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.

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, eligibility requirements, testing logistics, and exam content. Almost three thousand candidate handbooks are requested this first year.

NBCSN administered its first certification exam, setting the standard for specialized knowledge and skills in school nursing.

The C.S.N. Newsletter is initiated.

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.

NBCSN is officially incorporated. The application requirement changes to include a baccalaureate degree.

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.

NBCSN marks ten years of advancing school nursing professionalism through its rigorous certification program.

The NBCSN State Liaison Program is developed.

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.

Registration transitioned to digital formats, making the certification process more accessible and efficient for candidates nationwide.

NBCSN celebrates 20 years in business.

June — NBCSN earns reaccreditation from the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).

July — NBCSN partners with Association Headquarters to manage day-to-day operations.

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 is updated and the NCSN Review Book is launched.

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 reached over 5,000 NCSNs!

Information is obtained through a JTA to update the exam.  

Certification exam content is updated to address new health issues in schools, including mental health and emergency preparedness based on the JTA from 2023.

Celebrating 40 years of dedication to excellence in school nursing, NBCSN reflects on its legacy and prepares for future challenges in school health.

NBCSN reaches over 6,000 NCSNs and institutes a yearly scholarship to assist applicants with certification costs!