June 1984
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) conducts a needs survey. Leading 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
The First Year
The Committee is given a name; the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). The Committee begins work on developing objectives, eligibility requirements, testing logistics, and exam content. Almost three thousand candidate handbooks are requested this first year.
1986
The C.S.N. Trademark is approved.
1987
The C.S.N. Newsletter is initiated.
1990
Organizational By-laws and Operating Guidelines are approved. Re-certification by continuing education is also approved.
1991
NBCSN officially incorporated. The application requirement changes to include a baccalaureate degree.
1992
NBCSN and NASN agree to have a non-voting member represent their respective organization at Board of Directors meetings. A third testing date is added to be held during the NASN Annual Conference.
1999
The NBCSN State Liaison Program is developed.
2000
The C.S.N. Trademark is retired and the NCSN Trademark is approved.
2011
NBCSN celebrates 20 years in business
2014
The Board of Directors partners with Competency and Credentialing Institute to administer exams and develop the online test.
2018
June — NBCSN earns reaccreditation from the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
July — 2018 NBCSN partners with Association Headquarters to manage day-to-day operations.
2022
NBCSN moved to immediate scoring of the exams
NBCSN launched the Exam Voucher program. This program allows school districts to pre-pay the exam application fee and assign an exam voucher code to a school nurse. The school nurse can then use the exam voucher code to “pay” the application fee and submit their application.
NBCSN also reached over 5,000 NCSNs!