Certification Overview

The Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) was established in 1986 by the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) to promote the highest standards of orthopaedic nursing practice through the development, implementation, and coordination of all aspects of certification for orthopaedic nurses. Through the ONC® and ONP-C® exams, ONCB advances the care of the orthopaedic patient and promotes excellence in specialty nursing practice by encouraging professional development and clinical practice.