Heart failure nurses are specialists with

an exclusive interest in and passion for

improving outcomes in patients with

heart failure. With this passion comes

the need to continuously grow the field

and to constantly improve patient care.

Becoming a Certified Heart Failure Nurse

(CHFN®) confirms your knowledge to

patients and their families, peers and

employers. Certification serves as a

mark of clinical experience in the field.

Certification also demonstrates your

desire to advance your career. By

becoming a CHFN, you’ll become the

go-to heart failure specialist within

your institution. CHFNs surveyed

reported that certification opened the

door to recognition, promotions,

raises and awards.

Since 2011, over 400 nurses have

become Certified Heart Failure Nurses.

It’s your turn to become certified and

receive this prestigious mark

of distinction.

“ Obtaining my CHFN

has been a major

professional milestone for

me. It has inspired me

to be a better practitioner

and to stay up to date

on the management of

the HF population. As a

Cardiac Transplant/VAD

Coordinator and NP, I have

the understanding and

the knowledge base of

what my patients and their

families have gone through

before they get to the end-

stage part of the disease. I

wear my pin proudly every

day I work! ” Diane Holmes, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

The Mark of Distinction

15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

P: 888.452.2436 • F: 856.439.0525

information@aahfn.org • www.heartfailurecertification.com

Tips for Certification Success

By becoming a CHFN, you are committed to advancing the field

and providing your patients with the highest quality of care. In

a study published in the American Journal of Nursing, certified

nurses reported greater confidence when making clinical

decisions1. The CHFN examination validates your knowledge,

experience and clinical judgment in diagnosing, treating and

managing patients with heart failure, proving to yourself, patients

and peers that you are fully capable of providing general heart

failure-related care.

The CHFN designation reflects your willingness to learn and

adapt positively to new evidence related to heart failure

assessment, care planning, interventions/treatments and

evaluation of care delivered.

1 Cary, A.H. (2001). Certified Registered Nurses: Results of the Study of the Certified Workforce. American Journal of Nursing, 101(1), 44-52.

Commitment to Yourself and Your Patients: Why You Should Become a CHFN®

“ I feel certification shows my

commitment not only to my

patients but to the nurses

and physicians I work with.

I feel CHFN certification

empowers me to provide the

best evidence-based care for

my patients and their families.”

ambeR FoRe, msn, aPn, PCCn, CHFn Cave City, arkansas

CHFN

The Mark of DistinctionMake your mark as a leader in the field.

Become certified in the only heart failure

nursing certification in the country.

heartfailurecertification.com

Attend a Certification Review Course

Review a Heart Failure Study Guide

Attend a Certification Review Webinar

Create a Study Group with Your Peers

Review the AAHFN-CB Examination Content Outline

Visit AAHFN.org for a listing of suggested resources,

study guides and sessions that are available to help

assist in preparation for the exam.

Heart failure nurses are specialists with

an exclusive interest in and passion for

improving outcomes in patients with

heart failure. With this passion comes

the need to continuously grow the field

and to constantly improve patient care.

Becoming a Certified Heart Failure Nurse

(CHFN®) confirms your knowledge to

patients and their families, peers and

employers. Certification serves as a

mark of clinical experience in the field.

Certification also demonstrates your

desire to advance your career. By

becoming a CHFN, you’ll become the

go-to heart failure specialist within

your institution. CHFNs surveyed

reported that certification opened the

door to recognition, promotions,

raises and awards.

Since 2011, over 400 nurses have

become Certified Heart Failure Nurses.

It’s your turn to become certified and

receive this prestigious mark

of distinction.

“ Obtaining my CHFN

has been a major

professional milestone for

me. It has inspired me

to be a better practitioner

and to stay up to date

on the management of

the HF population. As a

Cardiac Transplant/VAD

Coordinator and NP, I have

the understanding and

the knowledge base of

what my patients and their

families have gone through

before they get to the end-

stage part of the disease. I

wear my pin proudly every

day I work! ” Diane Holmes, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

The Mark of Distinction

15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

P: 888.452.2436 • F: 856.439.0525

information@aahfn.org • www.heartfailurecertification.com

Tips for Certification Success

By becoming a CHFN, you are committed to advancing the field

and providing your patients with the highest quality of care. In

a study published in the American Journal of Nursing, certified

nurses reported greater confidence when making clinical

decisions1. The CHFN examination validates your knowledge,

experience and clinical judgment in diagnosing, treating and

managing patients with heart failure, proving to yourself, patients

and peers that you are fully capable of providing general heart

failure-related care.

