Example Timeline 

Below is an example MAC Check (quarterly knowledge checks in a longitudinal assessment format) timeline, including two CRNA-elected time off quarters, and a fixed time off quarter at the end of your four-years before your certification renewal date.  

*These dates will change based on your entry into the Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) program.. The timeline below is an example of a CRNA in their second four-year cycle due to renew their certification on July 31, 2024 who will transition to MAC on August 1, 2024.

Key components of MAC Check include: 

  • 13 completed MAC Check quarters required over a four-year period.  

    • Two CRNA elected time off quarters.   

    • No questions are required during these two time-off quarters.  

  • Quarter 16 of the four-year cycle, no questions are required.   

  • Up to 30 questions per quarter.  

  • Immediate feedback and rationale after each question.  

  • Can be taken on a personal computer or mobile device.  

  • No proctoring is required.   

  • Flexible to complete on your own schedule.  

  • MAC Check will remain a performance standard, not pass/fail.  

Initial Certification 

CPCA Due Date 

Certification Renewal Due Date 

July 2016 

1/31/2024 

7/31/2024 

Knowledge Check QuartersStart DateQuestions
Knowledge Check Q1 8/1/202425 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q211/1/202430 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q32/1/202530 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q45/1/202530 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q58/1/2025CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required
Knowledge Check Q611/1/202530 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q72/1/202630 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q85/1/202630 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q98/1/202630 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q1011/1/202630 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q112/1/2027CRNA Elected Time Off – No Questions Required
Knowledge Check Q125/1/202730 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q138/1/202730 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q1411/1/202730 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q152/1/202830 Knowledge Check Questions Completed
Knowledge Check Q165/1/2028No Questions Required in Q16

Four-Year Certification Renewal Due Date is 7/31/2028

 Specific details and instructions will be communicated to you by NBCRNA after renewing your certification via your preferred email on file. Verify your contact information is up to date in the NBCRNA portal.

Meaningful engagement in MAC Check is a requirement of the MAC program during your next cycle.