Certification

Certification is a voluntary mechanism for validating professional knowledge and expertise in a specialty. In contrast to licensure, which assures the public of safe practice at a beginning level, certification reflects specialty practice and knowledge at a proficient level. By meeting the challenge of certification, the certified individual has made a commitment to a specialty and to continued professional growth and development. Certification is recognized by employers and peers as an achievement and leads to employment opportunities, advancement, and professional prestige.

ABOHN uses the definition of occupational and environmental health nursing and the standards of practice, in addition to other criteria, to determine eligibility for certification. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) establishes the definition and standards of specialty practice. The entire document is available from AAOHN National Office, 330 N. Wabash Ave, Ste 2000, Chicago, IL 60611. Telephone (312) 321-5173; Fax (312) 673-6719. Email is info@aaohn.org.

ABOHN has different education qualifications for the COHN and COHN-S examinations. HOWEVER, if you qualify for both examinations, just having a higher degree does not necessarily mean you should take the examination with the higher degree qualifications. Both examination Blue Prints/Test Specifications can be found in the Handbooks, located on the website. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you choose the examination that fits your practice, not your level of education.

ABOHN currently offers two core credentials:

 and one specialty credential:

If you have any questions, please contact the ABOHN office at  info@abohn.org.