To check your Certification status and renewal due date, log in to your account and select My Certifications or My Wallet Cards for a wallet card.
Reminder: You can now send your questions by text message to our phones at (512) 637-0500. AANPCB phone lines will not be available between 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Central Time. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Sign in to start your AANPCB certification process.
How To Videos AANP & AAENP Member Fee - $240
Non-Member Fee - $315
Additional non-refundable $50 fee is charged for processing of a paper application. All fees are shown in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notification.
Recertify every five years to maintain your Certifications.
How To Videos AANP & AAENP Member Fee - $120
Non-Member Fee - $195
Additional non-refundable $50 fee is charged for processing of a paper application. All fees are shown in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notification.
Source Verification for State Boards, Certificants, & Employers.
How To Videos Primary Souce Verification Fee - $40
NO charge for verifications provided to state boards.
The FNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in family/individuals across the life span.
The AGNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of adolescent to older adult population.
The ENP certification examination is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of emergency specialty care across the life span.
The PMHNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of psychiatric mental health across the life span.
AANPCB certifications are recognized by all U.S. state nursing boards, nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and private insurance companies.
The Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP, and Emergency NP certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), which is the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification, and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is the accrediting body of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) that serves to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs and organizations that assess professional competence.
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
Office Hours: 8:30-4:30 CST
Main (512) 637-0500
Toll-free (855) 822-6727
AANPCB
Capital Station, LBJ Building
P.O. Box 12926
Austin, TX 78711-2926
AANPCB
2600 Via Fortuna, Ste 240
Austin, TX 78746
Email inquiries and general correspondence, RN/APRN License, Unofficial Transcripts, and CE Documents to: certification@aanpcert.org
Email Official Transcripts to: Transcripts@aanpcert.org
*Membership in an affiliate organization is not a requirement for certification.
A: AANPCB is a nonprofit national nurse practitioner certification board that provides a valid and reliable program for the evaluation of individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in the nurse practitioner (NP) profession through the certification process. AANPCB has been certifying nurse practitioners since 1994.
AANPCB is governed by a Board of Commissioners (BOC) composed of dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced NPs representative of the certificant population. The BOC governs all major decisions affecting the certification programs and processes and offers input and guidance into organizational decisions and policies. Public Members, who are not healthcare professionals, are appointed to represent and protect the public.
As an autonomous national nursing certification board, AANPCB is responsible for the:
A: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP), incorporated under the name American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board, Inc., was initially established in 1993. The AANPCP Business Name was changed to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) on January 1st, 2017.
A: AANPCB offers the following national certification examinations for candidates who meet eligibility requirements:
The certification examinations are competency-based exams that assess knowledge, skills and abilities in preparation for APRN licensure and professional credentialing.
A: There are no plans to retire any certification exam. AANPCB retired the Adult (ANP) exam in 2016. The Gerontological (GNP) exam was retired in 2012. Certification as an ANP or GNP with AANPCB will not be affected if current continuing education and clinical practice hour requirements for renewal of certification are met and the certification is not allowed to expire. ANPs and GNPs should check with the state board of nursing in which they are licensed to practice for licensure information.
A: Yes. NP certification is time limited and expires at the end of 5 years. It is the nurse practitioner's professional responsibility to renew their certification before it expires in order to continue to be certified. In addition to active professional nurse licensure, all nurse practitioners must meet the current requirements established by the BOC for renewal. AANPCB will not be held responsible for loss of wages, employment, or certification if a certificant fails to renew in a timely manner prior to expiration of current certification. Individuals whose certification has expired risk potential loss of employment, wages, insurance reimbursement, or credentialing privileges.
A: Yes. AANPCB's certification programs are accredited by two national accrediting bodies - the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, Inc. (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Changes to the NP certification programs align with the certification accreditation standards promulgated by these two organizations. Accreditation dates may be found on the AANPCB website.
ABSNC is the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification. ABSNC accreditation provides a peer review mechanism that allows nursing certification organizations to obtain accreditation of their certification programs by demonstrating compliance with the highest quality standards available in the industry.
NCCA , is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). NCCA serves to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs and organizations that assess professional competence. Accreditation by NCCA indicates AANPCB compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs.
A: Certifications are recognized by all U.S. state nursing boards, nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and private insurance companies.
A: In some provinces, yes. NPs should check with the jurisdictional nursing board of the Canadian province in which they plan to practice.
A: Nurse Practitioner-Certified. NP-C® is the registered mark and credential authorized for use by individuals who have met the standards, qualifications, and testing requirements established by AANPCB to indicate nurse practitioner certification status.
A: In general, there is a standard way to list post-nominal credentials which is important because consumers, insurance companies, credentialing and government entities may require or expect it.
A: No. You may not use the NP-C credential and you may not present yourself as an AANPCB-board certified nurse practitioner if you allow your AANPCB certification to expire. State Boards of Nursing (SBON) regulate APRNs' ability to practice, therefore, it is your responsibility to contact your SBON regarding your ability to work with an expired NP certification. Notify your employer that you are no longer certified.
A: Scope and Standards of Practice for NPs are legally defined by each state board of nursing. Professional organizations develop Scope and Standards of NP Practice for their discipline and specialty. Most referenced national Scope and Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners provided by professional organizations are:
A: AANPCB applicants, candidates, and certificants agree to:
For candidates taking the certification examination, see the FAQs - Test Site Information/Exam Security Policy & Procedures for the AANPCB's Examination Security Policy and Prometric Test Center Security Procedures.
