Occupational Health Nursing Certification

Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)

• The COHN is for registered nurses (of any degree level) who primarily provide direct clinical care and wish to continue providing care.

Certified Occupational Health Nurse - Specialist (COHN-S)

• The COHN-S is for registered nurses with at least a bachelor's degree. It is geared more towards nurses who work as advisers, coordinators and case managers than towards nurses involved with direct clinical care.

Examination

• The tests for the COHN and the COHN-S are computer-based and include 150 multiple choice questions chosen by the test's Board of Directors. According to the ABOHN, there are 150 places in the U.S. where you can register and take the test.

Other Requirements

• In addition to passing the certification exam, you must have completed 3,000 hours of occupational health experience or have finished a certificate program in occupational health care. Nurses seeking a COHN-S also can qualify if they have a graduate degree with an emphasis on occupational health.

Recertification

• After becoming a COHN or COHN-S, you must apply for recertification every five years. To be recertified, you must have continued working in occupational health nursing or continued with your education in the field.