The RCN commenced the credentialing programme to recognise advanced level practice and reduce variation which protects the public, whilst continuing to lobby for a formal regulatory system.

Now this work is in progress we are working closely with the NMC as they plan and operationalise additional regulation and this is expected to include recognition of experienced advanced level nurses. We have therefore, taken the decision to stop RCN credentialing of advanced nursing practice.

We appreciate that in this time of awaiting standards to be set and regulation to be implemented options may be limited to formally recognise your advanced level nursing qualifications and experience. Some countries do have systems in place that may be useful in the interim: 

Scotland - NMAHP Development Framework

Advanced nursing practice (ANP) | NHS Education for Scotland

England - Centre for Advancing Practice Portal - Advanced Practice

Northern Ireland - Advanced Nursing Practice Framework | Department of Health

Wales - Professional Framework for Enhanced, Advanced and Consultant Clinical Practice - HEIW

Revalidation: if your revalidation is due then a good strategy is to use the RCN’s Professional Development Framework to demonstrate that you meet the UK standards for advanced level nursing (or consultant if applicable). RCN Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | Royal College of Nursing

Mapping your current qualifications and experience to the programme could help (especially if you have a master’s already) and discussing this with your employer. In England, there is the supported portfolio to consider. The NMC have said they are committed to developing a transitional process which recognises experienced advanced nurse practitioners. We continue to work closely with the NMC as this work progresses.    

Read the NMC Principles for advanced practice: Principles for advanced practice - The Nursing and Midwifery Council

 If your revalidation is due, then a good strategy is to use the RCN’s Professional Development Framework to demonstrate that you meet the UK standards for advanced level nursing (or consultant if applicable). We would also suggest keeping a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate this too.  RCN Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | Royal College of Nursing

Yes, we aim to keep this open until 1 November 2028, and you will stay on this until your three years lapses. This may change when the NMC regulation begins. We will continue to discuss with the NMC as this progresses including options regarding credentialed nurses.

We have updated the RCN definition and standards for advanced level nursing as well as other levels: Levels of nursing | Royal College of Nursing  RCN Learn | Royal College of Nursing. 

RCN Learn can offer a wide range of resources and courses including those related to clinical, leadership, education and research.  

You are also able and encouraged to attend our annual ANP Forum conference and join our RCN ANP Forum.   

At this stage we have no plans for reintroducing credentialing, as the NMC as the professional regulator proceeds with its plans. We will continue to work closely with the NMC as this work progresses.

The RCN remains committed to advanced level nursing and currently we have the following activity: 

A strong RCN ANP Forum with over 11,000 members 
Levels of nursing | Royal College of Nursing 
Working with the NMC and representing nurses practising at this level across all pillars. 
 PhD research related to reducing the variation of advanced level nursing across the continent of Europe. The RCN leads a related working group. ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING (APN) – European Federation of Nurses Associations 

This is a virtual certificate, a ‘stamp in time’ and this is currently being used in England to recognise completing an accredited advanced level practice HEI master’s course or successful completion of a supported portfolio. Currently the RCN does not have any digital badges. You do not need to have a digital badge to prove you are working at advanced level of practice.

Currently no, however revalidation is applicable. We will be encouraging the NMC to consider advance practice in their revalidation review, which is scheduled to start in 2025. 

The NMC are currently developing approaches to additional regulation of advanced level practice and the RCN has set out standards: RCN Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | Royal College of Nursing 

Please contact RCND who can arrange relevant support including representation at your workplace if required: Contact the advice centre | Royal College of Nursing

No, once your credential expires, you will drop off the RCN ALNP Directory.

We have been working closely with the NMC on the future of this programme. We completely understand timing could affect different groups at different times. We also wanted to avoid communicating an announcement with little information alongside.

We chose this date as the best date to communicate as widely as possible with as much information as possible. We apologise for any concern this has caused.

This will be considered by the NMC, and they will provide this information when possible.

 Following a thorough review, the NMC has now committed to setting the professional standards for and regulating advanced level nurses. 

And their Principles for advance practice in June 2025: Principles for advanced practice - The Nursing and Midwifery Council.  

For queries related to your application, please contact: credentialing@rcn.org.uk 

For queries related specifically to advanced nursing practice, please contact: advancednursingpracticequeries@rcn.org.uk 

Levels of Nursing 

Career Frameworks 

RCN revalidation