The CHFN designation reflects your willingness to learn and

adapt positively to new evidence related to heart failure

assessment, care planning, interventions/treatments and

evaluation of care delivered.

1 Cary, A.H. (2001). Certified Registered Nurses: Results of the Study of the Certified Workforce. American Journal of Nursing, 101(1), 44-52.

Commitment to Yourself and Your Patients: Why You Should Become a CHFN®

“ I feel certification shows my

commitment not only to my

patients but to the nurses

and physicians I work with.

I feel CHFN certification

empowers me to provide the

best evidence-based care for

my patients and their families.”

ambeR FoRe, msn, aPn, PCCn, CHFn Cave City, arkansas

CHFN

The Mark of DistinctionMake your mark as a leader in the field.

Become certified in the only heart failure

nursing certification in the country.

heartfailurecertification.com

Attend a Certification Review Course

Review a Heart Failure Study Guide

Attend a Certification Review Webinar

Create a Study Group with Your Peers

Review the AAHFN-CB Examination Content Outline

Visit AAHFN.org for a listing of suggested resources,

study guides and sessions that are available to help

assist in preparation for the exam.

Heart failure nurses are specialists with

an exclusive interest in and passion for

improving outcomes in patients with

heart failure. With this passion comes

the need to continuously grow the field

and to constantly improve patient care.

Becoming a Certified Heart Failure Nurse

(CHFN®) confirms your knowledge to

patients and their families, peers and

employers. Certification serves as a

mark of clinical experience in the field.

Certification also demonstrates your

desire to advance your career. By

becoming a CHFN, you’ll become the

go-to heart failure specialist within

your institution. CHFNs surveyed

reported that certification opened the

door to recognition, promotions,

raises and awards.

Since 2011, over 400 nurses have

become Certified Heart Failure Nurses.

It’s your turn to become certified and

receive this prestigious mark

of distinction.

“ Obtaining my CHFN

has been a major

professional milestone for

me. It has inspired me

to be a better practitioner

and to stay up to date

on the management of

the HF population. As a

Cardiac Transplant/VAD

Coordinator and NP, I have

the understanding and

the knowledge base of

what my patients and their

families have gone through

before they get to the end-

stage part of the disease. I

wear my pin proudly every

day I work! ” Diane Holmes, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

The Mark of Distinction

15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

P: 888.452.2436 • F: 856.439.0525

information@aahfn.org • www.heartfailurecertification.com

Tips for Certification Success

By becoming a CHFN, you are committed to advancing the field

and providing your patients with the highest quality of care. In

a study published in the American Journal of Nursing, certified

nurses reported greater confidence when making clinical

decisions1. The CHFN examination validates your knowledge,

experience and clinical judgment in diagnosing, treating and

managing patients with heart failure, proving to yourself, patients

and peers that you are fully capable of providing general heart

failure-related care.

The CHFN designation reflects your willingness to learn and

adapt positively to new evidence related to heart failure

assessment, care planning, interventions/treatments and

evaluation of care delivered.

1 Cary, A.H. (2001). Certified Registered Nurses: Results of the Study of the Certified Workforce. American Journal of Nursing, 101(1), 44-52.

Commitment to Yourself and Your Patients: Why You Should Become a CHFN®

“ I feel certification shows my

commitment not only to my

patients but to the nurses

and physicians I work with.

I feel CHFN certification

empowers me to provide the

best evidence-based care for

my patients and their families.”

ambeR FoRe, msn, aPn, PCCn, CHFn Cave City, arkansas

CHFN

The Mark of DistinctionMake your mark as a leader in the field.

