[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family nurse practitioners (FNP) must choose between FNP-C and FNP-BC certification in order to practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNP-C is geared for FNPs interested in direct patient care; FNP-BC includes a leadership and academic focus.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNP-C is cheaper, while FNP-BC offers broader renewal paths.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every new [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/best-online-fnp-programs/”]family nurse practitioner (FNP)[/hen-ui-link] must earn certification to legally practice. However, new FNPs may feel confused about whether to pursue a board-certified (FNP-BC) or certified (FNP-C) credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide defines, compares, and contrasts FNP-BC and FNP-C certifications. Use our research to choose a pathway that aligns with your personal and professional 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 Nursing 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″]Understanding Certifications in Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each licensed clinician practicing medicine must graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited program[/hen-ui-link] and pass one or more exams to demonstrate competency in specific areas. A large majority of states also require clinical certification in order to obtain licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] (NPs) specializing in family medicine are called FNPs. FNPs are required to take one of two certification exams:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]The FNP-BC,[/hen-ui-text] offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]The FNP-C,[/hen-ui-text] offered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/certs/fnp” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board[/hen-ui-link] (AANPCB)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both exams measure entry-level competency after FNP program completion and are offered by highly respected organizations. Their differences are slight but important to understand, as each credential can prepare you for different career paths.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”mt-8 mb-4 not-prose text-2xl”]What Is FNP-C Certification?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-C evaluates test-takers on medical care for children, families, adults, and older adults. The exam covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, and evidence-based practice. It also includes additional content on prenatal and newborn care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”mt-8 mb-4 not-prose text-2xl”]What Is FNP-BC Certification?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC is a certification offered to FNPs that focuses on medical care across the lifespan but includes additional content for FNPs interested in non-clinical roles. The exam covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, evidence-based practice, business management, and nursing leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FNP-C vs. FNP-BC Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally speaking, the FNP-C credential is best for FNPs who plan to work primarily at the bedside, as it tends to be less expensive and more thorough in its clinical knowledge assessment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC exam is slightly longer (150 vs. 135 questions) and more costly than its FNP-C counterpart. Experts recommend this credential for FNPs who plan to work in academia or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse leadership[/hen-ui-link] instead of, or in addition to, clinical care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following section clarifies exam competencies, eligibility requirements, costs, and more for FNP-BC and FNP-C certifications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Exam Competencies”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/certs/fnp” target=”_blank”]FNP-C exam[/hen-ui-link] consists of 135 questions covering the following competencies:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessment: 43 (32%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosis: 36 (26.5%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Planning: 36 (26.5%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluation: 20 (15%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Age groups covered in the exam include: prenatal, newborn, infant, child, early adolescent, later adolescent, young adult, middle adult, and older adults.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC exam consists of 150 questions covering the following competencies:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessment: 29 (19%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosis: 26 (17%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Planning: 29 (19%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Implementation: 43 (29%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluation: 23 (15%)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam covers all major body systems, with less emphasis on immunological and hematopoietic systems. Patient age groups covered in the exam include infants, school-age children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following subjects may appear on the exams:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Comorbidities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacologic therapies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Non-pharmacologic therapies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integrative therapies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Polypharmacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pain management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cultural competence/sensitivity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic and therapeutic tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Functional assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health history[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical examination across the lifespan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Signs and symptoms[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapeutic communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical decision-making[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crisis management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Differential diagnosis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other notable differences between the two exams:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-C exam includes prenatal and newborn care, along with other subsets of adolescent and adult patients.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-C exam includes concepts such as cultural competence, mental health, therapeutic communication, crisis management, and integrative therapies, among others.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC exam includes 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions vs. the FNP-C’s 135 scored and 15 unscored questions. Pretest questions determine if they will be included in the exam in the future. The candidate cannot identify the pretest questions, and responses do not affect the candidate’s test score.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Eligibility Requirements”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-C exam offered by the AANPCB has the following [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/resource/documents/AGNP%20FNP%20Candidate%20Handbook.pdf” target=”_blank”]eligibility requirements[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of APRN core courses (advanced physical assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nationally recognized FNP competencies across the lifespan[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current, active RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academic transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of an accredited FNP or doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Note: Candidates may sit for an exam before their graduation date as long as they have completed all coursework and clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC exam offered by the ANCC has the following eligibility requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current, active RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of an accredited FNP or DNP program; candidates who have completed coursework and clinical hours can sit for the exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of APRN core courses (advanced physical assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of content related to health promotion and/or health maintenance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of content related to differential diagnosis and disease management, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Cost of Certification”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of 2025, the cost of the FNP-C certification exam through the AANPCB is $240 for AANP members and $315 for non-members.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC certification exam through the AANC costs $295 for members of the American Nurses Association and $395 for non-members. AANP members pay $340, and AANP student members pay $290.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Maintenance and Renewal”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements for AANPCB’s FNP-C certification maintenance and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/resource/documents/Recertification%20Handbook.pdf” target=”_blank”]renewal[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current AANPCB board certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current, active licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum 1,000 practice hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]100 continuing education or [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]CE hours[/hen-ui-link] (including 25 hours of pharmacology)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs may choose to recertify by examination[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements for ANCC FNP-BC maintenance and renewal:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current, active license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current ANCC board certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of 75 CE hours (including 25 hours of pharmacology)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNPs can fulfill renewal requirements through academic credits, CE activities, professional presentations, and volunteer service, among other possibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In both cases, there is extra work if an FNP chooses to recertify after their credentials expire. The AANP’s FNP-BC offers alternative options for qualifying for recertification. Both offer the option of recertifying by exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing Between FNP-C and FNP-BC Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers find merit in both certifications as long as an FNP is licensed, certified, and in good standing. The primary point from an employment standpoint is that you are certified.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Still, there are differences between them. When choosing an FNP-BC or FNP-C certification, there are a few differences to consider.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNPs with either certification can treat patients, but the FNP-C credential includes more clinical information and is often favored by those seeking to practice direct patient care as clinicians.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-C certification also includes key issues such as diversity and cultural competence, polypharmacy, communication, integrative therapies, and functional assessment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FNP-BC certification may appeal to FNPs who are more likely to pursue opportunities in academia or leadership, though they will also be prepared for direct patient care. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale data from July 2025[/hen-ui-link], the average annual salary for FNPs is $107,373. Nursing instructors took home an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Instructor/Salary” target=”_blank”]annual average salary[/hen-ui-link] of $70,658, while nursing professors [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Professor/Salary” target=”_blank”]earned $69,797[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs can expect 46% job growth nationwide between 2023-2033 — many times greater than the national average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is FNP-C certification?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The designation FNP-C means “certified family nurse practitioner.” The American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) offers this credential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can FNP-C practitioners prescribe medication?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, FNP-C and FNP-BC practitioners can prescribe medication. In [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]reduced and restricted practice states[/hen-ui-link], their prescriptions must be supervised by physicians. In full practice states, they can prescribe medications without supervision.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an FNP-C and FNP-BC the same as an NP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both credentials refer to NPs, but not all NPs earn those credentials. Both FNP-C and FNP-BC credentials are unique to family nurse practitioners. NPs who focus on other populations, like psych or women’s health, earn credentials unique to their specialties.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What kind of provider is an FNP-BC?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An FNP-BC is an NP with the same scope of practice as an FNP-C. The key difference is this certification prepares the NP for non-clinical roles, like a nursing instructor or researcher.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]