[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you wrap up your master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, you must consider which board certification exam to take.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certification exams are required to become a licensed and certified nurse practitioner. Two organizations administer the certifying examinations: the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both the ANCC and the AANP are equal in the weight their certifications carry. However, there are key differences between the two organizations. Explore this page to determine whether ANCC vs. AANP certification best fits your career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online DNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Do Nurse Practitioners Need to Become Board Certified?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certification is essential for becoming licensed and beginning a new career as a nurse practitioner. Without board certification, states will not approve licensure to practice. Passing a board certification exam shows a high level of education and clinical experience in the chosen specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Per the AANP, board certification provides a way for nurse practitioners to demonstrate their knowledge, professional expertise, and education. This also incorporates a standard process for validating the qualifications of nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]ANCC vs. AANP Certification: What’s the Difference?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both certifying bodies carry the same weight, meaning whichever board certification you obtain allows you to practice equally. However, it is important to examine the differences between ANCC vs. AANP certification as well, including the number of test questions, focus of examination questions, and requirements for certification renewal.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Getting Board Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]AANP Certification Exam for FNP, AGNP, ENP, and PMHNP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]150 questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scoring based on 135 questions, including 15 pretest questions that collect data for future testing and do not count towards the test-taker’s score[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam is divided into two sections called domains: (1) assess, diagnose, plan, evaluate and (2) patient ages — varies depending on the certification exam (e.g., FNP vs. AGACNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Three hours to complete the exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Test-takers receive a preliminary pass or fail notification immediately after test submission. Final exam scores come in the mail within two weeks. The exam is scored on a scale, with a 500 as the minimum passing score.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AANP’s emergency nurse practitioner exam includes a different set of domains and is only available for FNPs who have completed a post-master’s certification in emergency nurse practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One key difference between the ANCC vs. AANP is that the ANCC offers a certification exam for AGACNP, whereas the AANP does not.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]ANCC Board Certification Exam for FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, AGACNP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]175 questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]150 scored questions, including 25 pretest questions that gather data for future exams and do not count towards the exam score[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four hours to complete the exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exams are usually broken down into five content domains:

[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Assessment:[/hen-ui-text] Covers the ability to assess patient health, analyze symptoms, and provide risk assessment (21% of the overall questions)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Diagnosis:[/hen-ui-text] Tests knowledge and skills on clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of diseases and diagnostics (26% of the overall questions)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Planning:[/hen-ui-text] Focuses on developing and executing effective care plans and preventative measures (19% of the overall questions)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Implementation:[/hen-ui-text] Covers HIPAA, accessibility, regulatory guidelines, and practice standards (29% of the overall questions)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Evaluation:[/hen-ui-text] Tests knowledge of areas of treatment and intervention outcomes and legal and ethical practices (15% of the overall questions)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam is pass or fail, with a maximum score of 500. If one receives a failing score, the ANCC sends a diagnostic report with detailed feedback for the examinee. In order to pass, the examinee must obtain a minimum score of 350 or higher.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility requirements for both the AANP and the ANCC are very similar. Each requires the candidate to have completed all coursework. However, both organizations allow the exam to be taken before the degree is conferred, which can be several weeks to a month after coursework completion. The AANP and the ANCC also require a minimum of 500 clinical hours prior to testing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both certification exams, regardless of specialty practice area, serve to determine if the nurse practitioner demonstrates proficient clinical knowledge and application.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Renewing Board Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]AANP Renewal Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renew every five years following the initial certification by examination.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gain a minimum of 1,000 clinical contact hours over a five-year period. The hours can include direct patient care, research, administration, or education, such as teaching nurse practitioner programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accumulate 100 continuing education hours, with 25 hours focused on pharmacology. Precepting nurse practitioner students can replace the non-pharmacology hours with preceptor experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renewal can be completed by retaking the certification examination if the minimum eligibility requirements remain unmet.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hold a current RN and APRN license during the five-year period.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]ANCC Renewal Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Renew every five years following the initial certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete 75 continuing education hours, with 25 hours focused on pharmacology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hold a current RN and APRN license during the certification period.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Meet the requirements of one of eight professional development categories: continuing education hours; academic credit; presentations; quality improvement project, publication, research, or evidence-based practice; preceptor hours; professional service; practice hours; portfolio submission or examination.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct patient contact hours are not required. If completed, a minimum of 1,000 hours are necessary to count towards that category for renewal.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]ANCC vs. AANP Certification: Which Exam Should You Take?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nurse practitioner candidates may believe that one exam is easier to take than the other. However, this is subjective. It depends on your knowledge and test-taking ability. If you’re unsure which exam to take, explore some pros and cons for the ANCC vs. the AANP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]ANCC: Pros and Cons[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pros[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Longer amount of time to take the exam (four hours)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More broad subject matter, including research, therapeutic communication, and clinical practice questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No clinical practice contact hours for renewal[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The option to certify for the AGACNP[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Cons[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]175 total questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Extra work in professional development for renewal, such as research, education, or presenting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More expensive exam fee: $395 for nonmembers; $295 for members[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]ANCC: Pros and Cons[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pros[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Less expensive exam fee: $315 for nonmembers; $240 for members[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]150 total questions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focused on clinical practice and direct patient care — better for the advanced practice provider vs. a nurse practitioner in education or research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Option to certify for the emergency nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Less extensive renewal process — does not require a professional development piece[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Cons[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Only allows three hours to take the test[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Does not have the AGACNP test option[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focuses primarily on primary care — best suited for nurse practitioners focused on the outpatient setting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

[/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ itemprop=”title”]Sources:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/” target=”_blank”]The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Nurses Association[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/aanp-vs-ancc-np-certification-exams/” target=”_blank”]RegisteredNursing.org[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-accordion]

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