Become certified in the only heart failure

nursing certification in the country.

heartfailurecertification.com

Attend a Certification Review Course

Review a Heart Failure Study Guide

Attend a Certification Review Webinar

Create a Study Group with Your Peers

Review the AAHFN-CB Examination Content Outline

Visit AAHFN.org for a listing of suggested resources,

study guides and sessions that are available to help

assist in preparation for the exam.

Top Five Reasons to Become a CHFN®:

1

2

3

4

5

CHFNs receive formal recognition (via credentials) of specialized knowledge in heart failure care and commitment to providing optimal patient care.

Patients have better outcomes when care is provided by certified nurses. In a study of nurses certified in rehabilitation (CRRNs), length of patient stay was shortened 6% for every 1% increase in certified nurses on the unit2.

CHFNs gain personal pride in accomplishment and an informal commitment to providing heart failure care based on best practices and evidence-based practices.

Hospital administrators understand that certification reflects specialized knowledge in the field. Certified nurses are desired.

Your institution or practice may reward certified nurses with increased pay, reimbursement of test expenses and advancement in a clinical ladder program. Your institution may also pay for educational courses to assist in your maintenance of continuing education in heart failure.

2 Nelson A, Powell-Cope G, Palacios P, et al. Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Nursing. 2007;32(5):179-202.

Make Your Mark: How You Can Become CertifiedBefore sitting for the CHFN exam, you must:

• Hold a current, active RN license within a

state or territory of the United States or the

professional, legally recognized equivalent in

another country 

• Have practiced as a registered nurse for

at least two (2) years full time, or its

equivalent over more years; that equates to

approximately 4,160 hours

• Have a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical

practice working in a field of nursing caring for

patients with heart failure within the last two

(2) years

• Have completed 30 hours of continuing

education within the last two (2) years, of

which a minimum of 15 hours must be

focused on care of patients with heart failure

“ My certification has elevated others’ respect for my knowledge

base and enabled me to climb the clinical ladder.” KRis KegaRise, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

“ The Red Deer Heart Function Clinic is proud to be the first

Canadian Heart Function Clinic fully certified by the AAHFN-CB!

Certification in heart failure care has increased our autonomy, confidence

and respect from physicians, colleagues and our patients.”ReD DeeR HeaRt FunCtion CliniC

Red Deer, alberta, Canada

Accessible Testing:

Where You Can Take the CHFN® Exam

The CHFN exam is offered in a paper format at the AAHFN Annual Conference.

Paper Exam Application Window

December 1 – May 17

The CHFN exam is offered through computer based testing (CBT) at testing centers across the country.

CBT Application Window CBT Testing Window

December 1 – January 31 March 1 - 31

June 1 – July 31 September 1 - 30

September 1 – October 31 December 1 - 31

Visit heartfailurecertification.com to locate a testing facility in your area.

OR

Certification Testing Fees AAHFN Member Non-AAHFN Member

Paper Exam at Annual Conference

$275 $375

Computer Based Testing (CBT) Exam

$350 $450

*Please note there is a $15 processing fee for all paper applications submitted

CHFN

Renewing Your Certification Your heart failure certification is valid for three (3) years. Before your three (3) year anniversary you

must renew your certification either by documenting your practice hours and professional development

or by retaking the certification exam.

To renew certification with practice hours and professional development, you must:

✓ Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional,

legally-recognized equivalent in another country.

✓ Hold a current heart failure nursing certification.

✓ Have a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice (equates to approximately 10% time or

one day every two weeks) working in a field of nursing caring for heart failure patients within the

last three years.

✓ Have completed 40 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with heart

failure within the last three years.

✓ Have completed either A or B criteria in the past three years:

A. Published one (1) cardiovascular manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal as first author.

OR

B. Completed two (2) of the following or one (1) of the following two (2) times:

• Published one (1) clinical or professional article (editorial, leader message or interview with

quotes within an article not included) in a cardiovascular newsletter (from a professional

society or work site).

• Provided a formal, one-hour lecture on a cardiovascular topic at work site (e.g. in-service or

grand rounds) or at a local, regional or national conference.

• Developed a program, service or tool that is used in the management of patients

with heart failure.

