December, 2025 NPD Certification Preparation Virtual Course
NPD Certification Preparation Course
Provided by ANPD
December 9, 10, and, 11, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm CT daily

Registration:

ANPD Member: $375
Non-Member: $550

Attend an instructor-led ANPD Certification Preparation course taught by NPD experts.

About the Certification Preparation Course: 

This instructor-led, multi-day course is intended to increase your nursing professional development knowledge and help you prepare for the NPD certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The curriculum offers 12 contact hours and covers the major domains of practice found in the board certification exam: Educational Process Standards; Leadership; Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Standards; Evidence-based Practice and Research; Technology; and Program/Project Management and Process Improvement. Completion of the pre- and post- tests awards an additional 2 contact hours, for a total of up to 14 contact hours. Course participants are also provided with a course handbook to aid in studying for the ANCC exam after completion of the course.

Registrants will be enrolled in the NPD Cert Prep Course pre- and post-tests in ANPD’s Continuing Education Center. Participants may assess knowledge gained by comparing their post-course score with their pre-course score. Pre- & post-test scores are provided immediately on completion of each 60-question test. In addition, the pre- and post-tests allow identification of domains as areas of focus when preparing for the certification exam. Instructions to access the pre- and post-tests will be provided to attendees two (2) weeks before the course. It is highly recommended that you complete the pre-test before you attend the course. An additional 2 contact hours is awarded for completion of the pre- and post-test with answer review.

Registration Includes:

• Participation in the instructor-led virtual live course
• Access to pre- and post-tests in ANPD's Continuing Education Center for 90 days
• Access to the course handbook for use during and after the live course for 90 days
• Contact hours

Registration for this course is limited to 35 participants. Course registration for available seat openings is secured with received payment.

Target Audience:

• Registered nurses preparing for the specialty certification exam in nursing professional development (NPD), offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• RNs desiring additional education in nursing professional development

Description: This program is intended to prepare participants for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty examination in nursing professional development by increasing the participant’s foundational nursing professional development knowledge. The content of this course is designed in congruence with current ANCC NPD-BC Testing Content Outline that applies to individuals testing on and after February 26, 2025. Please see ANCC’s website for more information. 

 Outcome:

• Short term measurement: Upon course completion, 80% of participants will report an increase in their knowledge of the content found of American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty examination in nursing professional development.
• Long term measurement: Completed long-term follow up survey results will indicate that 85% of participants who took the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty exam in nursing professional development will report successful certification was achieved.

Successful Completion:

• Attendance of the entire course is required to be awarded 12 contact hours. Partial credit may be awarded for attendance of a single full day (4 hours per day).
• Completion of the pre- and post-tests and review to be awarded an additional 2 contact hours.
• Completion of online course evaluations is required to obtain course completion certificate with contact hours.

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours Awarded: up to 14

Cancellation Policy: This course is intended to be taken in its entirety. Cancellation must be sent in writing to education@anpd.org at least 1 week before the first day of the course. No make-up date(s) or refunds are provided for missed classes.

Disclaimer: Participation in this course does not guarantee successful performance on the ANCC NPD Board Certification Exam, nor is it intended to predict exam performance. It may, however, help identify areas of strength and opportunities as a part of a comprehensive exam preparation plan.

November, 2025 NPD Certification Preparation Virtual Course
NPD Certification Preparation Course
Provided by ANPD
November 11, 12, and, 13, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm CT daily

Registration:

ANPD Member: $375
Non-Member: $550

Attend an instructor-led ANPD Certification Preparation course taught by NPD experts.

About the Certification Preparation Course: 

This instructor-led, multi-day course is intended to increase your nursing professional development knowledge and help you prepare for the NPD certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The curriculum offers 12 contact hours and covers the major domains of practice found in the board certification exam: Educational Process Standards; Leadership; Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Standards; Evidence-based Practice and Research; Technology; and Program/Project Management and Process Improvement. Completion of the pre- and post- tests awards an additional 2 contact hours, for a total of up to 14 contact hours. Course participants are also provided with a course handbook to aid in studying for the ANCC exam after completion of the course.

