CRNAs must complete 60 Class A (MAC Ed) credits, 40 Class B credits, and 13 quarterly MAC Check assessments during each four-year certification cycle. Class A credits must be from accredited, assessment-based continuing education activities relevant to anesthesia practice. While CE credits and CEUs are often used interchangeably, CRNAs should verify courses provide approved CE credits to ensure they meet NBCRNA requirements.
The continuing education (CE) requirements for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a frequent source of confusion, especially when terms such as CE credits and continuing education units (CEUs) are used interchangeably. Rest assured, we’re here to provide insight into the differences between CE and CEUs, what actually counts toward Class A credits, and how to stay compliant while fulfilling your CRNA recertification requirements.
What are Class A Credits for CRNAs?
Class A (now MAC Ed) credits are one of the three essential components CRNAs must complete to maintain certification for the Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) program.
Class A credits are frequently obtained through completing CRNA continuing education courses. These courses help keep CRNAs current with best practices in anesthesia, improve clinical judgment, and prepare them for the MAC Check, the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)’s longitudinal assessment completed during 13 quarters of each four-year MAC cycle.
CRNA Continuing Education Requirements
Per the four-year MAC program cycle, CRNAs must:
- Earn 60 Class A/MAC Ed CE credits
- Earn 40 Class B/MAC Dev credits
- Complete 13 quarterly knowledge checks, known as the MAC Check
MAC Checks are completed directly through the NBCRNA platform and are not offered through CE providers.
Excess CRNA Class A credits may be applied to Class B requirements. CRNAs receive onboarding information after becoming newly certified and are notified via email when their MAC program quarter starts.
What Counts Toward Class A Continuing Education
According to the NBCRNA, Class A/MAC Ed CE activities must receive prior approval from an accredited organization, include an assessment, and be relevant to nurse anesthesia practice.
CE vs. CEU – What CRNAs Should Know
CEUs and CE credits are frequently used interchangeably by CRNAs and their CE providers, but they are not identical. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) uses CE credits to monitor CRNAs’ continuing education requirements accurately and precisely.
CRNA CE courses that advertise CEUs rather than CE credits should be reviewed carefully to ensure they meet MAC Ed CE requirements. Verify that your courses specify the number of CE credits you’ll earn and have been previously approved by an accredited organization recognized by the NBCRNA, such as the AANA, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
How to Fulfill Class A Credit Requirements
CRNA Class A credits can be earned by completing online courses, webinars, and/or workshops. Remember, these activities must have prior approval from the AANA, ANCC, or ACCME.
Completing Multiple Courses Over Time
CRNAs may choose to complete multiple approved CE courses to earn their required credits over the four-year span.
Using a Comprehensive, Structured Course
CRNAs can also opt for a single, structured course that allows them to efficiently earn all 60 Class A credits required for the MAC program.
Back to Basics, for example, is an all-in-one course that helps you fulfill your Class A requirements while reinforcing core anesthesia concepts. Preapproved by the AANA, Back to Basics is designed for flexible, self-paced review over 2 years. Try the course demo from APEX Anesthesia today.
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