fax my application?

No. We cannot accept faxed applications.

How do I sign my name once I become certified? Is there a standard way that is recommended?

Yes, there is a standard way to list credentials after your name. Academic degrees are listed first because they are earned, are considered permanent. Nurses (RN or LPN), and Nurse Practitioners are licensed by the State Boards of Nursing. National certifications are usually voluntary. When you become certified by CBUNA, you are able to use the credentials CUA (Associate), CURN® (Registered Nurse), or CUNP® (Nurse Practitioner) to indicate your certification status.

Can I or my employer verify my certification status?

Yes. CBUNA certification status can be verified on the CBUNA Certified Directory. CBUNA maintains a searchable directory of all certified nurses and associates. However, all application information is considered confidential and is not shared with any outside party. It is used only by C-NET and CBUNA for certification processing purposes. Information concerning any candidate for certification is released only upon written request of the certification applicant.

If my certificate is lost or destroyed, how do I replace it?

Please note as of October 2024, printed certificates are no longer provided. CBUNA certification and recertification certificates are sent via email in the form of a PDF.

Once I am certified, what additional privileges does the CBUNA certification grant me?

CBUNA certification does not grant any additional privileges or responsibilities above your basic license. It is a testimony to your hard work, knowledge, and experience with the specialty population of patients with urology diagnoses. However, if you have further questions about this, regulations do vary among states. Please check with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at www.ncsbn.org/aprn.htm and the American Nurses Association (ANA) at www.nursingworld.org/Consensus-Model-Toolkit to discuss your particular circumstances. In the case of CUAs, please seek out the appropriate state board that regulates your practice.

Are the CBUNA certifications nationally recognized?

CBUNA is the only certifying body for urologic nurses and associates. The CBUNA certification is recognized for Magnet status hospitals and clinics. Our certification remains a testimony to your specialty practice, expertise, and knowledge in urology. CBUNA has begun to systematically revise our policy and procedure manual in order to make it consistent with the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) requirements and expectations. This is a lengthy, ongoing process that requires proof that we have revised our practice analyses, have collected the subsequent required testing data, and compiled required information for the application process. The length of time for the data collection is determined by ABSNC. The application for the NP has been approved and accredited by ABSNC as of December 2018. The application for the RN has been approved and accredited by ABSNC as of March 2020. At this time, only the CURN and CUNP designations are eligible for the ABSNC recognition.

How much do I need to study for the examination?

No one can answer this for you, but CBUNA does provide an examination preparation guide to give you an overview of the test. The test is designed to reflect the broad nature of topics in urology that are represented on the examination.

If I don't pass the exam, how soon can I reapply?

If your results indicate that you did not pass, you may submit an application for the next exam. However, the retest fee is reduced for only one year after your initial examination.

What should I do if my contact information changes?

It is the professional responsibility of the applicant to notify CBUNA of any name, address, phone numbers and/or e-mail change. You can make these changes to your online profile at www.cbuna.org after you log in with your username and password. If you already have an established online account with SUNA, all changes made to your profile will be reflected in your CBUNA certification record.

Who should I contact if I have any questions about certification?

Contact the CBUNA National Office with any questions at cbuna@cbuna.org or 202-591-2470.

Certification Scholarships

Scholarships and Awards available to new CBUNA certificants

SUNA Foundation Jan Le Bouton CBUNA Certification Scholarship

Annually, SUNA Foundation awards a scholarship to promote and encourage certification in urology. The recipient of the scholarship will receive a stipend to cover the cost of the CBUNA certification examination and a copy of the CBUNA Examination Preparation Guide.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Applicant must have been an active SUNA member in good standing for at least 1 year.
  2. Applicant must have been employed in the field of urology for a minimum of 2 years.
  3. Applicant must be able to meet all other financial responsibilities associated with taking the certification exam.
  4. Applicant must have not yet taken the exam.

