Policies

Applications

The certification fee in place at the time the complete application is received will apply, regardless of postmark or any other circumstance. Complete applications include all requested information, signature, fees, and documentation (e.g. verification forms, transcripts, continuing education information, logs, or other required documents).

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Candidates whose applications are incomplete will be notified and provided an opportunity to provide the missing information. Candidates whose applications are incomplete will not be authorized to test until all required documentation is received and approved by ONCC.

Candidates may submit applications via online registration. Certain candidates may not apply online due to system limitations. In these instances, the candidate may apply by paper (mail or fax). Candidates who submit an application form or documentation by mail or fax when the online registration option is available will be charged an additional paper handling fee.

Cancellation of Test Results

ONCC reserves the right to cancel the score of any candidate who violates the Professional & Regulatory Candidate Rules Agreement or to cancel scores resulting from any testing irregularity. Please see Professional & Regulatory Candidate Rules Agreement in the ONCC Test Registration Manual.

Fraudulent Use of ONCC Credentials

ONCC shall thoroughly investigate all reports of an individual fraudulently using the OCN®, AOCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® credential. If proof is obtained that an individual who is not authorized to use the OCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, AOCN®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® credential has used the credential, ONCC shall write a letter to the individual stating that ONCC has documented proof that the individual has used the OCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, AOCN®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® credential and that ONCC has no record of the individual's certification or renewal of expired certification. The individual shall be requested to provide proof of current ONCC certification (e.g., prove that certification was obtained under a different name) or discontinue use of the credential. The individual shall be informed that documented fraudulent use of an ONCC credential shall result in ONCC taking appropriate action against the individual, which may include sanctions and reporting the fraudulent use to appropriate individuals and/or institutions (e.g. state licensing boards, employers, and membership societies).

Nondiscrimination

ONCC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, gender expression, ethnic origin, color, religion, race, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These include, but are not limited to, approval of certification/recertification applicants, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors and provision of services. ONCC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for certification candidates and certified nurses, volunteers, members of its staff, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Refunds

Refund Requests

1. Test candidates may request a refund of all but $100 (processing fee) of the test fee prior to the expiration of their ATT. A written request must be received by ONCC prior to the expiration of the ATT and include the candidate’s name, address, and test date. Refund requests received after the expiration of the ATT will not be granted. Candidates who request a refund also must cancel their test appointment at least two days before the test appointment. Candidates who do not cancel a scheduled test appointment will forfeit their test fee and will not receive a refund. Candidates may also be required to pay a fee to the testing company if the appointment is cancelled within the "fee required" timeframe.

1. Acts of Nature     
   In the event that an act of nature or other catastrophic event prevents a candidate or candidates from taking the test as scheduled a portion of the test fee will be refunded or the candidate may transfer, at no charge, to an administration within the following one-year period. The candidate’s eligibility will be verified to ensure all criteria is met for the subsequent test administration. A new application will be requested if the candidate’s eligibility is questionable. 

Release of Information/Confidentiality

The names of nurses certified by ONCC shall be available to the public. Confidential information that will not be released includes the names of all candidates for certification, individual examination scores of candidates, individual assessment results, and the names of nurses who fail the examinations. Hard copies of this information shall be kept in locked files and the electronic data shall be secured and protected. 

Only clearly identified ONCC and testing agency staff shall have access to this information. Individual candidates shall not be identified in the reporting of aggregate scores. 

Electronic candidate and certificant records are maintained in the ONCC association management system (AMS) permanently. Access to this information is permission-based and granted to ONCC staff only. No other users within the ONS Enterprise have access to ONCC candidate data.

ONCC may share aggregate information about ILNA content categories with certificants, NCPD/education providers, and the public. Aggregate information also may be posted annually on the ONCC website. The information will be specific to the ONCC credentials represented but will not specifically identify candidates or groups of candidates. The aggregate information may be helpful in providing insight into the learning needs of the constituency and will be provided in a consistent manner without preference or prejudice. Candidates should use their individual score reports to identify their specific learning needs, if any.

