No. Nurses with a non-CNS specialty certification, who do not meet the qualifications as an ARNP, may not be licensed as an ARNP CNS.
ANCC and other approved certification bodies may have several categories of certifications, including CNS, and also provide numerous non-CNS specialty certifications. Examples include: nurse executive-advanced-board certified (NEA-BC), forensics nursing-advanced (AFN-BC), and registered nurse-board certified (RN-BC). The requirements for specialty certification differ between the non-CNS and the CNS certification. Other entities may also provide certifications that are not an approved body. Examples include nursing certifications through the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification Board: advanced practice wound, ostomy or continence nurse (CWCN-AP®) and certified foot care nurse (CFCN®).