The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) program is replacing the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program. By 2026, all Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) will be enrolled in the MAC program.
The new program replaces the CPC program’s eight-year cycle with a consistent four-year cycle, streamlining the recertification process for all CRNAs. The differences between the programs are as follows:
| CPC Program | MAC Program |
| Continued Professional Certification Assessment | MAC Check, a new longitudinal assessment to track a CRNA’s progress over time. |
| Core Modules | No longer required. |
| 60 Class A credits | Now named MAC Ed. |
| 40 Class B credits | Now named MAC Dev. |
These changes, according to the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), were made based on CRNA feedback from the CPC program.
Today, we’ll delve further into the MAC Ed requirements; however, we also encourage you to read this article to learn everything you need to know about the MAC program.
What is MAC Ed?
Mac Ed is the same Class A 60-credit requirement as before, simply under a new name. CRNAs are required to earn continuing education (CE) credits through activities previously approved by an accredited nursing organization, such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
CE activities must also include an assessment component and be relevant to the practice of nurse anesthesia. Furthermore, CE activities may also be used to fulfill your MAC Dev/Class B requirements after you’ve achieved the initial 60 credits.
How to earn Class A credits
CRNAs earn Class A credits through the completion of online courses, webinars, and workshops. Online courses are the ideal choice for CRNAs with busy lifestyles. Through online providers like APEX Anesthesia, you may take CE CRNA courses that count toward your required credits anytime, anywhere.
APEX makes acquiring your CE credits easy with convenient online learning. Simply access your course on desktop or mobile and start! You have three attempts to pass open-book post-tests, and APEX will report Class A credits for you if you’re an active AANA member. It’s that simple.
Note: If you are someone who enjoyed the CPC Core Module format, APEX’s CPC Core Modules course will be maintained as is, which is approved by the AANA, and it can still be purchased and utilized as an option to attain MAC Ed/Class A credits.
Transitioning to the MAC program
Whether you’re a new or recertifying CRNA, the process to start the MAC program is the same. However, current CRNAs in the CPC program must complete all current cycle requirements before entering the MAC program; this includes the CPC Core Modules.
The NBCRNA states that transitioning to the MAC program involves just three straightforward steps:
- First, you’ll undergo onboarding. You will receive MAC information after recertifying or becoming newly certified, which includes details about the program as well as instructions on how to complete MAC Check questions.
- Next, you will receive a quarter-start email from the NBCRNA.
- Finally, you will commence your four-year MAC cycle.
If you’re ready to start the recertification process, rest assured, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Begin earning your Class A credits with APEX Anesthesia today.
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