• After submitting an abstract and having it accepted by a peer-review process, presented

a poster on a heart failure care topic at a local, regional or national conference (may be

research outcomes, best practices or quality improvement).

• Earned three academic (college) credits in topics related to professional nursing.

• Served in a leadership role with a professional society (committee, task force,

board service).

• Actively participated in a quality improvement project related to heart failure care.

• Co-authored a published cardiovascular manuscript (not first author).

• Received 10 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with

heart failure within the last three years (note, this is in addition to the 40 hour minimum

requirement).

Top Five Reasons to Become a CHFN®:

1

2

3

4

5

CHFNs receive formal recognition (via credentials) of specialized knowledge in heart failure care and commitment to providing optimal patient care.

Patients have better outcomes when care is provided by certified nurses. In a study of nurses certified in rehabilitation (CRRNs), length of patient stay was shortened 6% for every 1% increase in certified nurses on the unit2.

CHFNs gain personal pride in accomplishment and an informal commitment to providing heart failure care based on best practices and evidence-based practices.

Hospital administrators understand that certification reflects specialized knowledge in the field. Certified nurses are desired.

Your institution or practice may reward certified nurses with increased pay, reimbursement of test expenses and advancement in a clinical ladder program. Your institution may also pay for educational courses to assist in your maintenance of continuing education in heart failure.

2 Nelson A, Powell-Cope G, Palacios P, et al. Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Nursing. 2007;32(5):179-202.

Make Your Mark: How You Can Become CertifiedBefore sitting for the CHFN exam, you must:

• Hold a current, active RN license within a

state or territory of the United States or the

professional, legally recognized equivalent in

another country 

• Have practiced as a registered nurse for

at least two (2) years full time, or its

equivalent over more years; that equates to

approximately 4,160 hours

• Have a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical

practice working in a field of nursing caring for

patients with heart failure within the last two

(2) years

• Have completed 30 hours of continuing

education within the last two (2) years, of

which a minimum of 15 hours must be

focused on care of patients with heart failure

“ My certification has elevated others’ respect for my knowledge

base and enabled me to climb the clinical ladder.” KRis KegaRise, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

“ The Red Deer Heart Function Clinic is proud to be the first

Canadian Heart Function Clinic fully certified by the AAHFN-CB!

Certification in heart failure care has increased our autonomy, confidence

and respect from physicians, colleagues and our patients.”ReD DeeR HeaRt FunCtion CliniC

Red Deer, alberta, Canada

Accessible Testing:

Where You Can Take the CHFN® Exam

The CHFN exam is offered in a paper format at the AAHFN Annual Conference.

Paper Exam Application Window

December 1 – May 17

The CHFN exam is offered through computer based testing (CBT) at testing centers across the country.

CBT Application Window CBT Testing Window

December 1 – January 31 March 1 - 31

June 1 – July 31 September 1 - 30

September 1 – October 31 December 1 - 31

Visit heartfailurecertification.com to locate a testing facility in your area.

OR

Certification Testing Fees AAHFN Member Non-AAHFN Member

Paper Exam at Annual Conference

$275 $375

Computer Based Testing (CBT) Exam

$350 $450

*Please note there is a $15 processing fee for all paper applications submitted

CHFN

Renewing Your Certification Your heart failure certification is valid for three (3) years. Before your three (3) year anniversary you

must renew your certification either by documenting your practice hours and professional development

or by retaking the certification exam.

To renew certification with practice hours and professional development, you must:

✓ Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional,

legally-recognized equivalent in another country.

✓ Hold a current heart failure nursing certification.

✓ Have a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice (equates to approximately 10% time or

one day every two weeks) working in a field of nursing caring for heart failure patients within the

last three years.

✓ Have completed 40 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with heart

failure within the last three years.

✓ Have completed either A or B criteria in the past three years:

A. Published one (1) cardiovascular manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal as first author.

OR

B. Completed two (2) of the following or one (1) of the following two (2) times:

• Published one (1) clinical or professional article (editorial, leader message or interview with

quotes within an article not included) in a cardiovascular newsletter (from a professional

society or work site).

