Article Summary: CRNA recertification is maintained through the NBCRNA’s Maintenance of Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program, which focuses on continuous learning and ongoing assessment rather than a single high-stakes exam. CRNA’s complete recertification on a consistent 4-year cycle designed to support safe, current anesthesia practice. To maintain CRNA certification, you must participate in the MAC Program as the sole recertification pathway, complete required continuing education credits (MAC Ed and MAC Dev), complete the MAC Check (a quarterly longitudinal knowledge assessment), and address learning needs identified through ongoing assessment.
Understanding the requirements for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) recertification doesn’t have to be so challenging. Created by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), recertification ensures CRNAs remain at the appropriate skill level to administer safe and proper care.
If you want help understanding the steps to take toward CRNA recertification, you’re not alone. Let us walk you through the requirements!
Table of Contents
The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program
MAC Program FAQs
How to earn CRNA continuing education credits
The NBCRNA’s Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program is the pathway for CRNAs to maintain their certification. The program is designed to support continued professional development through ongoing knowledge checks and continuing education, helping CRNAs maintain certification and stay current in anesthesia practice.
The Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program
The MAC Program provides CRNAs with a streamlined approach to maintaining certification. All CRNAs were officially enrolled in the program in 2026.
The MAC Program follows a consistent four-year cycle, with the same core requirements each cycle, making the recertification process more predictable and straightforward.
In the MAC Program, you’ll complete:
- MAC Ed (60 Class A credits)
- MAC Dev (40 Class B credits)
- MAC Check
What is the MAC Check?
Available on computers and mobile devices, the MAC Check is a longitudinal, quarterly assessment that tracks your progress and performance over a longer period of time.
The MAC Program is divided into 16 quarters. You’ll complete the MAC Check in 13 of the first 15 quarters, and you’ll get to pick 2 quarters where you can skip the MAC Check. Also, you won’t have to complete the MAC Check in your 16th quarter.
How does the MAC Check work?
In your 1st quarter, you’ll complete 25 multiple-choice and multi-select questions. Each question is timed for 1 minute, and you can bank unused time and apply it to subsequent questions. The platform will provide immediate feedback after each question, including the rationale for correct answers. You’ll also be able to view areas for improvement to guide your CE and development activities. In subsequent quarters, you’ll complete up to 30 questions.
If you answer a question incorrectly, you’ll encounter it again in a subsequent quarter. Re-administered questions make up to 5 incorrectly answered questions in each quarter, totaling between 25 to 30 questions.
Once you have completed 4 Mac Check quarters, you’ll receive preliminary feedback to see where you stand in regards to the performance standard. After the 13th knowledge check is completed, you’ll receive a final measurement for that cycle.
Explore the MAC sample to familiarize yourself with the new platform.
What happens if I “fail”?
If you don’t meet the performance standard, you must earn additional 5 MAC Ed (Class A) credits per domain where you don’t meet the passing standard. These credits are in addition to your 60 Class A credit requirement. The MAC Check is not a pass/fail assessment, and you will not lose your certification so long as you complete the remediation requirements prescribed by the NBCRNA. However, completion of the MAC Check is required.
For more information on credit requirements based on MAC Check performance, please read What Every CRNA Needs to Know about the MAC Program.
MAC Program FAQs
What are knowledge checks under the MAC Program?
Knowledge checks are brief assessments completed throughout the MAC cycle to help CRNAs evaluate understanding of key anesthesia concepts and identify areas for continued learning.
Do CRNAs still need continuing education under the MAC Program?
Yes. Continuing education remains a core component of the MAC Program and is required to maintain certification and stay current in anesthesia practice.
How many continuing education credits do CRNAs need under the MAC Program?
CRNAs must complete 60 MAC Ed (Class A) credits and 40 MAC Dev (Class B) credits during each four-year MAC cycle. MAC Ed credits include an assessment component and must be relevant to nurse anesthesia practice, while MAC Dev credits can be earned through professional development activities such as teaching, research, publishing, and participation in morbidity and mortality conferences. Excess MAC Ed credits can also be applied toward the MAC Dev requirement.
How to earn CRNA continuing education credits
Meeting your CRNA continuing education requirements is simple with the right resources. The MAC Program reflects a shift toward continuous learning and assessment, helping CRNAs maintain certification while staying current in an evolving anesthesia landscape.
As CRNAs, we understand how challenging it can be to fit CRNA continuing education credits into your busy schedule. That’s why our online courses are available anytime, anywhere, and award Class A credits that support the education and professional development requirements of the MAC Program.
If you are interested in a free Class A Credit, watch our one-hour on-demand webinar on Cardiac Arrest in the Operating Room and complete a 5-question assessment. Credit is auto-reported to the AANA for active members.
We’re here to help you on your CRNA recertification journey. Choose a bundle that works best for you today.
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