1. Certification is a voluntary credentialing process with the goal of protecting the public. The purpose of certification is to ensure the public that the certified nurse has met all eligibility criteria and mastered particular knowledge to provide competent nursing care as measured by the test. Names of nurses receiving OCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, AOCN®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® certification shall be available to the public upon written request. A fee, as determined by the ONCC Board of Directors, may be charged for the written verification of ONCC credentials. Certification will be verified in writing only. A free online service is available for credential verification.
2. Individual test score reports are provided to candidates prior to leaving the test center. If score reports must be mailed, they shall be sent only to candidates at the address indicated by the candidate on his/her examination registration materials.
3. Individual assessment results are provided to candidates at the conclusion of the assessment, with the option to save and/or print the assessment results. If assessment results must be mailed, they shall be sent only to the home address on file.
4. ONCC will discuss a candidate’s certification-related and assessment-related issues only with the candidate.

Reporting of Results

1. Results Reports for computer based testing (CBT) candidates     
   Prior to leaving the test center, CBT candidates will receive an official pass/fail result including information to indicate the candidate’s performance in each of the test subject areas.

2. Individual Scores     
   The passing score for all examinations shall be set at a scaled score of 55. Because equating is used to correct for differences in test difficulty, the passing score can be maintained at a scaled score of 55, even though the passing raw score may vary from test form to test form. The passing score is determined by the number of items answered correctly.

   Test candidates who achieve a scaled score of 55 or above shall receive results reports indicating pass. Test candidates who achieve a scaled score of 54 or below shall receive results reports indicating fail. The fail results report also contains the candidate's numeric scaled score.

   All test results reports also shall indicate the candidate’s performance in each of the test subject areas. Passing candidates will use this information to prepare for certification renewal. Failing candidates will use this information to identify areas in which additional study may be needed before retaking a test.

3. Assessment Results     
   All assessment diagnostic reports will indicate the candidate’s performance in each of the subject areas. Assessment candidates will use this information to prepare for certification renewal.
4. Aggregate Scores     
   ONCC may share aggregate information about ILNA content categories with certificants, NCPD/education providers and the public.  Aggregate information also may be posted annually on the ONCC website.  The information will be specific to the ONCC credentials represented but will not specifically identify candidates or groups of candidates.  The aggregate information may be helpful in providing insight into the learning needs of the constituency and will be provided in a consistent manner without preference or prejudice. Candidates should use their individual score reports to identify their specific learning needs, if any.

Renewal of ONCC Certification

Certification renewal is due every four years. Those who hold OCN®, AOCNP®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® certification have three options through which to renew certification. Because the AOCN® and CPON® Examinations are no longer administered, those who hold AOCNS®, AOCN® or CPON® certification have only one option (professional development plus practice) through which to renew.

It is the responsibility of the certified nurse to apply for renewal of certification by the required application date. ONCC shall attempt to provide renewal notices to all certified nurses prior to the expiration date of the current credentials. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the certified nurse of the responsibility to apply for renewal prior to the application deadline date.

All certification renewal candidates must have a current, active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States or Canada to be eligible to renew certification. Nurses educated and/or licensed outside the United States, its territories, or Canada must have their education and licensure evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service. Only those whose evaluation indicates U.S. equivalency will be eligible to renew certification.

To demonstrate continued competency and renew certification, all candidates must meet two of the three renewal criteria: current practice, professional development (demonstrated through the Individual Learning Needs Assessment, and successful retesting. Option 1 includes current practice and professional development; Option 2 includes current practice and successful retesting; Option 3 includes professional development and successful retesting.

• Those who do not renew certification in the calendar year of its expiration may not continue to use the certification credential after its expiration. Candidates who wish to be certified must either apply for reinstatement (if eligible) or test at a future date. Candidates who wish to test at a future date will be considered initial candidates and must meet eligibility criteria for initial candidates.
• Nurses who are renewing two credentials in the same year by Option 1 must meet the eligibility criteria for both credentials; and may use the same points for both renewals, provided those points meet the ILNA requirements for each credential. The fee to renew two certification credentials in the same year is $100 more than the regular Option 1 fee. 
• ONCC must receive complete applications (including completed learning plan and fee) on or before published deadline dates, regardless of postmark. Incomplete applications (including those without a completed learning plan or fee) received by the first deadline date will not be granted the $100 application fee reduction.
• ONCC adheres to all published deadline dates. ONCC will not accept applications received after the final deadline date regardless of postmark or other circumstances. If the deadline falls on a weekend, ONCC will accept applications through the following business day.