Registrants will be enrolled in the NPD Cert Prep Course pre- and post-tests in ANPD’s Continuing Education Center. Participants may assess knowledge gained by comparing their post-course score with their pre-course score. Pre- & post-test scores are provided immediately on completion of each 60-question test. In addition, the pre- and post-tests allow identification of domains as areas of focus when preparing for the certification exam. Instructions to access the pre- and post-tests will be provided to attendees two (2) weeks before the course. It is highly recommended that you complete the pre-test before you attend the course. An additional 2 contact hours is awarded for completion of the pre- and post-test with answer review.

Registration Includes:

• Participation in the instructor-led virtual live course
• Access to pre- and post-tests in ANPD's Continuing Education Center for 90 days
• Access to the course handbook for use during and after the live course for 90 days
• Contact hours

Registration for this course is limited to 35 participants. Course registration for available seat openings is secured with received payment.

Target Audience:

• Registered nurses preparing for the specialty certification exam in nursing professional development (NPD), offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• RNs desiring additional education in nursing professional development

Description: This program is intended to prepare participants for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty examination in nursing professional development by increasing the participant’s foundational nursing professional development knowledge. The content of this course is designed in congruence with current ANCC NPD-BC Testing Content Outline that applies to individuals testing on and after February 26, 2025. Please see ANCC’s website for more information. 

 Outcome:

• Short term measurement: Upon course completion, 80% of participants will report an increase in their knowledge of the content found of American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty examination in nursing professional development.
• Long term measurement: Completed long-term follow up survey results will indicate that 85% of participants who took the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty exam in nursing professional development will report successful certification was achieved.

Successful Completion:

• Attendance of the entire course is required to be awarded 12 contact hours. Partial credit may be awarded for attendance of a single full day (4 hours per day).
• Completion of the pre- and post-tests and review to be awarded an additional 2 contact hours.
• Completion of online course evaluations is required to obtain course completion certificate with contact hours.

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours Awarded: up to 14

Cancellation Policy: This course is intended to be taken in its entirety. Cancellation must be sent in writing to education@anpd.org at least 1 week before the first day of the course. No make-up date(s) or refunds are provided for missed classes.

Disclaimer: Participation in this course does not guarantee successful performance on the ANCC NPD Board Certification Exam, nor is it intended to predict exam performance. It may, however, help identify areas of strength and opportunities as a part of a comprehensive exam preparation plan.

The Wild, Wild West: Surviving to Thriving in Ambulatory Care

Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

Presented by: Elizabeth Fritz, PhD, RN, NPDA-BC, EBP-C and Debbie Buchwach, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Intended Audience: NPD practitioners, NPD specialists, NPD Nurse Leaders, PD Associates, Nurses who facilitate education of healthcare professionals, Nurse Leaders / Managers / Executives, and Registered Nurses in ambulatory care

Level of Intended Audience of NPD Practitioners: Novice

Description: Ambulatory care has often been called “the wild, wild West.” NPD practitioners often feel the challenges of working in this setting, which is known for large geographical areas, variable regulation, and limited resources. NPD practitioners will leave this session with strategies to help address these challenges.

Outcome: 80% of participants will report this session increased their knowledge of evidence-based strategies in ambulatory care NPD practice

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours:  1.0

Expiration Date (recording): December 5, 2025

Successful completion:

• View webinar
• Complete on-line evaluation

 For further information email info@anpd.org

Provided by  Jointly Provided by 

Empowering Inclusive Education: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

Date:  October 16, 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

Presented by: Laykin Forthun, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, HNB-BC

Intended Audience: NPD practitioners, All NPD team members, Nursing Education Instructors & Faculty, Simulation Educators, Nurses who facilitate education of healthcare professionals.

