Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse

Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Education

Curriculum and Core Classes

In order to become certified by the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN), you must have work experience as a registered nurse (RN). As such, you will need to pursue the appropriate associates or bachelor's level education to become a RN. After completion of the nursing program, the nurse will need to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A nurse may also choose an adult, family or acute care nurse practitioner program and then work in gastroenterology after graduation.

Nurses choosing to certify should prepare for the Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) exam. Certification exams are an excellent way for the RN to demonstrate his or her commitment to a specific area of practice and dedication to continuing education and improvement in the field. The exam is offered by the American Board of Certification of Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN), which administers testing twice yearly, in May and October.

According to ABCGN's current Eligibility & Exam Information, the CGRN exam is comprised of 175 multiple-choice questions and includes questions on topics such as professional responsibilities and standards, general nursing care, gastroenterological procedures, and patient care interventions.

This exam may only be taken after a nurse has worked in a gastroenterology setting full time for two years, or the part-time equivalent of 4,000 hours in a five-year period. The nurse will also need to provide the endorsement of two gastroenterology practitioners. Nurses can renew their certification either by re-examination or by completing 75 contact hours of continuing education.

Program Length

RNs who have completed either a two- or four-year nursing degree must work at least two years full-time, or the part-time equivalent of 4,000 hours within the past five years, in the gastroenterology field to meet CGRN testing eligibility requirements. Upon certification, the registered nurse must maintain credentials every five years by retaking the exam or completing 75 contact hours of continuing education. Proof of education must be maintained and the candidate must produce documentation of completion of the required hours. These components may vary for each renewal period and should be monitored closely for changes announced by the ABCGN.

Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Certification

Type of Certification: ABCGN Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN)
Eligibility Requirements: Two years full-time or equivalent part-time experience (4,000 hours) in clinical, supervisory, administrative, educational or research gastroenterology and gastroenterology endoscopy practice during the past five years, accumulated while holding an RN license (a nurse who was previously an LPN needs two years of experience as an RN specifically). Two gastroenterology practitioners, physicians, supervisors, or human resource specialists must verify this experience. Candidates must meet these requirements by the first day of the May or October testing period.
Fees: $520 for non-members of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), or $430 for SGNA members
Renewal Process: CGRN certification is valid for five years. Renewal applicants can recertify through retesting or contact hours.

^{Information for the ABCGN Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse certification, including current eligibility, fees, and exam-structure details, was directly re-verified against ABCGN's current site in September 2026. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the ABCGN website above.}

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