Certification Renewal

Renewal of ONCC certification is due every four years. Renewal applications are due several months before the certification expiration date. Candidates must apply for certification renewal by the application deadline date during the year renewal is due. Certification cannot be renewed after it expires. Nurses whose certification has lapsed must meet the eligibility criteria for initial candidates and pass the test in order to become certified again in the future.

Renewing more than one credential?

2012 Certification Renewal Fees

2012 Certification Renewal Application Deadline Dates – Option 1 (ONC-PRO)

June 15, 2012 – Submit application and ONC-PRO Logs, save $100 on final deadline fee, and enter to win a lifetime of free renewal
September 15, 2012 – Submit application and ONC-PRO Logs and save $100 on the final deadline fee
October 15, 2012 – Final date to submit application and ONC-PRO Logs. Final date to earn ONC-PRO points for 2012 renewal

2012 Certification Renewal Application Deadline Dates – Option 2 & Option 3

See the 2012 Test Deadlines. 

There are three components to recertification and two of them must be met to recertify. They include:

  1. Practice Hours (amount varies depending on the credential, see eligibility criteria)
  2. Professional development points, known as the Oncology Nursing Certification Points Renewal Option (ONC-PRO). The number of points required varies depending on the credential.
  3. Successful retesting

Renewal Method Options

The options for recertification are based on the combinations of two of the components above:

Option 1: RN License + Practice Hours + ONC-PRO
Option 2: RN License + Practice Hours + Successful testing
Option 3: RN License + ONC-PRO + Successful testing

Nurses who do not have the practice hours include those who are not working, those working in areas other than oncology, and those working in non-nursing roles. Those without practice hours may recertify using option 3.

Note: AOCN® certification may only be renewed by Option 1; testing is not available for renewal of AOCN® certification. Beginning in 2010, CPON® certification may only be renewed by Option 1.

More Information

Option 1
Certified nurses who will be using Option 1 to renew should read ONC-PRO Information, which explains the professional development points.
Option 2
Nurses who will be renewing by Option 2 should review the current test information.
Option 3
Nurses who will be renewing by Option 3 should review both the ONC-PRO and test information.

ONCC sends renewal reminders to certified nurses via mail and email, beginning approximately 14 months prior to certification expiration. It is important that candidates keep ONCC notified of current mail and email addresses. Because delivery of renewal notices cannot be guaranteed, it is the responsibility of the individual candidate to renew certification prior to its expiration.