Level of Intended Audience of NPD Practitioners: Novice, Competent

Description: Explore neurodivergence and how traditional bolt-on accommodations often rely on deficit-based thinking. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and classroom compassion are introduced as frameworks that create an inclusive learning environment from the start. Attendees will gain insight into neurodivergence, discuss the stigma surrounding, and learn practical strategies for supporting diverse learning needs and improving outcomes for adult neurodivergent learners. This webinar expands on content presented at the 2025 Aspire Convention

Outcome: As indicated in post-webinar evaluations, 80% of participants will: be able to define neurodivergence, express increased knowledge of its implications in the learning environment, and identify Universal Design techniques that can be implemented in their practice.

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours:  1.0

Expiration Date (recording): November 16, 2025

Successful completion:

• View webinar
• Complete on-line evaluation

 For further information email info@anpd.org

Provided by  Jointly Provided by 

If you are not an ANPD member and wish to apply for PCOM, you must create a guest account here. Upon creation of your account, please reach out to education@anpd.org stating you wish to apply for the PCOM and an ANPD team member will enroll you in this course.

The Preceptor Certificate of Mastery (PCOM) recognizes healthcare preceptors who excel in helping others transition into a new setting, a new role, or a new profession. Preceptors also provide oversight for students in the clinical setting. Earning the PCOM credential demonstrates the preceptor’s commitment to high-quality patient care and ensuring the success of new colleagues.

Preceptor Definition: A preceptor is “an individual with demonstrated competence in a specific area who guides, assesses, and validates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to transition to a new role, specialty, or environment in the healthcare setting” (Harper et al., 2023).

Target Audience: Preceptors who have at least 1000 hours (approximately 6 months of full-time practice) precepting who are looking to add recognition of their critical role. Practice settings can include:

Acute care hospital (adult, pediatric, maternity, other)

Specialty hospital (hospice, behavioral health, rehabilitation, other)

Subacute/Long-term care

Ambulatory (e.g., home health/hospice, dialysis center, wound care, physician’s office, surgery, urgent care center/emergency department, outpatient clinic)

And others

Requirements: The ANPD Preceptor Certificate of Mastery is awarded to those who demonstrate expertise and excellence in precepting by meeting the following requirements:

Successful completion of a 75-item, multiple-choice examination with a score of 85% or higher

Documentation of a minimum of 1000 hours of precepting experience undefined 3d">(access form here)

Documentation of completion of 6 contact hours of continuing education related to precepting and topics applicable to the preceptor role 

Completion of the ANPD Preceptor Assessment Tool by three individuals:

(1) Preceptor (self-assessment)

(1) Individual precepted by the applicant

(1) Manager/NPD practitioner/faculty who provides oversight for the preceptor/preceptee dyad

Payment is required prior to accessing the exam.

Here, you will find the instructions and exam needed to submit for your Preceptor Certificate of Mastery. For questions, reach out to education@anpd.org. 

Kindling the Flame: NPDPs Sparking Change through Policy

Presented by: Dawn Vollers, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC

Target Audience: NPD practitioners, NPD specialists, NPD nurse leaders, nurse leaders / managers / executives

Level of Intended Audience of NPD Practitioners: Competent

Description: Nurses often feel uncertain of their role in advancing public policy that impacts health and healthcare.  This webinar seeks to address this gap by providing an overview of the legislative process in the United States and some actionable steps each nurse can take to advance policies you feel are important.  Particular attention will be given to the unique role of the NPD Practitioner in the space of public policy.

Outcome:  80% of participants will document at least one strategy for nurses to influence public policy

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours:  1.0

Expiration Date (recording): April 16, 2028

Successful completion:

• View webinar
• Complete on-line evaluation

  For further information email info@anpd.org

Provided by  

Kindling the Flame: NPDPs Sparking Change through Policy

Presented by: Dawn Vollers, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC

Target Audience: NPD practitioners, NPD specialists, NPD nurse leaders, nurse leaders / managers / executives

Level of Intended Audience of NPD Practitioners: Competent

Description: Nurses often feel uncertain of their role in advancing public policy that impacts health and healthcare.  This webinar seeks to address this gap by providing an overview of the legislative process in the United States and some actionable steps each nurse can take to advance policies you feel are important.  Particular attention will be given to the unique role of the NPD Practitioner in the space of public policy.