Application Requirements

  1. Applicant must submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
  2. Applicant will submit a typed statement citing his/her reasons for seeking this scholarship - sharing personal views on the value of certification and his/her aspirations as a potential certified member of SUNA.
  3. When selected, the scholarship winner will agree to have the award information announced on the SUNA website. The winner will write a brief summary of his/her certification experience for the website.

Selection Process

An appointed board of three certified members will review applications. Selection will be based on potential future contributions to urologic patient care.

Submit documentation to SUNA via email cbuna@cbuna.org. All documentation must be received no later than June 1.

Scholarship Recipients

2023 - Vivian Aiken, RN, CUA
2022 - Carrie DeFuss, DNP, NP-C, CURN
2020 - Linda Fritsche, CMA
2019 - Stephanie Tomicich, NP
2018 - Kevin Trimble, MSN, FNP-BC
2014 - Sarah King, CMA
2013 - Debbie Miller, LPN

Macfarlane Award

This award is presented to the person who attains the highest score on the certification examination for the previous year. The recipient of this award will demonstrate dedication to the practice of urology and an outstanding knowledge base. A certificate recognizing the recipient's achievement will be presented during the SUNA uroLogic Conference (if recipient is in attendance).

Award Recipients 

2025 - Amanda Jarvis, RN, CURN
2024 - Alanna Mahramas, RN, CURN
2023 - Christen Nicole Wilbur, APRN, CUNP
2022 - Cindy Curry, FNP, CUNP
2022 - Heather Morris, RN, CURN
2021 - Susan Kaib, RN, CURN
2020 - Sherry Lynn Baker, LVN, CUA
2020 - Connie Thrash, BSN, RN, CURN
2019 - Molly Tucker, FNP-BC CUNP
2018 - Nicole Boesch, CUA
2018 - Debbie Broyles, CURN
2017 - Connie Dascotte, RN, CURN
2016 - Beth Wanagat, RN, CURN
2016 - Abigail Livingstone, BSN, RN, CURN
2015 - Julie Wells, CURN
2014 - Garrett Brake, CUA
2013 - Victoria Peck, MHS, BSN, RN, CURN
2012 - Karl Gunnerson, BSN, RN, CNOR, CGRN, CMLSO, CURN
2012 - Brenda Madsen, CURN
2011 - Treva Thomasson, CURN

Exam Details

What you need to know about the exams for CBUNA credentials

Certified Urology Registered Nurse

There are 150 questions on the examination. The urologic nurse must be knowledgeable in all areas of urology. The Content Area percentages and the Practice percentages for the exam items are included in the Certification Preparation Guide. The Certification Preparation Guide has been designed as a guide to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analysis and is not meant to be all-inclusive.

As of October 2018, the passing score for the CBUNA Registered Nurse exam was determined and set at 70% by using the Angoff Procedure.

Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner

There are 175 questions on the examination. The nurse practitioner must be knowledgeable in all areas of urology. Therefore, the test content is broad and comprehensive. The examination is an objective test covering knowledge, understanding and application of urologic theory and practice. The Certification Preparation Guide has been designed as a guide to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analysis and is not meant to be all-inclusive.

As of October 2017, the passing score for the CBUNA Nurse Practitioner exam was determined and set at 72% by using the Angoff Procedure.

Exam Objectives

Certified Urology Registered Nurse

To measure the RN's ability to:

  • Detect alterations in genitourinary anatomy and physiology.
  • Differentiate between normal and abnormal growth and development.
  • Identify adult and pediatric genitourinary problems.
  • Select appropriate treatment modalities for adult and pediatric urologic problems.
  • Evaluate laboratory findings with respect to genitourinary pathology.
  • Classify drugs used to treat urologic problems.
  • Assess patient response to pharmacologic therapy.
  • Compare diagnostic studies used to evaluate genitourinary alterations.
  • Describe the use of various urologic instruments and supplies.
  • Apply principles of asepsis to care of urologic patients.
  • Assess progression of urologic cancers.
  • Formulate teaching plans to address genitourinary problems for patients, their families and the community.
  • Evaluate interventions in relationship to desired outcomes.
  • Relate new trends and research from urologic literature.

Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner

To measure the practitioner's ability to:

  • Assess health history and physical findings systematically.
  • Differentiate between normal and abnormal growth, development, and physiology.
  • Identify common adult and pediatric genitourinary problems.
  • Select appropriate treatment modalities for adult and pediatric urologic problems.
  • Evaluate laboratory findings with respect to genitourinary conditions.
  • Recommend appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management approaches.
  • Assess response to pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies.
  • Select diagnostic studies to evaluate genitourinary conditions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate indications for invasive urologic procedures.
  • Apply the principles of nursing to the care of urologic patients.
  • Compare treatment options for urologic cancers, and evaluate methods that monitor progression.
  • Formulate teaching plans to address genitourinary problems for patients, their families and the community.
  • Evaluate interventions in relationship to desired outcomes, including quality improvement and care coordination.
  • Correlate risk factors with specific urologic conditions.
  • Explain and identify relevant governmental and professional practice standards.

Exam Blueprints

The test specifications (blueprints) are developed, reviewed, and revised through formal practice analysis surveys approximately every 5 years. CBUNA has approved the following blueprint (framework) for examination development:

Certified Urology Registered Nurse

Adopted October 2017/Effective October 2018

Axis I - Patient Problems

  • Pediatric anomalies, embryology and common pediatric neoplasms. 5%
  • Urinary tract inflammations and disorders. 18%
  • Voiding dysfunctions, including incontinence. 24%
  • Obstructive uropathies and trauma, including stones & BPH. 25%
  • Infertility and sexual dysfunctions; disorders of male genitalia. 5%
  • Genitourinary cancers. 23%

Axis II - Nursing Activities

  • Assess and monitor patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/treatments. 25%
  • Plan and implement care of patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/ treatments. 30%
  • Teach patient, their significant others, other health professionals, and the public about prevention and management of urologic conditions. 25%
  • Evaluate outcomes of care given to patients who have urologic conditions and procedures/ treatments. 12%
  • Ensure professional practice in promoting patient outcomes, e.g., consultation, staff development, quality improvement, and research. 8%

Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner

Adopted April 2023/Effective January 2024

Axis I - Patient Problems

  • Common Pediatric Disorders. 6%
  • Urinary Tract Inflammations and Disorders. 24%
  • Voiding Dysfunctions, Including Incontinence. 23%
  • Obstructive Uropathies and Trauma, Including Stones and BPH. 20%
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Disorders of Genitalia and Male Infertility. 10%
  • Genitourinary Lesions, Benign and Malignant. 17%

Axis II - Nurse Practitioner Activities

  • Assess and diagnose pathologic processes and complications of urologic conditions. 35%
  • Prescribe/perform interventions, including treatments, therapies, and procedures consistent with comprehensive care needs. 30%
  • Educate patient, family, other health care professionals and the public about urologic conditions. 28%
  • Consult for and with peers and other health care professionals regarding specific cases. 4%
  • Participate in the practice management and research activities to promote optimal outcomes, e.g., case management, coordination of care, quality improvement. 3%

Eligibility Criteria

Explore the Eligibility Requirements for Each CBUNA Credential

Candidates who are interested in sitting for the certified urologic examination must meet the basic criteria as listed below prior to submitting an application.  If you think you are eligible and are interested in applying, applications to sit for the exam can be accessed here:

https://members.suna.org/certifications/certification-programs

Certified Urology Registered Nurse

U.S Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:

  1. The applicant must have completed a nationally accredited nursing educational program.
  2. The applicant must have completed (2) years working as a Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours of providing patient care to urologic patients within the last three (3) years.
  3. The applicant must hold a current active, unrestricted professional license in the U.S. or its territories.

International Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:

  1. The applicant must have completed a state approved educational program and the practice requirements as stated above.
  2. The applicant must hold a license/registration as a first level general nurse.
  3. The examination is provided in English only.
  4. CBUNA reserves the right to review transcripts of the nursing education program to determine eligibility.