Candidates Who Fail the Renewal Test May Not Renew By Points

Candidates who apply to renew by Option 2, and who do not attain a passing score on the test, may not renew by Option 1. Renewal candidates who do not pass the test must take the test again prior to their certification expiration to renew their credential.

Candidates Denied Renewal by Points May Retest

Candidates who are denied renewal by Option 1 may apply to take the test during the next 12 months with payment of a $100 transfer fee, if they meet the test application deadline. If the test date falls after the credential expiration date, the credential may not be used after expiration until the candidate passes the test. ONCC cannot guarantee a decision to candidates regarding their renewal application in time to register for a test unless the renewal application is received at least 3 months prior to the test application deadline date.

Candidates Denied Renewal by Points Will Not be Refunded

Candidates who apply for renewal by Option 1 and are denied by ONCC will not be granted a refund of the renewal fee. This includes candidates who are denied renewal due to insufficient points, insufficient documentation, or failure to submit audit documentation or other documentation requested by ONCC.

Reinstatement

All applications for certification renewal using Option 1 (practice hours + Points) must be received by the ONCC office by October 15 (or the following business day if October 15 falls on a weekend), regardless of postmark, of the year certification is due to expire.

• Candidates who wish to maintain their certification, but miss the final deadline for certification renewal, may:
  1. Apply to re-take the examination in the following year as an initial candidate, or
  2. Apply for certification reinstatement by Option 1 (practice hours + Points) on or before March 31 of the year immediately following the credential expiration date, or
  3. Apply for certification reinstatement by Option 3 (test + Points) and test on or before March 31 of the year immediately following the credential expiration date.
• Nurses may not use the credential after their certification expires on December 31, but may again use the credential after being notified that their certification has been reinstated.
• Reinstatement is retroactive and the certification period will not be extended for nurses who reinstate.
• Reinstatement requires the candidate to submit all required applications and learning plan(s), as well as documentation of meeting the Option 1 or Option 3 requirements, as they would do if their Learning Plans were audited. All CE certificates, transcripts, or other documentation that would usually be required if the candidate submitted the application on time and was audited must be submitted with the application for reinstatement.
• Candidates who apply for reinstatement must submit their application and required documentation to ONCC online (Option 1) or by mail or fax (Option 3); Learning Plans must be submitted electronically.
• Candidates must pay the reinstatement fee of $300, in addition to the final deadline application fee for Option 1 or Option 3.
• Candidates who miss the final deadline for reinstatement of their certification may utilize the Review and Appeals Policy. All requests for review and appeal must document the extenuating circumstances that caused the candidate to miss the deadline.
• Candidates who apply for reinstatement may earn points up to the date the reinstatement application is submitted; points earned after March 31 will not be accepted.

Retaking of the Examination

Candidates who fail an ONCC examination on the first attempt may apply for a retest, but may not take the same examination more than once during a 90-day test eligibility period. Candidates who fail an ONCC examination on the second attempt may apply for a retest, but may not take the same examination more than once during a 90-day test eligibility period. 

Candidates who fail the test on a third attempt must wait one year before taking the test again if the three failed attempts occurred during a three-year (36 month) period. If the three failures occurred over more than three years (36 months), the candidate may apply to retest, but may not take the same test more than one time during a 90-day test eligibility period.

Candidates taking a test for the second or subsequent time are not identified as repeat candidates at the test center. Candidates are not likely to receive the same form of the test as previously taken.

