Why Board Certification Is Required
You cannot get licensed as a nurse practitioner without it. States will not approve licensure until you pass, because the exam verifies that you have the education and clinical experience for your specialty. It is the standard way NPs demonstrate their knowledge and qualifications.
ANCC vs. AANP: The Core Differences
Both bodies carry the same weight, so either certification lets you practice. The differences are in the number of questions, what those questions emphasize, and what renewal requires.
Taking the Exam
AANP exam (FNP, AGNP, ENP, PMHNP)
- 150 questions, with 135 scored and 15 unscored pretest questions
- Two domains: assess/diagnose/plan/evaluate, and patient ages, which vary by certification
- Three hours to complete
- Scored pass/fail on a scale, with 500 as the minimum passing score
You get a preliminary pass/fail result immediately after you submit, with final scores by mail within two weeks. The AANP emergency NP exam uses a different set of domains and is open only to FNPs who completed a post-master's emergency NP certification. Note that the AANP does not offer an AGACNP exam; the ANCC does.
ANCC exam (FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, AGACNP)
- 175 questions, with 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions
- Four hours to complete
- Five content domains: assessment (21%), diagnosis (26%), planning (19%), implementation (29%), and evaluation (15%)
- Scored pass/fail, maximum 500, minimum passing score of 350
Fail the ANCC and you get a diagnostic report with detailed feedback.
Eligibility is nearly identical for both. Each requires completed coursework, and both let you test before the degree is officially conferred, which can lag coursework by several weeks. Both require at least 500 clinical hours before testing.
Renewing Certification
Both certifications renew every five years.
AANP renewal
- 1,000 clinical contact hours over the five years, counting direct care, research, administration, or teaching in NP programs
- 100 continuing education hours, 25 of them in pharmacology; precepting NP students can replace the non-pharmacology hours
- Or retake the exam if you fall short of the hours
- Current RN and APRN license throughout
ANCC renewal
- 75 continuing education hours, 25 of them in pharmacology
- Current RN and APRN license throughout
- Completion of one of eight professional development categories: CE hours, academic credit, presentations, a quality improvement project or publication or research, preceptor hours, professional service, practice hours, or portfolio submission
- No required clinical hours; if you log them, 1,000 is the minimum to count toward that category
Which Exam Should You Take?
Neither is objectively easier. It comes down to your knowledge and how you test. Weigh the tradeoffs.
ANCC: Pros and Cons
Pros
- More time (four hours)
- Broader subject matter, including research, therapeutic communication, and clinical practice
- No clinical contact hours required for renewal
- Offers the AGACNP certification
Cons
- 175 total questions
- Renewal requires professional development work such as research, education, or presenting
- Higher fee: $395 for nonmembers, $295 for members
AANP: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower fee: $315 for nonmembers, $240 for members
- 150 total questions
- Focused on clinical practice and direct patient care, better suited to a practicing NP than one in education or research
- Offers the emergency NP certification
- Simpler renewal, with no professional development component
Cons
- Only three hours to test
- No AGACNP option
- Primarily primary care, best for NPs in the outpatient setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ANCC or AANP certification better? Neither carries more weight. Both let you practice as a nurse practitioner; the differences are exam length, content emphasis, and renewal requirements.
How much does each exam cost? The AANP exam is $315 for nonmembers and $240 for members (AANPCB). The ANCC exam is $395 for nonmembers and $295 for ANA members.
What is the main difference between the two exams? The AANP exam has 150 questions over three hours and focuses on clinical practice. The ANCC exam has 175 questions over four hours and covers broader material, including research and theory.
Which should a practicing NP choose? Many clinicians prefer AANP for its clinical focus and simpler renewal, while ANCC suits NPs in education or research and is the only one offering the AGACNP certification.
How often do I renew, and what does it take? Both renew every five years. AANP requires 1,000 clinical hours and 100 CE hours (25 in pharmacology), or a retake. ANCC requires 75 CE hours (25 in pharmacology) plus one of eight professional development categories.
Do I have to be certified to practice as a nurse practitioner? Yes. States will not grant NP licensure until you pass a national certification exam, which verifies your education and clinical preparation.