Apply now at:

https://members.suna.org/certifications/certification-application-forms/?CertificationId=cd147952-1d88-f011-8151-7c1e52b583a4

Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner

U.S. Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:

  1. The applicant must have completed a nationally accredited nursing educational program.
  2. The applicant must have completed two (2) years working as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) with a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours of providing patient care to urologic patients within the last three (3) years.
  3. The applicant must have current recognition by the state board of nursing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
  4. The applicant must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice).
  5. The applicant must hold current certification as a nurse practitioner from a national certifying board: American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC), National Certification Corporation (NCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB).

International Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met:

  1. The applicant must have completed a state approved educational program and practice requirements as stated above.
  2. The applicant must hold recognition as a nurse practitioner from the nursing regulatory authority in their country or province.
  3. The examination is provided in English only.
  4. CBUNA reserves the right to review transcripts of the nursing education program to determine eligibility.

Apply Now at:

https://members.suna.org/certifications/certification-application-forms/?CertificationId=aece6440-1e88-f011-8151-7c1e52b583a4

 

Statement of Nondiscrimination

No individual shall be excluded from the opportunity to participate in the CBUNA certification process on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

About CBUNA

The mission and vision of CBUNA

nurse-patient
CBUNA

 

CBUNA is the only national certification body established to certify urologic nurses and associated allied health care professionals in urologic nursing practice.

Take a moment or two to learn more about our certification process and how CBUNA will help you reach your personal and professional goal of becoming certified. Certification through CBUNA is an investment in your career that enhances your self-esteem, confidence, and professionalism.

Thank you for visiting and for saying "Yes" to certification as a testimony to your hard work and expertise in the care of patients with urologic disease.

 

Mission

CBUNA improves the quality of care provided to urology patients by promoting and acknowledging the highest standards of urologic nursing practice through the certification process. Certification is a process by which a non-governmental agency or association validates an individual's qualifications and knowledge of practice in a defined function or clinical area, based upon predetermined standards. It assures both the lay public and other professionals that an individual has the knowledge needed to practice in a particular role in a particular specialty area. Certification:

  • Develops standards of nursing care vital to the public interest
  • Provides growth and advancement in nursing practice
  • Enhances individual achievement and the individual's sense of professionalism
  • Promotes a commitment to quality in the delivery of care to the public

Approximately 600 urologic nurses and associates are currently certified by the CBUNA. To become certified, candidates must pass a standardized examination. Individuals successfully completing the certification process may use the following credentials for a period of 3 years:

  • CURN® - Certified Urologic Registered Nurse
  • CUNP® - Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner

Equity

CBUNA officially endorses the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) position statement as put forth by the DEI Task Force in the SUNA Position on Access to Care, which states:

“SUNA, as a professional nursing organization, fosters the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of all its members in promoting a safe environment and is committed to upholding, honoring, and celebrating the differences of our urologic patients and their families, ensuring the human dignity of all.”

 

Accreditation
The Board
Volunteer Opportunities
CBUNA News

Certification Exam Statistics

Year Total Candidates Pass Tested for Recertification
2024 58 47 3
2023 49 42 0
2022 44 35 1
2021 53 38 1
2020 53 46 3
2019 91 68 3
2018 68 52 4

Recertification Statistics

Year Eligible to Recertify Recertified by Exam Recertified by CE
2024 173 3 121
2023 171 0 117
2022 204 1 136
2021 198 1 137
2020 195 3 125
2019 196 3 135
2018 193 4 145

Recertification with CBUNA

General Information about the CBUNA recertification process

CBUNA has adopted the definition of continuing competence as stated by ABSNC. Continuing competence is the ongoing commitment of a urology nurse or associate to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and judgment with the attitudes, values, and beliefs required to practice safely, effectively, and ethically in a designated role, patient population and/or setting.

