There are literally thousands of nursing certifications out there, so selecting the right ones can sometimes be daunting. Which ones are the most popular? Which ones offer the most job security? And how much should you pay someone to do certification tests? This is all about where we came in.

We’re going to provide you with a list of 10 best nursing certifications available today. We’ve organized them by type so that you can quickly find the one that is right for you. In addition to the name of the certification, we’ve listed the accreditation of the school as well. Finally, we’ve listed the nurse practitioner program that the program is affiliated with.

Registered Nurses (RNs) – This nursing certifications covers a full range of required knowledge that all nurses must possess in order to perform their job to perfection. All RNs must be licensed by the state in which they work in order to obtain this certification. Nurses who want to become advanced or registered nurses can further their education and certification by taking additional courses to learn even more about their field.

Registered Nurses (R Nurses) – These nursing certifications are typically awarded after completion of an RN degree program. They cover all the basic nursing skills you’ll need to care for patients in a hospital setting. Some states allow R Nurses to be appointed to supervise other RNs or to perform unsupervised tasks in the hospital. RNs can also earn additional advanced practice registered nurses (APRs) certifications that demonstrate their continuing progress in their field. Most states require RNs to take an approved national exam before they can apply for certification. APRs allow RNs to specialize in specific areas of nursing.

Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) – The CNP certification is a specialized certification that is awarded by the National Board of Nursing Examiners (NBNE). A CNP is usually employed by doctor’s offices and hospitals to provide primary care to patients with a wide variety of medical conditions. CNPs have to complete a minimum number of hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew their certification. They can choose to specialize in specific areas of nursing or in a field that does not require a physician’s license. There are a few countries, including Canada, where the CNP designation is referred to as a RN and does not require a license.

Nursing Security Officer (NSA) – These nursing certifications are generally awarded by the states when they complete the required number of credit hours in order to renew a nursing certificate. To apply for NSA certification, nurses must already have been licensed in one state. Once approved, nurses are required to take continuing education courses every two years in order to keep the certification active. All renewal nurses must pass a written proficiency exam. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for NSA certification may take an exam for the position instead.

Registered Nurse (RN) – These nursing certifications are awarded by one organization to individuals who meet specific educational and clinical requirements. To qualify for one of these certifications, candidates need to have completed a minimum of 200 hours of training in basic nursing principles and practices. Once qualified, they must complete a minimum of three additional years in specific specialties to be eligible. Specialties include home health care, adult day care, geriatrics, and women, among others. Candidates who complete these requirements are then qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Registered Nurses can also opt to work as a Health Care Professional (HCPR) or a Professional Development Specialist (PDS).

A certified RN holds a special designation and receives a professional nursing credential (CNS). This credential is required to obtain certain jobs in a variety of medical facilities across the nation. Some of these positions include: physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse aids. In order to obtain certification in oncology, individuals need to complete a four-year course that includes general nursing knowledge and the study of oncology. The training is relatively brief; typically, students take about two years to complete their coursework.