A: In keeping with the Mission and Purpose of AANPCB, maintaining clinical practice and participating in advanced practice continuing education (CE) on an ongoing basis or passing the certification examination allows certificants to demonstrate maintenance of knowledge and skills in their area of certification as an ANP, AGNP, ENP, FNP, GNP, or PMHNP. Renewal of certification provides a mechanism to assure the public that NPs certified by AANPCB have met current professional standards of qualifications and knowledge for practice required to maintain and validate certification.
A: Certification is valid only for a 5-year period
A: On-going completion of advanced practice CE activities promotes currency of knowledge for continued NP practice. CE completed must be relevant to the area of your certification specialty and completed within the 5-year period of certification. For more information see FAQs relating to renewal of certification.
A: The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation defines the 4 roles of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). This model aligns the components of licensure, accreditation, certification, and education to ensure patient safety while expanding access to APRNs. It provides clarity and consistency in states laws, regulations, and schools of nursing in governing APRN roles, standards, and practices. Additional information may be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing: Practice section.
A: Under the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, licensure and APRN credentialing requirements specify that all APRNs be educated at the graduate level in nationally recognized competencies and complete appropriate clinical and didactic experiences in the following:
A: A minimum of 1,000 practice hours within the current 5-year period of certification as a nurse practitioner in the population-focus for which you are certified is required.
A: Yes. AANPCB is a national nurse practitioner certification board. AANPCB-certification demonstrates that an individual has acquired the minimum competencies to work as a nurse practitioner for regulatory purposes. The certification is recognized by all U.S. Boards of Nursing and territories; the District of Columbia, U.S. Department of State, and Veterans Administration; Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies; and other countries for licensure purposes.
A: Yes, NP practice may focus on a specific patient population. NP clinical practice is based on educational training in providing safe and appropriate patient care. Further education (CEs, workshops, etc.) and work experience in specialty fields contributes to your on-going professional development. According to the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, preparation in a specialty is optional and builds upon the APRN role and population focus competencies.
A: Practice hours worked as an NP in a volunteer capacity for a national or international service organization must be at the advanced practice level in the NP role and relate to the population of certification for which you are certified to be recognized and accepted for recertification. An official detailed description of the duties may be requested.
A: Providing advanced practice care of patient health conditions involving assessments, diagnosis, and treatment either as in-person encounters or remotely via telehealth are considered direct patient care and can be used as Practice Hours to meet recertification requirements.
A: Yes. Faculty time spent with NP students and patients during clinical practicum hours can be counted as practice hours. Credit is for actual time in the clinical agency and telehealth sites. Faculty may use a maximum of 500 clinical visit hours toward the 1,000 required clinical hours for recertification in the five-year certification period. Travel time to and from the site cannot be included in the clinical visit hours. No faculty clinical hours will be accepted for simulation, standardized patient evaluations, conference time, or clinical agency site evaluations.
A: AANPCB will accept either the RN or APRN state license for certification purposes. If you are licensed in more than one state, use the license of your home state.
A: Check on the website of the State Board of Nursing (SBON) in which you are licensed. You may also check on Nursys.com which is a free service where participating boards of nursing provide nurse licensure status information. A copy of the nursing license submitted must include your name, license number, and expiration date.
A: The primary purpose of nursing licensure is the safety and protection of the public. SBONs authorize and regulate a nurse's ability to practice. A licensed nurse is responsible for knowing and adhering to the rules and regulations governing nursing as outlined by their SBON. NPs are required to maintain active current nursing licensure to practice.
Because the role of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) focuses on direct patient care, APRN practice requires regulatory recognition beyond Registered Nurse licensure granted by a SBON. Boards of nursing, therefore, use APRN certification as one of several requirements for entry into APRN practice licensure. Each SBON determines which APRN certification examination meet their specific criteria required for licensure to practice as an APRN in the state. NP certification by AANPCB is recognized by all state boards of nursing.
Most state boards of nursing and insurance carriers require national certification for APRN practice and third-party reimbursement. If current national certification as a nurse practitioner is required, then yes, you must renew your certification.
A: Certification as an NP by AANPCB is time-limited and must be renewed every 5 years. RN/APRN licensure is usually renewed more often and has different renewal requirements. Please visit your SBON, employer, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website for additional information.
A: Specific age parameters are not defined for any population on the AANPCB examinations.
A: Patient Age Ranges are one of the Domains of the FNP and AGNP certification examinations. The Exam Blueprints may be found in the Candidate Handbooks and under the Certify tab on the Home Page.
A: For AANPCB certification renewal, Precepting is defined as supervision of advanced practice students during the provision of direct patient care conducted in your NP role and population area of certification.
A: Yes. Precepting advanced practice students while providing direct patient care as a nurse practitioner is consistent with demonstration of continuing competence and ongoing professional development. It is an option to use for renewal and can replace up to 25 non-pharmacology CEs. Preceptorship hours must be documented, verifiable and accrued during the 5-year period of certification.
A: A maximum of 120 Preceptorship Practice Hours conducted within the current 5-year period of certification may be claimed for a maximum of 25 non-pharmacology CE. Convert the clinical hours precepted to CE hours using the Preceptorship Conversion Table in the Candidate Handbook and on the Preceptorship Form.
A: No. Precepting inter-professional advanced practice students is recognized and accepted by AANPCB. Qualifying preceptor hours are defined as the provision of direct patient care as an NP while serving as a clinical preceptor for advanced practice students affiliated with dentistry, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, or physician assistant programs.
A: The Preceptorship Form can be found under the Forms tab. Complete the form and submit it with supporting documentation from the educational program clinical faculty confirming the preceptorship.
A: Please notify us by email at certification@aanpcert.org of your retirement status. We will make appropriate changes to your account so that future emails and mailings will not be sent to you. Your certification will expire at the end of 5 years. The certification period granted can be found on your certificate, wallet card, and Online Profile. AANPCB does not offer a "Retired" or "Inactive" status.
