CRNA Advanced Practice

California CRNA License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in California

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$500

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

full

Full Practice Authority

CRNA: state has opted out of the CMS Medicare physician-supervision requirement (July 2009); CRNAs may administer anesthesia without physician supervision under Medicare. State scope of practice may add requirements.

Prescriptive Authority: No independent prescriptive authority: per BPC 2725(b)(2) a CRNA administers anesthesia to implement a treatment ordered by a physician, dentist, or podiatrist; CRNAs do NOT practice under standardized procedures or use a furnishing number (Cal. Society of Anesthesiologists v. Brown, 204 Cal.App.4th 390).

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Note: As of January 1, 2025, entry-level nurse anesthetist programs must be doctoral (DNP or DNAP). CRNAs educated prior to this date with an MSN remain eligible.

Program Requirements

Complete accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program
Hold active RN license in the state
Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

NBCRNA

Required

Yes

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

3 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee	$500
Total	$500

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$150

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

Same as RN base

Prerequisites

To become a CRNA in California, you must first hold an active RN license and typically have ICU experience. California requires a state-specific RN license.

RN Requirements View California RN Requirements