To maintain competence and prevent professional obsolescence, the Certification Board requires that each CBUNA certificant participate in continuing education to refresh existing knowledge and skill and to acquire knowledge and proficiency pertaining to new advances.

The 3-year time period established for recertification is based on both the scope of issues that face urology nurses and associates and the Board’s belief that new practices, research, and information are introduced in the field with enough frequency that professional development activities should be conducted routinely so that certificants remain current with best practices and emerging knowledge.

Recertification Options

Retake the Written Exam

The certification exam is now offered year-round at established testing centers across the country. Candidates, with the exception of the CUA, CUPA and CUCNS, may elect to re-test. The test for CURNs will be composed of 150 questions. The CUNP test will be composed of 175 items. A passing score must be attained to become recertified. If a candidate does not attain a passing score, the certification process must start anew as stated in the certification policy. The certification application, fee, and testing schedule is available at www.cbuna.org

Continuing Education

Education programs must be presented by an individual, state, or national organization accredited as a provider of continuing education. Education programs may be in any format including, but not limited to, courses, workshops, and independent study modules. With initial certification, contact hours may be accrued for certification renewal from the date of testing. If the certification examination is offered in conjunction with an education program, the continuing education credit offered after the exam may be used toward certification renewal.

Contact hours must be documented with copies of certificates of attendance at approved seminars or conference, copies of independent study modules, copies of published materials, presentations, or multimedia productions (i.e., video, audio tapes, or computer generated discs).

All continuing education certificates must include the following information: Name of attendee, activity title, date of activity, activity sponsor, accreditation statement and number of contact hours awarded. Verification of documentation is required only upon audit. Thirty-six (36) approved contact hours in urologic health care are required, with a maximum of 10 hours in nephrology topics. The hours must have been earned in the last 3 years. All contact hours must be acceptable to the Board to continue certification.

Recertification Fees

  SUNA Member Nonmember
CUA $150 $175
CURN $250 $275
CUCNS/CUPA/CUNP $300 $325

Ten percent (10%) of recertification applications will be audited.

Eligibility
Preparation
Scholarships
FAQ

Becoming CBUNA Certified

General Information on CBUNA Certification

Applying to Take the Exam

Certification is an endorsement of your knowledge and experience. It is the single best way you can testify to your expertise in the urologic nursing field. More information on eligibility requirements can be found here:  https://www.suna.org/certification/becoming-certified/eligibility

If you are ready to take the next step in your career path as a urologic health professional please choose the link below for the certification you are applying for.  Questions?  Email us at cbuna@cbuna.org

Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted regarding your eligibility status and be provided with next steps, including instructions on how to schedule your exam if applicable.  All exams will be fully remote allowing for ease of scheduling and accessibility.

Certified Urology Nurse Practitioner (CUNP)

https://members.suna.org/certifications/certification-application-forms/?CertificationId=aece6440-1e88-f011-8151-7c1e52b583a4

Certified Urology Registered Nurse (CURN)

https://members.suna.org/certifications/certification-application-forms/?CertificationId=cd147952-1d88-f011-8151-7c1e52b583a4

Exam Fees

  SUNA Member Nonmember
RN $325 $420
RN One-Time Retake Fee $225 $320
Nurse Practitioner $350 $445
Nurse Practitioner One-Time Retake Fee $250 $345

Group Discount

Group discounts are available. Contact The CBUNA National Office for more information - cbuna@cbuna.org

Retake Fee

Should a candidate fail to succeed on the initial examination, the candidate has 12 months in which to retake the examination at a reduced fee. If the candidate is not successful on the second examination, the candidate is considered to have failed. Thereafter, if the candidate wishes to repeat the examination, the total fee must be paid.

Period of Certification

Certification will be valid for 3 years and renewal is available either by retaking the written exam or submitting a minimum of 36 urologic-specific continuing education contact hours. The hours must be earned in the last 3 years and must be specific to urology. All certifications will expire as of December 31 (common expiration date) of the year you are due to recertify.

 

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