A: You will need to establish an AANPCB user account for certification and create your Online Profile before you begin your application. To create a new Online Profile, click Let's Get Started or Certify on the Home page, then select New User Registration. Once you have established an Online Certification Profile and Account with us, you may begin your exam application process, upload required documents, follow your application's progress, and view any notes/reminders we may send you regarding your application.
A: A candidate's name on the exam application, test registration, and forms of identification presented at the testing center must match. The name used to schedule your appointment must match the name shown on your identification. At a minimum, the identification must be a valid, government-issued ID that shows your name, signature, and your photograph.
An applicant's first and last name used to create an Online Profile and application:
A: Click on "Forgot your username/password?" on the Login page.
A: No. Your AANPCB certification number, username, and password are uniquely different from your membership number and login information.
A: If you are certified by us, but have not created an Online Profile, previous information in your existing account must be "LINKED" to your new registration. This is a manual process. Please allow at least one business day. Once linked, certification history, order status, account information, and communications from AANPCB will be displayed when you log on.
A: Cookies are pieces of data that help your browser remember things like usernames, passwords, website preferences, and information entered onto a website application. If the cookies in your web browser are activated, a partially completed application can automatically be saved for 30 days. If you do not return to your application within that window, the information will be deleted in the system. This may also happen when different computers are used to enter information. If you log in to your application from a different computer, previously entered information may not be saved.
A: This depends on which browser you are using. On your computer, select "Tools, Internet Browser, Privacy Settings, Cookies" to change settings. If you continue to have difficulty, you should be able to find step by step instructions through your chosen search engine.
A: You must click the "add/save" button when adding clinical site or continuing education information each time you add entries. If you do not do this, your information will not be saved. Should you continue to have difficulties please contact AANPCB at 512-637-0500.
A: There are a couple of reasons.
A: AANPCB sends correspondence to the last known email and mailing addresses in the system. Exam score results and certificate packets are mailed to the shipping address on your Account. Certification renewal reminders, announcements regarding important changes to the certification programs, notification of Board of Commissioner elections, and special events are sent by email to the address on your account from certification@aanpcert.org.
A: Certificants and applicants can update their name and contact details anytime by accessing their Online Profile using their respective username and password. If you haven't taken the board exam yet, ensure that your first and last names match your legal name for entry to the Prometric testing center.
Note: For name or address change questions, please contact us at certification@aanpcert.org.
A: The name on the AANPCB account will be the name printed on the certificate and wallet card. Once you have scheduled your exam, it is best not to change your name. If the names on identification documents and the application do not match, you may not be able to sit for your scheduled examination.
Note: For name or address change questions, please contact us at certification@aanpcert.org.
A: Student email addresses provided by the university can be temporary. We recommend that a permanent, personal email address be used for your certification account. The email address used by an applicant to create an Online Profile and AANPCB Account will be:
A: Candidates who wish to change their name are encouraged to change it after they have been certified to avoid problems with testing. An applicant's first and last name used to create an Online Profile and application:
A: Requirements for the initial Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam include:
A: Requirements to process an application include:
Note : An official final transcript with degree or certificate awarded date is required to release certification after testing.
A: No. While the number of schools transitioning their Master's-level degree program to the Doctorate is increasing, the DNP is not a requirement for NP certification or entry into NP practice.
A: No. Membership is not required.
A: Students are NOT eligible to test until they have completed all didactic and clinical course requirements for the NP program.
A: The Program Completion date is the date all courses and clinical hours in the NP Track are completed. Degree Conferred date is the date you will be awarded your graduate degree or post-graduate certificate.
Note: Some students may have the ability to complete their NP program's didactic courses and clinical hours before their scheduled graduation and degree conferral date (e.g., DNP students).
A: A letter from the NP Program Director or Academic Dean is required if the candidate is requesting to test prior to their program completion date or the program completion and degree conferred dates are more than 30 days apart. Email the letter to certification@aanpcert.org.
A: Information regarding the application process may be found on the website home page:
A: You will need to establish an AANPCB user account for Certification and create your Online Profile before you can begin your application. For information on creating an Online Profile and Account, see FAQs - Online Profile/Account & Website Use Questions.
A: To create your new online profile, click Let's Get Started or Certify on the home page, then select the New User Registration. Once you have established an Online Certification Profile and Account, you may begin your exam application process, upload required documents, follow your application's progress, and view any notes/reminders we may send you regarding your application.
A: Complete applications include the following:
A: Normal processing time for initial applications is 4 weeks depending upon receipt of a complete application, required documents, and applicable fees. AANPCB seeks to process all applications in a timely manner and does not expedite processing of applications or charge to expedite. Review and approval of an application will be delayed If required documentation, including copy of nursing license with a current expiration date, or fee is missing.
A: You will be notified by email if additional information is required for the completion of your application. This is an automatic process that occurs weekly after you submit your application. You will also be able to view your application status, as well as any missing information messages through your online account.
A: If an application is missing information or documentation necessary for completion of an application and/or the release of scores, an email will be sent from certification@aanpcert.org
A: No. AANPCB and the membership organizations are separate and do not share certification, membership, or billing department information. Contact AANP or AAENP for membership and billing information.
A: Yes. We will either accept an official or unofficial transcript from your university showing the courses you have completed to date. Your application will be processed and approved if coursework on the transcript meets eligibility requirements.
A: An unofficial transcript is a copy of a transcript with the university insignia or a printout showing all NP coursework and grades completed to date. Transcripts sent by the applicant electronically or received unsealed by mail will be considered unofficial. Transcripts that appear to be altered will not be accepted.