Review and Appeals Process

1. Review of Eligibility Decisions. In the event of a determination that an individual has been denied certification or recertification based on a failure to satisfy application or eligibility requirements, pay fees required by ONCC, or failure of the examination, the individual shall have thirty (30) days to file a written request for review. ONCC shall review and issue a decision on the request.
2. Review of Alleged Violations of ONCC’s Rules (other than eligibility decisions). This section outlines the process to be followed in the event that an individual is alleged to have violated the rules identified in Policy 26.00. Policy 36.00 identifies the basis for denying or sanctioning certification or recertification. These rules are published and available to the public.
   1. ONCC shall provide the individual with written notice of the alleged violation. The written notice shall include:
      1. The rule or rules identified in Policy 26.00, Section A. Conduct alleged to have been violated by the individual;
      2. The facts surrounding the allegation;
      3. An opportunity for the individual to respond in writing to the allegation within thirty (30) days of the individual’s receipt of the allegation; and
      4. Notice that a failure to timely respond to the allegation may result in the issuance of sanctions against the individual’s certification or eligibility for certification or recertification.
   2. If the individual has filed an application for certification or recertification with ONCC at the time of receipt of the alleged violation, the application shall be suspended pending determination of the alleged violation.
   3. If the alleged violation arises out of conduct during or relating to an ONCC examination or assessment administration, the individual’s results may be invalidated.
   4. Upon receipt of the individual’s response or expiration of the thirty (30) day response period, the executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee shall authorize an investigation into its specific facts or circumstances to whatever extent is necessary in order to clarify, expand, or corroborate the information provided by the submitted. The executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee may be assisted in the conduct of its investigation by other members of the ONCC Board of Directors, ONCC staff, and/or legal counsel. The submitter, the certificant who is the subject of the investigation, or other individuals who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint may be contacted as part of the investigation. The ONCC executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee will render a decision on the matter. The decision may include the issuance of sanctions against the individual’s certification, recertification, or eligibility for certification or recertification. These sanctions may be reported to appropriate individuals and/or institutions (e.g., state licensing boards, employers, and membership societies).
   5. All investigations and deliberations are conducted in confidence, with all written communications sealed and marked “Personal and Confidential,” and they are conducted objectively, without any indication of prejudgment. An investigation may be directed toward any aspect of a complaint which is relevant or potentially relevant. Formal hearings are not held and the parties are not expected to be represented by counsel, although the executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee may consult their own counsel. The rules of evidence do not apply, and there are no witnesses, cross-examination, or other features of a court trial.
   6. Upon completion of an investigation and deliberations, the executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee shall render a decision on the matter. The decision shall be documented in a written report or minutes that address the investigation, deliberation, determination of violation or dismissal, sanction (if appropriate), and rationale. The decision may include the issuance of sanctions against the individual’s certification, recertification, or eligibility for certification or recertification. These sanctions may be reported to appropriate individuals and/or institutions (e.g., state licensing boards, employers, and membership societies).
3. Appeals of Determinations. The individual may file a written appeal request within thirty (30) days of the date of their receipt of the determination in either a Review of Eligibility Decision or Review of Alleged Violations of ONCC's Rules. The written request for appeal must specify the type of appeal forum being requested by the individual (e.g., written appeal, or telephone conference call with option of video conference call, if technology is available to all participants, or in-person hearing).
4. If a certificant who is the subject of a complaint voluntarily surrenders his or her ONCC certification at any time during the pendency of a complaint under these Policies, the complaint is dismissed without any further action by ONCC. ONCC, at its discretion, may communicate the fact and date of resignation, and the fact and general nature of the complaint which was pending at the time of the resignation, to or at the request of a government entity engaged in the administration of law or professional licensure. Similarly, in the event of such resignation, the person or entity who submitted the complaint is notified of the fact and date of resignation and that ONCC has dismissed the complaint as a result. In the event of such resignation, the certificant shall not be eligible to re-apply for certification for five years from the date of resignation.

Sanction of ONCC Certification

The purpose of ONCC certification is to provide assurance that the nurse using the OCN®, AOCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® credential possesses knowledge essential to providing nursing care to the population stipulated by the certification. Consequently, individuals using the credential must demonstrate the required level of knowledge and meet the requirements for attainment and maintenance of the credential. Failure to meet these standards may result in the issuance of sanctions.

Initial or renewal of ONCC certification may be denied or active certification sanctioned due to any of the following reasons:

1. Misrepresentation, misuse, and/or fraudulent use of the OCN®, AOCN®, AOCNS®, AOCNP®, CPON®, CPHON®, CBCN®, or BMTCN® credential
2. Failure to meet eligibility requirements or pay required fees
3. Cheating on the certification examination or assessment
4. Assisting others to cheat on the certification examination or assessment
5. Unauthorized possession of ONCC examination, assessment or other confidential materials
6. Failure of the examination
7. Failure to meet requirements for renewal of certification
8. Falsification of any information requested by ONCC
9. Lack of current, active, unencumbered RN license, including licenses currently subjected to formal discipline by any state board of nursing and licenses with provisions or conditions that limit the nurse’s practice in any way.
10. Criminal convictions (including indictment, arrest, conviction, or plea of guilty to any felony and/or misdemeanor within the past 3 years) or limitation, sanction, revocation, or suspension by a healthcare organization, professional organization, or other private or governmental body relating to nursing or public health safety
11. Failure to notify ONCC in writing within 30 days of any restriction placed on the RN license (including APRN license)
12. Gross or repeated negligence, malpractice, or willful misconduct in professional practice
13. Violation of ONCC's Code of Conduct
    • Upon receipt of a decision to deny or sanction certification (as provided in Policy 26.00) the individual shall have thirty (30) days to file a written appeal of the decision. The Review Process provided in Policy 26.00 must be completed before an individual may file an appeal with the Appeals Committee. The written appeal must be received by ONCC within this deadline and must include the ONCC appeal application form and the appeal-processing fee.
    • In the written appeal application, the individual filing the appeal must identify whether they desire a telephone conference appeal or written appeal.
    • Under no circumstances shall an individual be permitted to review secure examinations, assessments, or items that appear on the examination or assessment.
    • The appeal shall not include a hearing or any similar trial-type proceeding. The rules of evidence do not apply, and there are no witnesses, cross-examination, or other features of a court trial. Legal counsel is not expected to participate in the appeals process, unless requested by the appellant and approved by the ONCC Appeals Committee. The ONCC Board and/or ONCC Appeals Committee may consult ONCC legal counsel.
    • The appeal shall be decided by the Appeals Committee (identified in Policy 5.00). The appellant shall bear the burden of demonstrating that the decision denying or sanctioning eligibility for certification or recertification was based on erroneous factual determination; or was arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable. All decisions of the Appeals Committee shall be final unless appealed to the ONCC Board of Directors.
    • The decision of the executive director and/or Discipline Subcommittee shall remain in effect until completion of the hearing and the rendering of a decision by the Appeals Committee.
    • All investigations and deliberations under these policies are conducted in confidence, with all written communications sent to individuals by a secure delivery service. Actions taken under these Policies do not constitute enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, or local government agencies may be made about the conduct of the certificant in appropriate situations. Any individual initially bringing complaints is not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of this process, although they will receive notice of the actions taken. 
    • Decision of the Appeals Committee may be submitted to the ONCC Board of Directors for written review and action by the Board. The Appeals Committee decision must be submitted to the ONCC Board of Directors via written appeal within thirty (30) days of the individual’s receipt of the Appeals Committee decision. There is an additional fifty dollar ($50) filing fee for requesting review by the ONCC Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will review and decide the matter based on the written record of the Appeals Committee. No additional information may be provided at this stage. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and may not be appealed.
14. ONCC may issue sanctions that include, but are not limited to, denials of initial certification, renewal or recertification, revocation, suspension, or any other limitation of certification or combination of sanctions. Upon being notified of a possible violation, ONCC shall, in its sole discretion, investigate the allegation or decline to act on the matter. If ONCC believes that there has been a possible violation of the conditions identified in Section A, ONCC shall provide the individual with written notice of the allegations.
15. The review and appeals process may be instituted.
16. The official sanction shall state whether official notice of the sanction will be provided to the individual’s state licensing board(s), employer(s), professional membership societies, and/or others. Such notice, if authorized by the sanction, shall not be given until the expiration and/or resolution of any appeal.
17. It should be emphasized that actions taken under these Policies do not constitute enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, or local government agencies may be made about the conduct of the certificant in appropriate situations. Individuals initially bringing complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of this process, although they may receive notice of the actions taken to be determined by ONCC. Commercial disputes are not considered under these Policies.

Transfers

1. Test Date Transfers Within Same Testing Window     
   If, after successful application, a candidate cannot take the test at the scheduled appointment time/date, the candidate may reschedule the test appointment for another day and/or time within the same testing window. The candidate must contact the testing company to reschedule; cancellation/reschedule fees may be incurred by the candidate and are payable directly to the testing company.