• Provided a formal, one-hour lecture on a cardiovascular topic at work site (e.g. in-service or

grand rounds) or at a local, regional or national conference.

• Developed a program, service or tool that is used in the management of patients

with heart failure.

• After submitting an abstract and having it accepted by a peer-review process, presented

a poster on a heart failure care topic at a local, regional or national conference (may be

research outcomes, best practices or quality improvement).

• Earned three academic (college) credits in topics related to professional nursing.

• Served in a leadership role with a professional society (committee, task force,

board service).

• Actively participated in a quality improvement project related to heart failure care.

• Co-authored a published cardiovascular manuscript (not first author).

• Received 10 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with

heart failure within the last three years (note, this is in addition to the 40 hour minimum

requirement).

Top Five Reasons to Become a CHFN®:

1

2

3

4

5

CHFNs receive formal recognition (via credentials) of specialized knowledge in heart failure care and commitment to providing optimal patient care.

Patients have better outcomes when care is provided by certified nurses. In a study of nurses certified in rehabilitation (CRRNs), length of patient stay was shortened 6% for every 1% increase in certified nurses on the unit2.

CHFNs gain personal pride in accomplishment and an informal commitment to providing heart failure care based on best practices and evidence-based practices.

Hospital administrators understand that certification reflects specialized knowledge in the field. Certified nurses are desired.

Your institution or practice may reward certified nurses with increased pay, reimbursement of test expenses and advancement in a clinical ladder program. Your institution may also pay for educational courses to assist in your maintenance of continuing education in heart failure.

2 Nelson A, Powell-Cope G, Palacios P, et al. Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Nursing. 2007;32(5):179-202.

Make Your Mark: How You Can Become CertifiedBefore sitting for the CHFN exam, you must:

• Hold a current, active RN license within a

state or territory of the United States or the

professional, legally recognized equivalent in

another country 

• Have practiced as a registered nurse for

at least two (2) years full time, or its

equivalent over more years; that equates to

approximately 4,160 hours

• Have a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical

practice working in a field of nursing caring for

patients with heart failure within the last two

(2) years

• Have completed 30 hours of continuing

education within the last two (2) years, of

which a minimum of 15 hours must be

focused on care of patients with heart failure

“ My certification has elevated others’ respect for my knowledge

base and enabled me to climb the clinical ladder.” KRis KegaRise, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

“ The Red Deer Heart Function Clinic is proud to be the first

Canadian Heart Function Clinic fully certified by the AAHFN-CB!

Certification in heart failure care has increased our autonomy, confidence

and respect from physicians, colleagues and our patients.”ReD DeeR HeaRt FunCtion CliniC

Red Deer, alberta, Canada

Accessible Testing:

Where You Can Take the CHFN® Exam

The CHFN exam is offered in a paper format at the AAHFN Annual Conference.

Paper Exam Application Window

December 1 – May 17

The CHFN exam is offered through computer based testing (CBT) at testing centers across the country.

CBT Application Window CBT Testing Window

December 1 – January 31 March 1 - 31

June 1 – July 31 September 1 - 30

September 1 – October 31 December 1 - 31

Visit heartfailurecertification.com to locate a testing facility in your area.

OR

Certification Testing Fees AAHFN Member Non-AAHFN Member

Paper Exam at Annual Conference

$275 $375

Computer Based Testing (CBT) Exam

$350 $450

*Please note there is a $15 processing fee for all paper applications submitted

CHFN

Renewing Your Certification Your heart failure certification is valid for three (3) years. Before your three (3) year anniversary you

must renew your certification either by documenting your practice hours and professional development

or by retaking the certification exam.

To renew certification with practice hours and professional development, you must:

✓ Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional,

legally-recognized equivalent in another country.

✓ Hold a current heart failure nursing certification.

✓ Have a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice (equates to approximately 10% time or

one day every two weeks) working in a field of nursing caring for heart failure patients within the

last three years.

✓ Have completed 40 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with heart

failure within the last three years.

