Healthcare License Verification
How to Verify a CRNA License
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia independently or in collaboration with physicians. CRNAs require national certification from NBCRNA and a state APRN license. Here is how to verify both.
Quick answer
Verify CRNA national certification through NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists) at nbcrna.com. Then verify the state APRN license through the state board of nursing. Both credentials are required for lawful CRNA practice.
CRNA vs. CAA: anesthesia provider types
Two non-physician anesthesia providers exist. They are distinct and not interchangeable:
| Provider | Background | Certifying body |
|---|---|---|
| CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) | Registered nurse + doctoral or master's nurse anesthesia education (DNP/DNAP or MSNA) | NBCRNA |
| CAA (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant) | Non-nurse pathway; master's level; must practice under anesthesiologist supervision | NCCAA |
CRNAs can practice independently in most states (opt-out states); CAAs practice only under physician supervision. Confirm which type the position requires before verifying.
NBCRNA national certification
The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) administers the National Certification Examination (NCE) and the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program for CRNAs.
To verify CRNA certification:
- Go to nbcrna.com
- Use the public credential verification tool
- Search by the CRNA's name or certification number
- Confirm the CRNA certification is Active and the CPC cycle is current
CPC recertification every 4 years
CRNAs must complete the NBCRNA Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program every 4 years to maintain active certification. The CPC requires completing approved educational activities across core and specialty modules. An inactive CRNA certification is not valid for practice. Confirm the CPC cycle is current at nbcrna.com.
State APRN license verification
CRNAs are APRNs and must hold a state APRN license in the state of practice. State licensure is separate from NBCRNA certification.
State APRN/CRNA verification (selected)
- All states: Nursys.com provides license verification for nurses and APRNs across participating state boards
- California: California Board of Registered Nursing — breeze.ca.gov
- Texas: Texas Board of Nursing — bon.texas.gov
- New York: NYS Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov
- Florida: Florida Board of Nursing — flhealthsource.gov
DEA registration and prescriptive authority
CRNAs administer and prescribe controlled substances (anesthetic agents, opioids, sedatives) and are required to hold a DEA registration. For any CRNA role, confirm:
- DEA registration is active at deadiversion.usdoj.gov
- State-specific controlled substance prescribing authority is in order (some states require a separate state controlled substance registration)
Opt-out states and independent practice
The CMS conditions of participation allow states to opt out of the physician supervision requirement for CRNAs. As of 2026, the majority of states have opted out, allowing CRNAs to practice independently. Some states still require physician supervision or collaboration agreements. Confirm state-specific scope of practice requirements before credentialing a CRNA for independent practice roles.
Verification checklist
- 1. Verify NBCRNA certification at nbcrna.com — confirm Active status and current CPC cycle
- 2. Verify state APRN license via Nursys or the state board of nursing in the state of practice
- 3. Confirm state APRN license is unrestricted and covers nurse anesthesia practice
- 4. Verify DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov — required for all CRNA roles
- 5. Confirm nurse anesthesia education program was COA-accredited (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs)
Verify nurse anesthesia program accreditation
CRNA education programs must be accredited by COA (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs). Use VerifyED to confirm whether a nursing or healthcare program is properly accredited.
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