Apply for credentialing

Become a recognised specialist nurse

The ACMHN Credential is the only nationally consistent standard for recognition of specialist mental health nurses. A Credentialed Mental Health Nurse is a specialist nurse who has demonstrated meeting the credentialing criteria in relation to:

  • Registration
  • Education
  • Practical experience
  • Professional development
  • Professional integrity

How to apply


All applications for credentialing are submitted online through the Credentialing for Nurses portal. Applications are processed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and peer reviewed by a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse.


Before you start
You will need to download copies of the C4N qualification framework and the C4N professional application guidelines to ensure you meet the criteria and are ready to apply. The information in the Guidelines will help you assess if you are ready to proceed with your application. 

Credentialing criteria

To meet the requirements and standards for the Mental Health Nurse Credential, you must demonstrate that you:

  • Hold a current registration as a Registered Nurse (Division 1), General with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
  • Hold a recognised specialist mental health nursing qualification as specified in the C4N Qualification Framework and ACMHN Addendum.
  • Have had at least 12 months experience since completing specialist mental health nursing qualification; or three years’ experience as a registered nurse working in mental health.
  • Have been practising as a registered nurse in the area of mental health within the last three years (i.e. working a minimum of 12 weeks full time equivalent over the preceding 12 months or the equivalent length of experience over the preceding two years, or over the preceding three years), and have undertaken continuing professional education, and practice development related activities in the area of mental health nursing in the previous 12 months.
  • Have support from two professional referees who are familiar with your practice
 
     

Next steps

Please follow the steps below the get your credentialing application underway:

    1. Download all documents and resources for new applicants (these will have to be completed before you start your online application.

    2. When you are ready to apply, click on the 'apply online' button below (which will open the C4N Online Portal).

    3. Create a C4N User Account (relevant to all ACMHN members and non-members). Please note: this portal is not linked to your College membership login.

    4. Bookmark the C4N sign-in page to make it easier to return to an uncompleted application.

Application Documents

Download all documents

 

C4N professional application guidelines

These guidelines are designed to assist you with completing the application process. It is very important that you read this document first and then refer back to it as you progress through the application process

ACMHN appendix to the application guidelines

This appendix should be read in conjunction with the C4N professional credentialing application guidelines

C4N qualification framework

This recognises that there have been different pathways over the years by which a registered nurse can undertake educational preparation for specialist nursing practice. There are three pathways included in this framework and each specialty organisation has nominated the pathways that they will accept.

ACMHN addendum to C4N qualification framework

For qualifications in mental health nursing please refer to the ACMHN Addendum

CPD evidence-based record (MHN) template - new applicants

Nurses should use this template to record their continuing education and practice related activities

ACMHN CPD evidence-based record guide

The EBR is a means for you to document your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and Continuing Practice Development (CPD) relevant to mental health nursing. A completed EBR must be submitted with the application for credentialing

C4N employer statement - (MHN) template

You need to verify the amount of experience you have gained in mental health nursing over the last three years by providing a statement from your employer(s). QLD Health employees might have to contact their HR department to ask for an employment confirmation

C4N reference template (MHN) - new applicant

Please provide the reference template to two referees to ensure all the required information is obtained and your application will not be unnecessarily delayed

C4N documentation checklist - new applicant

Download a checklist to ensure you have the required documentation ready to upload

Benefits

The Australian health care environment is changing, with reforms happening across the sector. Governments are looking for efficient and innovative ways to provide treatment and care, and credentialing is increasingly recognised as a means to identify qualified mental health nurses to provide such care.

If you choose to get credentialed, future employers will know that you complete your work to the highest standard, giving you a competitive advantage in application processes. Credentialing:

 

Enables

access to a small number of Medicare Benefits Schedule items depending on client eligibility

Provides

formal recognition of skills and experience

Fosters

a sense of personal achievement

Reinforces

the importance and value of mental health nursing roles amongst the medical community and public

Reassures

the public and clients that mental health nurses have advanced and specialist skills

Strengthens

Workforce through overarching professional standards and consistency

Fees

A non-refundable application processing payment will be required at the time of submitting your application.

* If you are applying as a member, you will be required to upload evidence of your current membership. Please ensure you have a copy of your receipt, or written acknowledgement from the College.

** Please note this is an application fee only, and does not entitle you to membership to the College. To be eligible for the discounted member application fee for credentialing, please ensure you become a member first.

Once you have submitted payment, you will receive a receipt from PayPal indicating payment to Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Incorporated.

New application

  • For Members - $205*

  • For non-members - $504**

    • Re-credentialing

  • For member - $155*

  • For non-member - $454**

    • Use the CMHN logo

    Once credentialed, you can use the CMHN logo on your signature block or business card.

     

    To be sent the logo, please email the College to request the rules and guidelines document and agreement form. Once you have read the rules and guidelines document, sign and return by email the agreement form. 

     

    Email the College for the CMHN logo