✓ Have completed either A or B criteria in the past three years:

A. Published one (1) cardiovascular manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal as first author.

OR

B. Completed two (2) of the following or one (1) of the following two (2) times:

• Published one (1) clinical or professional article (editorial, leader message or interview with

quotes within an article not included) in a cardiovascular newsletter (from a professional

society or work site).

• Provided a formal, one-hour lecture on a cardiovascular topic at work site (e.g. in-service or

grand rounds) or at a local, regional or national conference.

• Developed a program, service or tool that is used in the management of patients

with heart failure.

• After submitting an abstract and having it accepted by a peer-review process, presented

a poster on a heart failure care topic at a local, regional or national conference (may be

research outcomes, best practices or quality improvement).

• Earned three academic (college) credits in topics related to professional nursing.

• Served in a leadership role with a professional society (committee, task force,

board service).

• Actively participated in a quality improvement project related to heart failure care.

• Co-authored a published cardiovascular manuscript (not first author).

• Received 10 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with

heart failure within the last three years (note, this is in addition to the 40 hour minimum

requirement).

Top Five Reasons to Become a CHFN®:

1

2

3

4

5

CHFNs receive formal recognition (via credentials) of specialized knowledge in heart failure care and commitment to providing optimal patient care.

Patients have better outcomes when care is provided by certified nurses. In a study of nurses certified in rehabilitation (CRRNs), length of patient stay was shortened 6% for every 1% increase in certified nurses on the unit2.

CHFNs gain personal pride in accomplishment and an informal commitment to providing heart failure care based on best practices and evidence-based practices.

Hospital administrators understand that certification reflects specialized knowledge in the field. Certified nurses are desired.

Your institution or practice may reward certified nurses with increased pay, reimbursement of test expenses and advancement in a clinical ladder program. Your institution may also pay for educational courses to assist in your maintenance of continuing education in heart failure.

2 Nelson A, Powell-Cope G, Palacios P, et al. Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Nursing. 2007;32(5):179-202.

Make Your Mark: How You Can Become CertifiedBefore sitting for the CHFN exam, you must:

• Hold a current, active RN license within a

state or territory of the United States or the

professional, legally recognized equivalent in

another country 

• Have practiced as a registered nurse for

at least two (2) years full time, or its

equivalent over more years; that equates to

approximately 4,160 hours

• Have a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical

practice working in a field of nursing caring for

patients with heart failure within the last two

(2) years

• Have completed 30 hours of continuing

education within the last two (2) years, of

which a minimum of 15 hours must be

focused on care of patients with heart failure

“ My certification has elevated others’ respect for my knowledge

base and enabled me to climb the clinical ladder.” KRis KegaRise, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

“ The Red Deer Heart Function Clinic is proud to be the first

Canadian Heart Function Clinic fully certified by the AAHFN-CB!

Certification in heart failure care has increased our autonomy, confidence

and respect from physicians, colleagues and our patients.”ReD DeeR HeaRt FunCtion CliniC

Red Deer, alberta, Canada

Accessible Testing:

Where You Can Take the CHFN® Exam

The CHFN exam is offered in a paper format at the AAHFN Annual Conference.

Paper Exam Application Window

December 1 – May 17

The CHFN exam is offered through computer based testing (CBT) at testing centers across the country.

CBT Application Window CBT Testing Window

December 1 – January 31 March 1 - 31

June 1 – July 31 September 1 - 30

September 1 – October 31 December 1 - 31

Visit heartfailurecertification.com to locate a testing facility in your area.

OR

Certification Testing Fees AAHFN Member Non-AAHFN Member

Paper Exam at Annual Conference

$275 $375

Computer Based Testing (CBT) Exam

$350 $450

*Please note there is a $15 processing fee for all paper applications submitted

CHFN

Renewing Your Certification Your heart failure certification is valid for three (3) years. Before your three (3) year anniversary you

must renew your certification either by documenting your practice hours and professional development

or by retaking the certification exam.

To renew certification with practice hours and professional development, you must:

✓ Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or the professional,

legally-recognized equivalent in another country.

✓ Hold a current heart failure nursing certification.

✓ Have a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice (equates to approximately 10% time or

one day every two weeks) working in a field of nursing caring for heart failure patients within the

last three years.

