If you’re a CRNA, you’ve likely heard that the NBCRNA is phasing out the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program and introducing a new model called the Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program. This marks a major shift in how nurse anesthetists will maintain their certification moving forward, and understandably, it’s raising questions.
At CRNAeducation.com, we’re here to break it all down for you, clearly, concisely, and without the confusion. Let’s explore what the MAC Program is, how it works, and how it impacts your CRNA education requirements.
What Is the MAC Program?
The MAC Program is the new standard for CRNA recertification and is intended to promote continuous learning and support safe anesthesia practice. Replacing the CPC Program, it introduces a dynamic, quarterly-based format for assessing your knowledge over time, rather than relying on high-stakes testing every eight years.
There are three core components of the MAC Program:
- MAC Ed: 60 Class A credits (continuing education with assessment)
- MAC Dev: 40 Class B credits (professional development)
- MAC Check: A new quarterly knowledge assessment model that replaces the CPC Assessment
When Will I Start the MAC Program?
This depends on your current certification cycle. You’ll enter the MAC Program if you fall into one of these groups as of August 1, 2024:
- You’re in your second CPC cycle with a renewal deadline of July 31, 2024
- You’re in your first CPC cycle with a renewal deadline between January 2024 and July 2024
- You received initial certification between January 2024 and July 2024
If you don’t fall into one of these categories, you’ll stay in the CPC Program for now. The NBCRNA will contact you directly when it’s time to transition. All CRNAs will be fully moved into the MAC Program by 2026. CRNAeducation.com will help you complete your CRNA education requirements.
MAC Ed: Continuing Education (Class A Credits)
The MAC Ed requirement remains consistent with the CPC Program:
- Earn 60 Class A credits every four years
- Look for activities that have a prior-approval code from the AANA to ensure your credits will count. All of our offerings at CRNAeducation.com are always AANA prior-approved!
- Activities may include webinars, online courses, or in-person workshops
CRNAeducation.com offers a variety of Class A-approved resources to help you complete your CRNA education requirements with confidence and flexibility.
MAC Dev: Professional Development (Class B Credits)
This component also mirrors the previous CPC requirements:
- Earn 40 Class B credits over your four-year cycle
- Class A credits beyond the required 60 will count toward your Class B total
- Activities might include precepting, academic work, committee service, or volunteer work
MAC Check: Quarterly Knowledge Assessments
MAC Check is the most significant change in the MAC Program. It replaces the CPC Assessment with ongoing quarterly knowledge checks that support lifelong learning. Here’s what you can expect:
Format and Features:
- Complete 13 quarterly knowledge checks within a 4-year cycle (out of 16 total quarters)
- Choose up to 2 “off” quarters where no assessment is required
- Quarter 16 is reserved for remediation if needed
- Each check includes 25–30 questions, with immediate feedback and rationale
- No proctoring required. Take it on your own schedule using a computer or mobile device
- Not pass/fail, but you must meet a predefined performance standard
- Questions cover the four core anesthesia domains:
- Airway Management
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Human Physiology & Pathophysiology
- Anesthesia Equipment & Technology
Reassessments:
If you answer a question incorrectly, it may reappear in a future quarter. Up to five previous questions may be re-administered in each new assessment.
Do I Still Need to Complete the CPC Assessment or Core Modules?
Once you’re enrolled in the MAC Program, the CPC Assessment is no longer required. That means no more testing every eight years.
However, if you’re still in the CPC Program, you must complete all existing requirements, including the Core Modules, before transitioning.
What This Means for You
The MAC Program reflects a shift toward continual learning and personalized professional development. While the new format introduces more frequent touchpoints with the NBCRNA, it offers immediate feedback.
Still feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. As the landscape changes, CRNAeducation.com is here to support you every step of the way with up-to-date information, approved Class A Credits, and practical guidance tailored to your certification cycle.