A: An official final transcript will have the university insignia and the degree conferred/awarded date and must be received by AANPCB via one of the following methods:
Note: Transcripts that appear to be altered will not be processed.
A: Yes. We encourage University Registrars to send electronic official transcripts via a secured website (e.g., E-Script, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment). Request that the university send your transcript directly to us at transcripts@aanpcert.org.
A: Yes. In addition to the official final transcript showing completion of the postgraduate NP coursework, we require an official final transcript showing MSN degree awarded and date conferred to release certification scores.
A: Program accreditation requirements for the AANPCB certification exam are completion of a graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner educational program from a U.S. school accredited by an independent national nursing organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
A: In collaboration with the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP), AANPCB worked to develop a specialty certification examination for eligible Family Nurse Practitioners to recognize their expertise in emergency care. The Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification program aligns with the APRN Consensus Model for specialty nursing practice and meets national accreditation standards. The first ENP examination was offered beginning January 2017.
A: ENP certification information is available in the following areas of our website:
A: To verify approval of a fellowship program, please email certification@aanpcert.org.
A: No. Membership is not required.
A: ENP candidates must meet the following requirements:
A: To sit for the ENP exam, an FNP must complete one of 3 options:
To verify approval of a fellowship program, please email certification@aanpcert.org.
A: Due to the lifespan scope of the ENP examination, only certified FNPs who meet eligibility criteria will be able to take the AANPCB Emergency NP examination.
A: While the majority of emergency care is provided in hospital-based or a free-standing emergency department (ED), FNPs who work in other emergency care settings such as urgent care clinics are able to take the ENP examination provided they meet the listed eligibility requirements.
A: Contact a university that offers a post-graduate FNP program and request a review of your Acute Care NP program of study that includes a gap analysis to determine the coursework needed to meet FNP program requirements. Once you are certified as an FNP, select the appropriate ENP application option to meet the eligibility requirements.
A: No. Only direct hours in the advanced practice role as an NP in emergency care qualify. Work experience as a staff nurse in the ED, urgent care, operating room, post-anesthesia, intensive care, or other such settings do not qualify and are not to be included in the minimum of 2,000 direct, emergency care practice hours as an NP in the past five years.
A: Yes. Direct hours in the advanced practice role as an NP in emergency care qualify.
A: Education course content that includes, but is not limited to suturing, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, chest tube placement/management, paracentesis, advanced vascular access, fracture/joint reduction, nail removal/repair, local/regional anesthesia techniques, wound management/incision and drainage, diagnostic/procedural ultrasound, among others will be accepted.
Note: A list of Emergency Care Skills and Procedures may be found under the Resources tab.
A: No. The skills performed must meet accredited CE requirements. 30 CE credits of emergency-related procedural skills within the past 5 years as an NP is required for the initial ENP certification application.
A: Appropriate and accredited emergency-related advanced practice CE activities focus on emergency/urgent care medical screening, decision-making, differential diagnosis, patient management, disposition and professional, legal, and ethical issues related to Emergency NP practice.
A: Acceptable emergency care CE accreditors and providers include but are limited to:
A: Yes. However, UpToDate does not identify topics or pharmacology credits; therefore, include the UpToDate usage log with the CE certificates. Provide a list of titles for the educational CE activities for which you are claiming pharmacology or procedural skill credits.
A: Several advanced life support certification courses are accepted. An advanced life support course cannot be used more than twice in a 5-year renewal cycle. A CE certificate showing your name, activity title, date, accreditor, sponsor, and CEs awarded for completion of the course is required. A wallet card will not suffice. The following courses are accepted for ENP certification or renewal of ENP certification:
The following courses are not accepted for ENP certification/recertification:
A: CE trackers can simplify the application entry process. If you have an account with an organization that provides a CE log/tracker (e.g., AANP, Medscape, Prescriber Letter, UpToDate), enter the tracker as a single entry (e.g., Medscape Tracker) on the CE Log of your application.
A: If you have opted-in to sharing, yes, AANPCB can access your continuing education from the AANP CE Center. To make sure we can access your continuing education you will need to login to your AANP Account and click the box "Share CEs with AANPCB (Certification)" under My Education. For more information, please visit your AANP Member Account.
Note: CE Type labeled "Self" indicates the course was taken through another organization and has been stored. You will need to provide copies of these CE certificates and/or trackers for submission to AANPCB for their application. CE that is denoted as "Internal" or "External" on an AANP tracker of your AANP My Portfolio will not require a copy of the CE certificate.
A: Submit certificates showing completion of your continuing education activities.
A: CEs must be logged as contact hours awarded. Terms and abbreviations depend on the topic, course content, health care professional audience, and the accrediting body that approved the CE activity.
A: View the ENP Initial instructional video in the How To Videos section on the AANPCB homepage. The ENP Specialty Handbook and the Emergency Care Skills and Procedures list is available under the Resources tab.
A: You will need to establish an AANPCB user account for Certification and create your Online Profile before you can begin your application. To create your new online profile, click Let's Get Started or Certify on the home page, then select the New User Registration. Once you have established an Online Certification Profile and Account with us, you may begin your exam application process, upload required documents, follow your application's progress, and view any notes/reminders we may send you regarding your application.
A: Students enrolled in MSN and post-graduate ENP programs may begin the application process as early as 6 months prior to completion of all the program's didactic and clinical course requirements. Candidates enrolled in Dual FNP/ENP programs may apply for the emergency certification exam after completion of the Family NP program and the FNP certification is obtained.
A: Applicants must complete a graduate level emergency care nurse practitioner educational program approved by the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners. To verify approval of a fellowship program, please email certification@aanpcert.org.
