Situation

Founded in 1985, NBCSN had built a respected national credential and was managed by a credentialing body with deep experience in certification. That team helped NBCSN grow to nearly 4,000 certificants while they had the experience in the management of non-profit credential organizations, they did not have the bandwidth to manage multiple organizations. Recognizing that NBCSN needed broader operational support to scale and grow, they proactively recommended that NBCSN consider working with an association management company.

At the time of transition to AH in July 2018:

• NBCSN had just under 4,000 certificants
• Total Net Assets were under $200,000
• Annual Revenue was below $400,000
• Paper-based application processes and lack of digital infrastructure limited scale
• The board needed a partner with credentialing specialization and a growth mindset

Solution

AH assumed day-to-day operational responsibilities, allowing NBCSN’s executive director and board to focus on strategy and growth. While the previous team had implemented some digital tools and accepted both paper and digital applications, AH streamlined credentialing operations by retiring the legacy systems and transitioning to a modern database platform tailored for certification management.

In collaboration with NBCSN leadership, AH delivered integrated support across credentialing, technology, and governance, positioning the organization for measurable, sustainable growth.

1. Operational Modernization

• Upgraded the database and fully digitized the application and recertification process, eliminating paper forms and streamlining certification workflows
• Implemented Level 10 planning to improve board and staff alignment and decision-making

2. Access & Affordability Initiatives
   • Launched a voucher program to remove financial barriers by allowing school districts and state boards of education to directly fund exam fees and book purchases, reducing the need for reimbursements
   • This positioned NBCSN to quickly respond during COVID, as districts used federal Covid funds to cover certifications
3. Equity & Reach Expansion
   • Sustained and enhanced a state-level liaison program that was in place before transition to AH, improving structure and support to better meet the needs of volunteers across all territories
   • In 2024, expanded efforts with JEBDI (Justice, Equity, Belonging, Diversity, Inclusion) programming, informed by demographic analysis of rural and underserved audiences
   • Established a DEI-focused scholarship program (2025) for underrepresented communities
4. Revenue Diversification

• Partnered with NBCSN’s sister organization to take ownership of the exam review book as a long-term revenue-generating product
• Modernized the practice exam and integrated it into a digital platform, providing candidates with immediate feedback, rationales, and unlimited practice attempts
• Enabled candidates to access all study and application materials in one centralized location
• Partnered with Nurse Builders to offer a recorded review course, expanding NBCSN’s portfolio of educational products

5. Market Awareness & Messaging

• Introduced consistent marketing and outreach via email newsletters, digital ads, and social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Highlighted NBCSN’s 40th anniversary through a video and design campaign to celebrate legacy and drive engagement

Impact

The results of the AH and NBCSN partnership reflect a strong upward trajectory in both certificant volume and organizational revenue:

• Certificant Growth
  • 2018: 4,000 certificants
  • 2023: Surpassed 5,000 NCSNs
  • 2025: 6,065 NCSNs
• Total Asset Growth
  • 2018: Under $200,000
  • 2025: Exceeds $1 million
• Revenue Growth: 98% increase in revenue
  • 2018: Under $370,000
  • 2024: over $719,000

NBCSN is now positioned as a leading national certification body, with the infrastructure, foresight, and strategic focus to continue scaling. Through a combination of digital transformation, equity-focused programming, and mission-driven marketing, the organization has deepened its impact on school health and advanced the credentialing field for school nurses nationwide.

Ready to Grow Your Certification Program?

NBCSN’s growth reflects what’s possible when a mission-driven credentialing body partners with a team that understands certification, strategy, and scale. Whether you're aiming to increase certificant volume, modernize operations, or expand your program’s reach, AH delivers the structure and expertise to get you there.

Contact us at inquire@ahint.com to explore how AH can support your credentialing goals and help you grow with purpose.