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PMH-BC for travel nurses Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification · American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Board certification in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Preferred on some psych contracts. Eligibility: A current RN license, the equivalent of 2 years full-time RN practice, 2,000 hours of psychiatric-mental health practice in the last 3 years, and 30 hours of psych continuing education in the last 3 years. Cost: $295 for ANA members, $395 for non-members. Valid 5 years.

Updated October 2026

Type
Board certification (exam)
Valid
5 years
Cost
$295 for ANA members, $395 for non-members
Issued by
American Nurses Credentialing Center

Which travel specialties ask for it

Eligibility and exam

Who can get it
A current RN license, the equivalent of 2 years full-time RN practice, 2,000 hours of psychiatric-mental health practice in the last 3 years, and 30 hours of psych continuing education in the last 3 years.
Cost
$295 for ANA members, $395 for non-members.
Valid for
5 years.
Renewal
By continuing education and professional development, per ANCC's renewal rules.
American Nurses Credentialing Center: current requirements and fees →

Tips for travelers

  • Start logging psych CE now: the 30 hours must fall within the same 3 years as your practice hours.
  • Ask your agency whether it reimburses the exam fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
  • Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.

Questions

Do travel nurses need PMH-BC?
Psych contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.
Who is eligible for PMH-BC?
A current RN license, the equivalent of 2 years full-time RN practice, 2,000 hours of psychiatric-mental health practice in the last 3 years, and 30 hours of psych continuing education in the last 3 years.
How much does PMH-BC cost?
$295 for ANA members, $395 for non-members.
How long is PMH-BC valid?
5 years. By continuing education and professional development, per ANCC's renewal rules.

Other certifications: BLS · ACLS · PALS · NRP · NIHSS · TNCC · CEN · CCRN · PCCN · CMSRN · CNOR · CPN · RNC-NIC

Eligibility, fees and validity from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)'s site, checked 2026-10-16. Fees and rules change; confirm with the issuer before you register. Which specialties ask for it reflects common travel job posts; each hospital sets its own requirements.