A: Complete applications include the following:
Note: For complete information about transcripts, see FAQs - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP & Family NP Certification Exam > Transcripts
A: Normal processing time for initial applications is 4 weeks depending upon receipt of a complete application, required documents, and applicable fees. AANPCB seeks to process all applications in a timely manner and does not expedite processing of applications or charge to expedite. Review and approval of an application will be delayed If required documentation, including copy of nursing license with a current expiration date, or fee is missing.
A: The Program Completion date is the date all courses and clinical hours in the NP Track are completed. The Degree Conferred date is the date you will be awarded your graduate degree or post-graduate certificate. Some students may have the ability to complete their NP program's didactic courses and clinical hours before their scheduled graduation and degree conferral date (e.g., DNP students).
A: A letter from the NP Program Director or Academic Dean is required if a candidate is requesting to test prior to the program completion date on the application or the program completion and degree conferred dates are more than 30 days apart. Email the letter to certification@aanpcert.org.
A: You will be notified by email if additional information is required for the completion of your application. This is an automatic process that occurs weekly after you submit your application. You will also be able to view your application status, as well as any missing information messages through your online account. Each application is reviewed to determine that requirements for eligibility have been met. All applications are reviewed by professional nurse reviewers who assess the candidate's NP program information, didactic coursework, clinical experiences, clinical sites, preceptors, and professional nursing licensure for completeness, appropriateness, and currency prior to approving a candidate to sit for the certification examination.
A: If an application is missing information or documentation necessary for completion of an application and/or the release of scores, an email will be sent from certification@aanpcert.org
A: Yes. We will either accept an official or unofficial transcript from your university showing the courses you have completed to date. Your application will be processed and approved if coursework on the transcript meets eligibility requirements.
A: An unofficial transcript is a copy of a transcript with the university insignia or a printout showing all ENP coursework and grades completed to date. Transcripts sent by the applicant electronically or received unsealed by mail will be considered unofficial. Transcripts that appear to be altered will not be accepted.
A: An official final transcript will have the university insignia and the degree conferred/awarded date and must be received by AANPCB via one of the following methods:
Note: Transcripts that appear to be altered will not be processed.
A: Yes. We encourage University Registrars to send electronic official transcripts via a secured website (e.g., E-Script, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment). Request that the university send your transcript directly to us at transcripts@aanpcert.org.
A: Yes. In addition to the official final transcript showing completion of the postgraduate NP coursework, we require an official final transcript showing MSN degree awarded and date conferred to release certification scores.
A: Each application is reviewed to determine that all requirements for eligibility have been met before approving. All applications are reviewed by professional nurse reviewers who assess the candidate's NP program information, didactic coursework, clinical experiences, clinical sites, preceptors, and professional nursing licensure for completeness, appropriateness, and currency.
A: Candidates are Eligible to Test after the NP program completion date that is entered in the application:
A: When a candidate becomes eligible to test, AANPCB will export the name of the candidate to Prometric and send an Eligibility to Test and Schedule Exam Notification email to the candidate from certification@aanpcert.org. This email provides important instructions for scheduling a testing appointment at Prometric Testing Centers and authorizes the 120-day testing window. Check all email inboxes, including junk/spam folders for Approval and Eligibility to Test email.
A: When searching for appointment availability near you, enter your address and the date range of when you wish to test. You must select an end date that is within 2 weeks of the chosen start date. If you want to look at other timeframes, select a new start date.
A: Candidates receive a window of 120 days to test. This window allows candidates the flexibility to schedule the exam around personal commitments, employment schedules, and religious needs without requiring the need for additional accommodations or forms.
Certification examinations are administered via computer-based testing format at Prometric testing centers globally. In the event of military deployment, contact us at.certification@aanpcert.org to discuss alternate testing site options.
A: Candidates may log into their AANPCB online account and select Schedule Exam to be directed to the Prometric scheduling webpage. Candidates may also visit Prometric directly at www.prometric.com
A: Online registration is available 24 hours a day to schedule an appointment to test. You will receive an email from certification@aanpcert.org with instructions for scheduling your examination..
Note: Candidates requesting special test arrangements for disability must follow Prometric guidelines. DO NOT schedule your examination until your completed Prometric Special Accommodations Request Form and required documentation have been received and processed by the Prometric Special Accommodations Department. .
See Requests for Testing Accommodations
A: To cancel or reschedule your test appointment, you must log in to your AANPCB account and select "Schedule Exam." Click on your current examination appointment to access options for either rescheduling or cancelling it online. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact Prometric directly at 1-800-742-8738.
A: Yes, if the request is received within the 120-day testing window and you do not have an exam scheduled.
If you have an examination appointment, you must cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam for no fee. Exams can be canceled 24-48 hours prior to your scheduled exam for a fee. Exams scheduled within 24 hours cannot be canceled.
A: Yes. Submit an email request to certification@aanpcert.org to withdraw from taking the exam. You will receive a refund less a $120 USD processing fee.
A: Your Registration ID number becomes invalid, you will not be able to take the test as scheduled, and you will have to reapply to take the exam if you:
A: All test centers are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and exam accommodations will be made to meet the qualified candidate's needs.
A: All requests for special accommodations/arrangements are processed through the testing vendor, Prometric.
A: All items on each of the AANPCB certification examinations are reviewed each year for relevancy to current and best practice and to ensure consistency with therapeutic clinical guidelines published at the time exams are developed. New exams are developed annually, validated by panels of clinical experts during the year, and released for administration in January. Sample Reference Lists are available on the home page navigation bar.
A: The 2020 certification examinations use both the American College of Cardiology (ACC) / American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines published in November 2017 and the JNC-8 guidelines to reference test items. While treatment targets may differ among various guidelines, it is important to keep evaluation of the individual's health as the central concern.