2. Transferring to a Different Eligibility Period     
   If, after successful application, a candidate cannot take the test at the scheduled appointment time/date and wishes to transfer to a different testing window, the candidate may request a withdrawal from that particular administration for a later administration within the ensuing 12 months. A test window transfer is granted one time only. The candidate must notify ONCC in writing via a Transfer Request Form prior to the expiration of their current Authorization to Test (ATT). The candidate must also cancel the appointment (if made) by contacting the testing company, following the above Cancellation/Reschedule table. The candidate will pay a $100 administrative fee to ONCC for this service. The candidate may also incur a cancellation fee from the testing company, as described in the Cancellation/Reschedule table. The candidate’s eligibility will be verified to ensure all criteria is met for the subsequent test administration. A new application form will be requested if the candidate’s eligibility is questionable. If the candidate fails to take the test during the interval to which he/she has transferred, the candidate will forfeit all test fees and must submit a new application and pay the full test fee for a subsequent administration. Transfers to a different testing window will be honored provided the above conditions are met.
3. Transfer from Certification Renewal Option 1 to Option 2     
   Candidates who attempt to renew certification by Option 1 but do not meet the required criteria, may pay only the transfer fee to take the test during a subsequent testing interval. The candidate’s eligibility will be verified to ensure all criteria is met for the subsequent testing interval. A new application form will be requested if the candidate’s eligibility is questionable. The candidate must make the request in writing. (See ONCC Policy 15.00)
4. Transfer from Certification Renewal Option 2 to Option 1     
   Candidates who submit an application to renew certification by Option 2 may transfer to renew certification by Option 1, prior to taking the test. The candidate will pay only the transfer fee and submit professional development documentation to ONCC by the posted deadline. The candidate must make the request in writing. Candidates who use Option 2 for certification renewal and who fail the examination may not transfer to Option 1 (see ONCC Policy 15.00).
5. Failure to Report to CBT Appointment     
   If a candidate fails to arrive for the scheduled appointment or does not cancel or reschedule the appointment as outlined in the Cancellation/Reschedule table, the candidate will forfeit all test fees and the test appointment and may incur an additional fee from the testing company. The candidate must submit a new application and pay the full test fee for a subsequent administration.
   • Respect the basic human rights and the dignity of all patients, without consideration of social or economic status, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, personal attributes, nature of the health problem(s), or any other factors.
   • Protect the patient from harm and advocate for the patient’s welfare.
   • Maintain confidentiality of patient information, except when disclosure is required by law.
   • Maintain the knowledge and skill necessary for competent practice in the specialty.
   • Respect his/her own self worth and professional integrity, and the integrity of the profession.
   • Report known or suspected violations made by ONCC-certified nurses and potential ONCC-certified nurses to ONCC.

• reschedule their test appointment within the same test interval, or
• submit a request for transfer or refund to ONCC (See Transfers and Refunds information). If a candidate cancels a test appointment and does not notify ONCC in writing, the test fee paid will be forfeited.

Payment Options

1. ONCC accepts only Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for online payment. If you wish to pay with another credit card you will not be able to register online. Please contact ONCC Customer Service at 877.769.6622 (toll-free) or at 412.859.6104. The ONCC Online Registration System is a secure site. Your credit card payment information will be transmitted via an encrypted format. On the payment page, you’ll see the Verisign symbol and the page’s URL address will begin with “https.” These signs indicate your data will be transmitted securely.

   Pricing /Certification Fees

   The ONCC Board will review and determine all fees annually. Subject to annual approval, fees may increase annually using guide indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the period since the previous increase to determine reasonableness.

   Nurses who are current members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) or the Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses (APHON) will receive a discount for certification fees.

   Customer Service

   If you have questions relating to ONCC, please email ONCC Customer Service or call toll-free (U.S. residents only) 877.769.6622, or 412.859.6104.

   Reporting Misconduct

   If you suspect a certified nurse of misconduct or believe a non-certified nurse is misrepresenting him/herself as an ONCC-certified nurse, you should report it to ONCC. Reports of misconduct are kept confidential and you may report misconduct anonymously. Please provide as much information as possible so ONCC may conduct a thorough investigation.

   To report misconduct, leave a voicemail message at 412.859.6244 or email oncc.tipline@oncc.org.

   Legal Notices

   ONCC is an affiliated organization of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Terms of Use and Privacy Policy information can be found at www.ons.org/legal-notices.