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
- Psych travel nurseOften preferred
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.
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