A: Specific age parameters are not defined for any population on AANPCB examinations. The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation does not define specific age parameters for any of the population foci, therefore, AANPCB uses growth and development as the basis of age-related changes for constructing the certification exams and for NP practice. The FNP and PMHNP population are lifespan, and the AGNP population is young adult (including adolescents) to elderly.
A: Laboratory tests are listed by their common abbreviation or name (i.e., Hgb, MCHC, free thyroxine). Where applicable, normal lab values are referenced (i.e., potassium (normal = 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). It is important to realize that laboratory test normal ranges vary from institution to institution.
A: No. As a certification agency, AANPCB does not approve, develop, offer, or endorse any educational programs.
A: There are 150 questions on each examination. Of the 150, 135 questions are scored. A candidate's score is based solely on the 135 scored questions. There are 15 pretest questions on each examination which are not scored. Pretest questions are included on each examination to obtain statistical information for possible use on future examinations and cannot be distinguished from those that are scored. A test-taker's score on pretest questions does not affect a candidate's final score.
A: Candidates have 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the examination. An introductory tutorial to the computer and keyboard is provided before the exam starts. Time spent on the tutorial does not count as part of your test time. Sample questions are included following the tutorial so that you may practice using the keyboard to answer questions, mark items to review, and review answers.
A: Yes. AANPCB offers three versions of the FNP practice exam, two versions of the AGNP practice exam and one version of the ENP practice exam.
A: Names must match on the AANPCB application, Prometric Test Registration, and the forms of identification presented at the testing center for an eligible candidate to sit for their scheduled examination.
A: You must provide 2 forms of identification.
A: Visit www.prometric.com for the following information:
A: Visit www.prometric.com to schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment for the test. Candidates may also call Prometric at (800) 742-8738 to contact a live operator seven days a week. Candidates must follow Prometric guidelines.
A: If you do not bring acceptable identification to the testing center, your Registration ID number will become invalid and you will not be able to take the test as scheduled. You will have to reapply to take the exam.
A: If you miss your scheduled test date you will need to contact the Certification Department at 512-637-0500 or email certification@aanpcert.org for additional information and pay a reset fee.
A: If severe weather or an emergency forces the closure of a test site on your scheduled test date, your test will be rescheduled. Prometric personnel will email you in this situation.
A: Please ask the on-site proctor for assistance as soon as an issue arises and to document the incident in the event follow-up is needed. Complaints and reports of a testing irregularity should be submitted in writing and emailed to certification@aanpcert.org
A: Federal copyright law protects AANPCB examinations and the items contained therein. The certification examinations and all items on the examinations are the exclusive property of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board, Inc. Candidates who apply for the certification examination must acknowledge that they understand the following prior to taking the examination:
A: Candidates must follow Prometric security procedures, which are subject to change. The following items are not permitted in the examination room:
The following security procedures will apply during the examination:
A: Those who were unsuccessful may apply to retake the examination after their exam score report is released and emailed to them. AANPCB receives scores from Prometric daily. However, it may take up to one week for scores to be processed for final release depending upon volume and business closure/holiday. Only two exam attempts are allowed in a calendar year (January to December).
A: Certificants must renew before the expiration date of their current certification.
A: A minimum of 15 hours of advanced practice continuing education from an accredited CE provider.
A: Exam eligible candidates may test twice in a calendar year. AANPCB policy limits a candidate to two testing attempts per calendar year (January to December).
A: No. Your certification will be randomized to one of the other applicable certification exams available.
A: Log in to your AANPCB Online Profile, apply online or by paper using the Retake Application option.
A: Candidates receive a preliminary Pass/No Pass report upon completion of the exam at the testing center. This is a preliminary Pass or Fail status, not an exam score. A preliminary report of "Pass" is not official notification, does not indicate active certification status, and may not be used for employment or licensure as an NP.
A: AANPCB receives scores from Prometric daily, however, it may take up to one week for scores to be processed for final release depending upon volume and business closure/holiday.
A: It may take up to one week for scores to be processed for final release. An official final transcript with the degree awarded and date conferred by the NP program is required before a test taker may receive their official score letter. For post-graduate (post-masters) certificate candidates, an official final MSN transcript is also required. An official score report letter will be mailed within 2 weeks. A candidate may request that a copy of the score report be emailed to them after it becomes available.
A: Examination scores are considered confidential information and will not be disclosed to anyone other than the candidate without specific written instructions (i.e., which examination score, the specific individual or organization) to whom the information is to be disclosed.
A: Your printable wallet card is available on your AANPCB Online Account under My Wallet Cards.
A: When scores are processed your printable wallet card is available on your AANPCB Online Account under My Wallet Cards. Your score report, wall certificate, and wallet card will be mailed to the address on your AANPCB Online Account within 3 weeks.
A: Complete the Certificate Replacement Request Form found on our website under the Forms tab. Fax, email, or mail it to our office along with the applicable fee. In the event of a legal name change, a copy of supporting documentation (e.g., court record, marriage license) providing proof of the name change must accompany the form.
A: Complete the Certificate Replacement Request Form found on our website under the Forms tab. Fax, email, or mail it to our office along with the applicable fee.
A: Renewal of certification provides a mechanism to assure the public that NPs certified by AANPCB have undergone periodic evaluation and met current professional standards of qualifications and knowledge for practice required to maintain and validate certification. Participating in nurse practitioner-related CE on an ongoing basis or preparing for the certification exam demonstrates and promotes certificants' maintenance and currency of knowledge in their specialty area.