✓ Have completed 40 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with heart

failure within the last three years.

✓ Have completed either A or B criteria in the past three years:

A. Published one (1) cardiovascular manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal as first author.

OR

B. Completed two (2) of the following or one (1) of the following two (2) times:

• Published one (1) clinical or professional article (editorial, leader message or interview with

quotes within an article not included) in a cardiovascular newsletter (from a professional

society or work site).

• Provided a formal, one-hour lecture on a cardiovascular topic at work site (e.g. in-service or

grand rounds) or at a local, regional or national conference.

• Developed a program, service or tool that is used in the management of patients

with heart failure.

• After submitting an abstract and having it accepted by a peer-review process, presented

a poster on a heart failure care topic at a local, regional or national conference (may be

research outcomes, best practices or quality improvement).

• Earned three academic (college) credits in topics related to professional nursing.

• Served in a leadership role with a professional society (committee, task force,

board service).

• Actively participated in a quality improvement project related to heart failure care.

• Co-authored a published cardiovascular manuscript (not first author).

• Received 10 hours of continuing education in topics focused on care of patients with

heart failure within the last three years (note, this is in addition to the 40 hour minimum

requirement).

Heart failure nurses are specialists with

an exclusive interest in and passion for

improving outcomes in patients with

heart failure. With this passion comes

the need to continuously grow the field

and to constantly improve patient care.

Becoming a Certified Heart Failure Nurse

(CHFN®) confirms your knowledge to

patients and their families, peers and

employers. Certification serves as a

mark of clinical experience in the field.

Certification also demonstrates your

desire to advance your career. By

becoming a CHFN, you’ll become the

go-to heart failure specialist within

your institution. CHFNs surveyed

reported that certification opened the

door to recognition, promotions,

raises and awards.

Since 2011, over 400 nurses have

become Certified Heart Failure Nurses.

It’s your turn to become certified and

receive this prestigious mark

of distinction.

“ Obtaining my CHFN

has been a major

professional milestone for

me. It has inspired me

to be a better practitioner

and to stay up to date

on the management of

the HF population. As a

Cardiac Transplant/VAD

Coordinator and NP, I have

the understanding and

the knowledge base of

what my patients and their

families have gone through

before they get to the end-

stage part of the disease. I

wear my pin proudly every

day I work! ” Diane Holmes, Rn, CHFn

Charlotte, north Carolina

The Mark of Distinction

15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

P: 888.452.2436 • F: 856.439.0525

information@aahfn.org • www.heartfailurecertification.com

Tips for Certification Success

By becoming a CHFN, you are committed to advancing the field

and providing your patients with the highest quality of care. In

a study published in the American Journal of Nursing, certified

nurses reported greater confidence when making clinical

decisions1. The CHFN examination validates your knowledge,

experience and clinical judgment in diagnosing, treating and

managing patients with heart failure, proving to yourself, patients

and peers that you are fully capable of providing general heart

failure-related care.

The CHFN designation reflects your willingness to learn and

adapt positively to new evidence related to heart failure

assessment, care planning, interventions/treatments and

evaluation of care delivered.

1 Cary, A.H. (2001). Certified Registered Nurses: Results of the Study of the Certified Workforce. American Journal of Nursing, 101(1), 44-52.

Commitment to Yourself and Your Patients: Why You Should Become a CHFN®

“ I feel certification shows my

commitment not only to my

patients but to the nurses

and physicians I work with.

I feel CHFN certification

empowers me to provide the

best evidence-based care for

my patients and their families.”

ambeR FoRe, msn, aPn, PCCn, CHFn Cave City, arkansas

CHFN

The Mark of DistinctionMake your mark as a leader in the field.

Become certified in the only heart failure

nursing certification in the country.

heartfailurecertification.com

Attend a Certification Review Course

Review a Heart Failure Study Guide

Attend a Certification Review Webinar

Create a Study Group with Your Peers

Review the AAHFN-CB Examination Content Outline

Visit AAHFN.org for a listing of suggested resources,

study guides and sessions that are available to help

assist in preparation for the exam.