What it means
Voluntary proof of expert knowledge in a field, usually earned by meeting experience requirements and passing an exam, and kept up with continuing education. Examples for nurses include certification in critical care, emergency or medical-surgical nursing. It is different from licensureLY-sun-sherThe granting of a license by a government body that gives a person legal permission to practice a profession.Full entry , which is required by law and given by a state board of nursing to practice at all.
At a glance
| Also written | certifications |
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Easy to confuse with
licensure
The granting of a license by a government body that gives a person legal permission to practice a profession.
Related terms
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.
licensure
The granting of a license by a government body that gives a person legal permission to practice a profession.
master of science in nursing
A graduate degree in nursing, earned after a bachelor's degree, that prepares nurses for advanced or specialized roles.