A: Please refer to the FAQs - Scope of Practice, Continuing Competence, & Model for APRN Regulation for information on NP Continuing Competence.
A: Yes. NP board certification is time-limited and expires automatically at the end of the 5-year certification period.
A: Yes. Courtesy reminder postcards and emails are sent to the NP's last known contact addresses one year before expiration of their current certification. If a renewal application has not yet been received, another reminder postcard and email is sent again at 6 months. Finally, we mail a letter and send an email ~6 weeks prior to certification expiration. It is very important that certificants keep their contact information current on their AANPCB Account so that courtesy reminders and important information related to certification be received.
A: No. Certification with AANPCB is time-limited for a 5-year period. Extensions are not granted.
A: Notify your employer that you are no longer certified. You may not use the NP-C credential and you may not present yourself as an AANPCB-board certified nurse practitioner if you allow your AANPCB certification to expire. State Boards of Nursing (SBON) regulate APRNs' ability to practice, therefore, it is your responsibility to contact your SBON regarding your ability to work with an expired NP certification.
A. Certifications are not active past the expiration date. For requests received from a state board of nursing or third-party vendor for verification of a certification that has expired, AANPCB will provide documentation of the dates in which the certification was valid and thus will reflect an inactive status.
A: Contact the Recertification Department at 512-637-0500 or email certification@aanpcert.org.
A: There are 2 options for renewal of FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP certifications.
Option One:
Option Two:
A: CEs used to qualify for the ENP examination or renewal may be used to renew FNP certification if completed within the FNP 5-year period of certification.
A: There is only 1 option available for renewal of the ANP and GNP certifications.
Note: Since the ANP and GNP examinations have been retired, you may wish to determine if you meet eligibility requirements to take the AGNP or FNP certification examination. Your NP graduate education will need to align with area of certification. For example, some ANPs may have completed an Adult-Gerontological NP program.
A: Certification as an ANP or GNP with AANPCB will not be affected as long the certification is not allowed to expire and the current minimum continuing education and clinical practice hour requirements for recertification are met. ANPs and GNPs should check with the state board of nursing in which they are licensed to practice for additional information.
A: Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam which includes successful completion of three separate graduate level courses in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology; the AGNP population of specialization courses; and all didactic and clinical AGNP program coursework (including all faculty-supervised clinical clock hours required). It is required that the certification specialty align with the population area of an applicant's NP education program. Graduates of an ANP program in many cases do not qualify for the AGNP certification. Contact your academic program to verify if your Adult NP program met Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program requirements. Documentation from the academic program administrator may be required to confirm eligibility.
A: Yes. If you are currently certified by AANPCB as an ANP and GNP, you have the option to convert both of your certifications to the AGNP certification. The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Conversion Application may be found under the Forms - Recertification Documents tab.
A: ENP's have two options for renewal:
Option One:
Option Two:
A: Like the FNP certification, ENP certification is time-limited and will need to be renewed every five years. Current Family Nurse Practitioner certification is required for renewal.
A: Yes. The ENP certification is a subspecialty certification built upon the FNP scope. Therefore, ENPs must maintain current FNP certification.
A: You may apply as early as one year prior to the ENP certification expiration date. Complete your renewal application early to avoid expiration of certification.
A: Emergency-related CE activities appropriate for ENP certification renewal focus on emergency/urgent care medical screening, decision-making, differential diagnosis, patient management, disposition, and professional/legal/ethical issues related to emergency NP practice. When renewing FNP certification, the CEs used to qualify for the ENP examination may be used if completed within the FNP 5-year period certification.
A: Although procedural skills are not required for renewal, emergency-related procedural skills CE contact hours can be used for recertification.
A: The following advanced life support courses are accepted for ENP renewal:
These courses cannot be used more than twice in a 5-year renewal cycle. A CE certificate showing your name, activity title, date, accreditor, sponsor, and CEs awarded for completion of the course is required. A wallet card will not suffice.
A: Yes. Practice hours worked as an NP in a volunteer capacity, such as for a domestic health-care clinic or medical mission abroad for a state, national, or international service organization, are accepted. An official detailed description of the duties may be requested. Email certification@aanpcert.org if you have questions about your volunteer service clinical practice meeting renewal requirements.
A: Yes. Credit may be received for graduate or post-graduate courses taken within the current 5-year period of certification if the coursework directly relates to advanced practice nursing knowledge and skills.
A: For AANPCB certification renewal, Precepting is defined as supervision of advanced practice students during the provision of direct patient care conducted in your NP role and population area of certification.
A: Yes. Precepting advanced practice students while providing direct patient care as a nurse practitioner is consistent with demonstration of continuing competence and ongoing professional development. It is an option to use for renewal and can replace up to 25 non-pharmacology CEs. Preceptorship hours must be documented, verifiable and accrued during the 5-year period of certification.
A: A maximum of 120 Preceptorship Practice Hours conducted within the current 5-year period of certification may be claimed for a maximum of 25 non-pharmacology CE. Convert the clinical hours precepted to CE hours using the Preceptorship Conversion Table on the Preceptorship Form.
A: No. Precepting inter-professional advanced practice students is recognized and accepted by AANPCB. Qualifying preceptor hours are defined as the provision of direct patient care as an NP while serving as a clinical preceptor for advanced practice students affiliated with dentistry, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, or physician assistant programs.
A: The Preceptorship Form can be found under the Forms tab. Complete the form and submit it with supporting documentation from the educational program clinical faculty confirming the preceptorship.
A: Completion of 100 contact hours of accredited advanced practice continuing education (CE) relevant to your area of certification specialty in your NP role within the current 5-year period of certification is required to renew certification.
