Become a Certified Oncology Navigator through AONN+ Foundation for Learning

Why Certification?

Certification provides credentialing for both nurse and patient navigators demonstrating, via examination, an acquired core body of specialized knowledge of navigation practice. AONN+ FFL, Inc certification is unique to the field of navigation. The establishment of baseline competencies for oncology navigators, centered on their roles, responsibilities, required knowledge and skills, and evidence-based best practices, will help to ensure consistent delivery of optimized patient care across the care continuum. AONN+ Foundation for Learning certification will provide specific credentials to enhance professional credibility, marketability, and opportunities for career advancement.

With your AONN+ FFL, Inc certification, you gain:

  • Validation of advanced knowledge, skills, and practice in oncology navigation
  • Enhancement of professional credibility, marketability, and opportunities for career advancement
  • Recognition and respect from industry organizations, institutional leadership, peers, and patients as an integral member of the multidisciplinary oncology team

Designation of Certification

Certification is awarded to those who have successfully completed the certification process by meeting the eligibility criteria and by passing a multiple-choice written examination. The designated credentials are

Certification is valid for a period of three (3) years. Recertification may be attained through processes outlined in the Certification Renewal section of this site.

2022 AONN+ Midyear Conference Update

We are working on many exciting updates related to our certification exams. Unfortunately, we are unable to administer exams at the 2022 AONN+ Midyear Conference while we work on the development of these items. We cannot anticipate potential testing dates at this time, but please continue to monitor the FFL website for updates.

What Navigators Are Saying About AONN+ Certification

  • Riana Buford
    "The AONN+ certification is different because it focuses more on the patients. It focuses on the resources you can give patients and the understanding of what it takes to be a patient navigator. A lot of other certifications are more like standardized testing and just understanding words and theories and not really understanding one-on-one patient encounters."

    —Riana Buford, MSA, OPN-CG, Community Health Coordinator

  • Penny Daugherty
    "Last week I received my notice from AONN+ that I passed the first certification exam for Oncology Nurse Navigator Certified Generalist (ONN-CG). I immediately added this to my signature line and smiled – a lot! When I look at this new addition I know it doesn’t automatically make me a better Nurse Navigator, rather it inspires me to uphold the standards (and knowledge) expressed and queried in this first national exam and I feel a true fellowship to navigators all across the country. I am grateful to AONN+ and those who assiduously constructed this exam to provide a tangible national standard for us to aspire to as we each guide our patients and loved ones through the formidable labyrinth of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. You have taken what was a concept and shaped it into a world where the highest quality education for patient navigation is available. I feel like we in AONN+ are all part of an amazing phenomena where history is being made by us, as nurses, carving out a new path for our colleagues to come."

    —Penny Daugherty, RN, MS, OCN, ONN-CG, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA

  • Lisa Whitaker
    "If you’re a nurse navigator, you’re working in this great field, we have to be certified. We have to show that we have unity, that we have a purpose, that there is a mission, and AONN+ does that for us."

    —Lisa Whitaker, RN, MSN, ONN-CG, Thoracic Nurse Navigator

    Watch Video Testimonials

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Please click here for answers to some of the most commonly asked certification questions.

    Governance

    AONN+ FFL, Inc Certification falls under the AONN+ Foundation for Learning, Inc. 501(c)(3), which is separate from AONN+ Inc. AONN+ FFL, Inc. is a business legally incorporated in the State of New Jersey and governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees grants authority to the AONN+ FFL, Inc., who in turn grants authority to AONN+ FFL, Inc. Certification Advisory Commission to independently make essential certification decisions related to standards, policies and procedures of the certification. These decisions shall be made independently of and under no influence by any other individual or business entity within or outside of AONN+ FFL, Inc.