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The ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ commenced the credentialing programme to recognise advanced level practice and reduce variation which protects the public, whilst continuing to lobby for a formal regulatory system.

Now this work is in progress we are working closely with the NMC as they plan and operationalise additional regulation and this is expected to include recognition of experienced advanced level nurses. We have therefore, taken the decision to stop ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ credentialing of advanced nursing practice.

We appreciate that in this time of awaiting standards to be set and regulation to be implemented options may be limited to formally recognise your advanced level nursing qualifications and experience. Some countries do have systems in place that may be useful in the interim: 

Scotland -



England -

Northern Ireland -

Wales -

Revalidation: if your revalidation is due then a good strategy is to use the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾’s Professional Development Framework to demonstrate that you meet the UK standards for advanced level nursing (or consultant if applicable). ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾

Mapping your current qualifications and experience to the programme could help (especially if you have a master’s already) and discussing this with your employer. In England, there is the supported portfolio to consider. The NMC have said they are committed to developing a transitional process which recognises experienced advanced nurse practitioners. We continue to work closely with the NMC as this work progresses.    

Read the NMC Principles for advanced practice:

If your revalidation is due, then a good strategy is to use the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾’s Professional Development Framework to demonstrate that you meet the UK standards for advanced level nursing (or consultant if applicable). We would also suggest keeping a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate this too.  ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾

Yes, we aim to keep this open until 1 November 2028, and you will stay on this until your three years lapses. This may change when the NMC regulation begins. We will continue to discuss with the NMC as this progresses including options regarding credentialed nurses.

We have updated the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ definition and standards for advanced level nursing as well as other levels: Levels of nursing | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾  . 

¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Learn can offer a wide range of resources and courses including those related to clinical, leadership, education and research.  

You are also able and encouraged to attend our annual ANP Forum conference and join our ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ ANP Forum.   

At this stage we have no plans for reintroducing credentialing, as the NMC as the professional regulator proceeds with its plans. We will continue to work closely with the NMC as this work progresses.

The ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ remains committed to advanced level nursing and currently we have the following activity: 

A strong ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ ANP Forum with over 11,000 members 
Levels of nursing | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ 
Working with the NMC and representing nurses practising at this level across all pillars. 
 PhD research related to reducing the variation of advanced level nursing across the continent of Europe. The ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ leads a related working group.

This is a virtual certificate, a ‘stamp in time’ and this is currently being used in England to recognise completing an accredited advanced level practice HEI master’s course or successful completion of a supported portfolio. Currently the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ does not have any digital badges. You do not need to have a digital badge to prove you are working at advanced level of practice.

Currently no, however revalidation is applicable. We will be encouraging the NMC to consider advance practice in their revalidation review, which is scheduled to start in 2025. 

The NMC are currently developing approaches to additional regulation of advanced level practice and the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ has set out standards: ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Professional Development Framework Advanced Level Nursing | Publications | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ 

Please contact ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾D who can arrange relevant support including representation at your workplace if required: Contact the advice centre | ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾

No, once your credential expires, you will drop off the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ ALNP Directory.

We have been working closely with the NMC on the future of this programme. We completely understand timing could affect different groups at different times. We also wanted to avoid communicating an announcement with little information alongside.

We chose this date as the best date to communicate as widely as possible with as much information as possible. We apologise for any concern this has caused.

This will be considered by the NMC, and they will provide this information when possible.

 , the NMC has now committed to setting the professional standards for and regulating advanced level nurses. 

And their Principles for advance practice in .  

For queries related to your application, please contact: credentialing@rcn.org.uk 

For queries related specifically to advanced nursing practice, please contact: advancednursingpracticequeries@rcn.org.uk 

Levels of Nursing 

Career Frameworks 

¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ revalidation