A: Completing advanced practice CE promotes currency of knowledge for practice. CE completed must be relevant to NP practice. See FAQs - Scope of Practice, Continuing Competence, & Model for APRN Regulation
A: CE certificates submitted for renewal of certification must include your name, name of CE activity, program sponsor, CE accreditor, date of completion, and the number of non-pharmacology and pharmacology contact hours awarded.
A: There are several things that you can look at to assess for appropriateness of a CE course. Read the course activity description, including the course objectives and disclosures and answer the following questions.
If you can answer "Yes" to all questions, then the CE activity should meet requirements.
A: A CE accreditor is an independent organization that reviews and approves educational activities for health care professionals using industry supported education standards. Activities approved for accreditation must be educationally sound, relevant to NP practice, fair and balanced (unbiased); and contribute to the quality and safety of health care.
Acceptable accreditors include but is not limited to:
A: AANPCB does not approve, endorse, or accredit continuing educational activities or educational programs and does not pre-approve CE activities that an NP might be interested in taking.
A: Contact the program sponsor and request documentation of the number of CE contact hours that may be applied towards the pharmacology requirement.
A: A minimum of 25 advanced practice pharmacology contact hours completed within the current 5-year period of certification is required. Pharmacology content includes such topics as current clinical application of pharmacology, techniques of safe drug prescribing information, and drug specific information/ therapy for treatment of common acute and chronic diseases. Specify the pharmacology contact hours on the CE log.
A: Yes. However, UpToDate does not identify topics or pharmacology credits; therefore, we ask that the UpToDate usage log be included with the CE certificates. Provide a list of titles for the educational CE activities for which you are claiming pharmacology or procedural skill credits.
A: An advanced life support course cannot be used more than twice in a 5-year renewal cycle. A CE certificate showing your name, activity title, date, accreditor, sponsor, and CEs awarded for completion of the course is required. A wallet card will not suffice. The following courses are accepted:
*ACLS and PALS are not accepted for Emergency NP certification renewal.
A: Terms and abbreviations depend on the topic, course content, health care professional audience, and the accrediting body that approved the CE activity.
A: Online educational programs are accepted. We do not limit where you take your CE courses as long as they are accredited by an approved organization and are related to your work as an NP.
A: Information regarding recertification may be found on the website home page in the following places:
A: You need to access or create your My AANPCB Online Profile to start a renewal application. Select Recertify Now on the home page and access your Online Profile.
Note: Incomplete applications are not stored for more than 30 days.
A: Follow these steps:
A: Certificants may apply as early as one year prior to the certification expiration date. Processing a renewal application in advance will not change your 5-year certification cycle.
A: No. The certification period for the next 5-year period will begin when the current certification period ends.
A: The option to renew via paper application is available and includes a paper processing fee. The paper Recertification application and a Continuing Education Log form may be found under the Recertify: Purpose of Recertification tab or Forms tab on the navigation bar.
A: No. AANPCB does not expedite or have a fee to expedite processing of applications.
A: Normal processing time is 4 weeks depending upon receipt of a complete application, required documents, and applicable fees. Professional nurse reviewers review all applications to determine that the minimum requirements have been met. If renewing by CE and Practice Hours, upon approval of an application, a wallet card will be available within 24 hours on your Online Profile and a certificate packet will be mailed within 2-3 weeks.
A: This status usually indicates that your application has been approved. Look for your wallet card with new expiration date on your Online Profile: My Documents: Wallet Card.
A: Upload your documents (CE certificate, current professional nursing license, optional preceptor form or academic transcript) when you apply online. You can also fax, email, or mail the documentation at no additional cost. See FAQ - Contact Us. Incomplete applications are not stored for more than 30 days.
A: No. Once an application is submitted, you will not be able to edit the information or upload documents in the application. Email your information to certification@aanpcert.org or fax to 512-637-0540.
A: Yes. Log in, then under My AANPCB select My Continuing Education to upload CE documents and enter CE information. Long-term CE storage must be uploaded to your account. Log in to your Online Profile and choose My Continuing Education under the My AANPCB menu box.
A: If you have an account with an organization like AANP, Medscape, Prescriber Letter, or UpToDate that provides a CE log/tracker, enter the tracker as a single entry on the CE Log page of your application. Submit a copy for, or upload the tracker as a PDF to, your application.
A: If you have opted-in to sharing, yes, AANPCB can access your continuing education from the AANP CE Center. To make sure we can access your continuing education you will need to login to your AANP Account and click the box "Share CEs with AANPCB (Certification)" under My Education. For more information, please visit your AANP Member Account.
Note: CE Type labeled "Self" indicates the course was taken through another organization and has been stored. You will need to provide copies of these CE certificates and/or trackers for submission to AANPCB for their application. CE that is denoted as "Internal" or "External" on an AANP tracker of your AANP My Portfolio will not require a copy of the CE certificate.
A: No. Only CEs completed and dated during the 5-year period of certification may be used for renewal of that certification.
A: Yes. A Continuing Education Log form may be found under the Forms tab on the navigation bar.
A: Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Emergency NP Certificants unable to renew their certification through practice and CE will need to apply for and meet current eligibility requirements for certification by examination and take certification examination before the certification expiration date to maintain their certification. See FAQs - Retake Examination.
A: No, Adult and Gerontological NPs can only recertify through practice hours and CE. Both the ANP and GNP examinations have been retired.
A: Certificants may begin their renewal application process online 12 months before the expiration date of their current certification. Plan to sit for the exam at least 120 days prior to your NP certification expiration date to allow enough time for application processing, scheduling, testing and receipt of scores.
A: The option to renew a certification by exam is not available after the certification expires because the individual is no longer certified, and the certification number is expired. If this happens, applying as a new applicant for the initial exam is the only option.