Outcome:  80% of participants will document at least one strategy for nurses to influence public policy

Continuing Education: Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours:  1.0

Expiration Date (recording): April 16, 2028

Successful completion:

• View webinar
• Complete on-line evaluation

  For further information email info@anpd.org

Provided by  

Nursing Professional Development Online Certification Preparation Course

Provided by ANPD

About the NPD Certification Preparation Online Course: 

The Nursing Professional Development Online Certification Preparation Course is designed to support preparation for the nursing professional development (NPD) specialty certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Fully online and available at your convenience, this course offers 12.75 nursing contact hours and will increase your knowledge of the content domains found on the NPD board certification exam: Educational Process Standards; Leadership; Ethical Legal, and Regulatory Standards; Evidence-Based Practice and Research; Technology; and Program/Project Management and Process Improvement. Immerse yourself in exam preparation content from the convenience of your home or work computer, at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Intended Audience: 
-- Registered nurses preparing for the specialty certification exam in nursing professional development, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
-- Registered nurses with NPD experience who desire additional education in nursing professional development.

Course Description:
The Nursing Professional Development Online Certification Preparation Course is intended to prepare participants for the American Nurses Credentialing Center specialty examination in nursing professional development by increasing the participant's foundational nursing professional development knowledge. The content of this course is designed in congruence with the current ANCC NPD-BC Testing Content Outline that applies to individuals testing on and after February 26, 2025. Please see ANCC’s website for more information about the exam. 

Outcome:
Short Term Measurement: 100% of participants will demonstrate foundational nursing professional development knowledge of the content domains found on the NPD board certification exam as evidenced by a passing score of 80% on each module's designated post-test.
Long Term Measurement:  Completed long-term follow up survey results will indicate that 85% of participants who took the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) specialty exam in nursing professional development will report successful certification was achieved.

Successful Completion
Completion of each module awards contact hours as listed below. To obtain contact hours for each module:
1. Complete the online module in its entirety
2. Pass the module post-test with a score of 80% or greater
3. Complete the online module evaluation

Continuing Education:
Association for Nursing Professional Development is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Contact Hours Awarded:
12.75 total contact hours available; please see individual module listings for details.

Expiration: 06/01/2028

Modules:
1.     Introduction to Nursing Professional Development and Test-Taking Strategies (1 contact hours)
2a.   Educational Process Standards Part 1 (1.25 contact hours)
2b.   Educational Process Standards Part 2 ( 1.75 contact hours)
3a.   Leadership Part 1 (2.25 contact hours)
3b.   Leadership Part 2 (1.5 contact hours)
4.     Ethical, Legal, & Regulatory Standards (1.75 contact hours)
5.     Evidence-based Practice & Research (1 contact hours)
6.     Technology (0.75 contact hours)
7.     Program/Project Management & Process Improvement (1.5 contact hours)

Disclaimer: Participation in this course does not guarantee successful performance on the ANCC NPD Board Certification Exam, nor is it intended to predict exam performance. It may, however, help identify areas of strength and opportunities as a part of a comprehensive exam preparation plan.

Registration:
ANPD Member: $375
Non-Member: $550

Copyright © 2025 Association for Nursing Professional Development. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Infrastructure Guide e-book is organized to provide resources across the career span, from before hiring, to the interview process, through orientation and assessment of competent practice, to career development. Downloadable tools in this guide include position creation, interview questions, NPD practitioner and PD associate job description templates, NPD practitioner and PD associate orientation templates, NPD practitioner and PD associate performance review templates, mentor and mentee templates, and NPD practitioner and PD associate competencies. This is a must have for NPD Department Leaders and provides a valuable resource to leaders who are striving to create an environment and culture where NPD practitioners and PD associates can function to their highest potential.

ANPD Members: $125
Non-Members: $150