To identify, describe and analyze the historical milestones of nurses' accreditation in the critical care area, a research was carried out at LILACS and MEDLINE, unearthing 16 publications, led to the 4 categories. In the USA, the CCNE and NLNAC focus on evaluating Nursing courses and educational institutions, whilst generalist nurses are evaluated by NCLEX, and experts are evaluated by professional associations. Accrediting nurses is also a matter of interest in Spain, Canada, South Africa and Australia. In the USA, the process began in the 40's, whilst in Spain it began in the 90's. It was concluded that the professional certification and accreditation in Nursing occur mainly in developed countries and began in the middle of the last century.
Accreditation; History of nursing; Professional practice; Education, continuing