NBCSN 40th Anniversary

Year	Accomplishment
1984	The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) conducts a needs survey. This survey led to the Future Projects Committee presenting a proposal to the Board of Directors to investigate the feasibility of a certification examination.
1985	The National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), Inc., is established to develop and implement the voluntary certification process for professionals in the school nursing industry. June 1985 A proposal to utilize the services of the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) to develop and administer a certification examination for school nurses is presented and approved. First Board of Directors The first Board of Directors is an NASN committee comprised of six members, with no more than three from the NASN Board of Directors. Theresa Nash, Louisiana Elaine Brainerd, Connecticut Lu Elliott, Arkansas Millie Nesladek, Montana Nancy Broach, New Mexico Marilyn Marcontel, Texas (Chair) Beverly Farquar, NASN Executive Director Wanda Miller, NASN President During this first year, the Committee is given a name: the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). The Committee begins work on developing objectives, establishing eligibility requirements, determining testing logistics, and creating exam content. Almost three thousand candidate handbooks were requested in the first year.
1986	The C.S.N. Trademark is approved.
1987	NBCSN administered its first certification exam, setting the standard for specialized knowledge and skills in school nursing.
1990	NBCSN's certification became widely recognized as a mark of excellence in school nursing across the U.S. Organizational By-laws and Operating Guidelines are approved. Re-certification by continuing education is also approved.
1991	NBCSN is officially incorporated. The eligibility requirement is updated to include a baccalaureate degree.
1992	NBCSN and NASN agree to have a non-voting liaison to represent their respective organizations at Board of Directors meetings. A third testing date is added to be held during the NASN Annual Conference.
1995	NBCSN marks ten years of advancing school nursing professionalism through its rigorous certification program.
1999	The NBCSN State Liaison Program is developed to promote the NCSN exam and assist candidates at the state level.
2000	NBCSN began offering the certification exam in more locations, increasing accessibility and encouraging more school nurses to become certified. The C.S.N. Trademark is retired, and the NCSN Trademark is approved.
2005	NBCSN celebrates 20 years by revising certification standards to reflect evolving healthcare needs in schools.
2008	NBCSN receives accreditation from the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS), now known as ABSNC.
2010	Registration transitioned to digital formats, making the certification process more accessible and efficient for candidates nationwide.
2011	NBCSN celebrates 20 years in business.
2015	NBCSN celebrates three decades of dedication to school nursing with a campaign highlighting certified school nurses’ contributions to student health.
2018	NBCSN earns reaccreditation from the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). NBCSN partners with Association Headquarters (AH) to manage day-to-day operations.
2020	NBCSN responds to pandemic challenges by providing additional resources and flexibility in certification processes for school nurses facing unprecedented demands, including live remote proctoring for test takers. The Practice Exam and the NCSN Review Book are both updated.
2022	NBCSN moved to immediate scoring of the exams. NBCSN launched the Exam Voucher program, which allows school districts to pre-pay the exam application fee and assign an exam voucher code to a school nurse. NBCSN also grows to over 5,000 NCSNs!
2023	NBCSN conducts a Job Task Analysis Survey (JTA) to gather feedback and ensure the NCSN exam accurately reflects current school nurse practice.
2025	Certification exam content is updated to address new health issues in schools, including mental health and emergency preparedness, based on the data collected through the JTA in 2023. NBCSN Celebrates 40 Years of Dedication to Excellence in School Nursing. NBCSN reflects on its legacy and prepares for future challenges in school health. The NCSN Scholarship is now available, providing recipients with an exam voucher, access to a practice exam, and a review book. This scholarship aims to support school nurses who serve or are from historically marginalized communities in preparing for and taking the NCSN exam. NBCSN grows to over 6,000 NCSNs!

NBCSN Through the Years