ANCC vs. AANP Certification: Which One to Choose?
Upon graduation from nurse practitioner (NP) school, you’ll need to choose a national certification exam to acquire the credentials necessary for practice. Two of the most recognized credentialing bodies in the industry are the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Both ANCC and AANP certifications are extensive exams, recognized by NPs, and aimed at validating knowledge and education.
There are quite a few differences between ANCC and AANP certifications, so it’s essential to understand them before selecting the certification that aligns with your career goals. In 2022, 17,968 family nurse practitioner candidates took the AANP examination and 74% passed, while 8,192 took the ANCC examination and 87% passed.
In this article, we’ll go over the ANCC vs. AANP certification exams’ similarities and differences, allowing you to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification: What’s the Difference?
The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), and the ANA established certification criteria in 1973. In 1991, ANCC was incorporated as the ANA’s certification body. By 1975, ANA initiated a joint program in maternal, gynecological, and neonatal nursing. On the other hand, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners established in 1985, with the AANPCB separately incorporated in 1999. In 2013, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners merged with the American College of Nurse Practitioners to form what is now called the AANP. The AANP is the membership organization, whereas the AANPCB is the certification board.
While both ANCC and AANP certifications are rigorous, there are several key differences between them.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification Examinations
How each certification exam is developed yields fundamental differences in their tests. Both are comparably priced, with the AANP certification examination costing $315 for nonmembers, and the ANCC costs $395 for nonmembers.
Exam Similarities
Both certifications are similar in length and held at contracted test centers. The FNP-specific AANP exam consists of 150 questions to answer in three hours, while the ANCC has 175 questions to answer in 3.5 hours. In the ANCC exam, only 150 questions are scored, and the remaining 25 questions are considered sample questions for future exams.
In the past, ANCC exams tended to focus more on research, but that changed last year with the inclusion of clinical information and diminished theoretical knowledge. ANCC exam questions enumerate clinical skills such as risk assessment, pharmacologic intervention, comprehensive history and physical, diagnostic test selection, cultural congruence, and resource management.
Exam Differences
The AANP exam is entirely clinically-focused and evaluates an NP candidate’s abilities in assessment, planning, diagnosis, and evaluation. NP candidates who sit for the AANP exam claim it is easier to prepare for, take, and pass than the ANCC exam.
However, the AANP certification only certifies adult-gerontology, family, and emergency nurse practitioners. On the other hand, ANCC’s certification is available in an array of primary care specialties, including adult-gerontology (primary and acute), family, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health.
The ANCC issues board certification (FNP-BC) that has a broad focus, wherein the ANP issues an FNP-C certification to those NPs who seek a clinical career. NPs certified by the ANCC have a higher likelihood of academic or research practice, while AANP-certified NPs mainly choose clinical practice.
Certification Renewal
Both certifications call for renewal every five years. You can apply for an ANCC renewal up to a year before the certification expires. To be eligible for renewal, the nurse must possess an active current RN license, current ANCC board certification, complete 75 continuing education credits, and pay the renewal fee.
Additionally, an NP is required to choose from one of the eight professional development categories, which include presentation, continuing education, publications, and research.
The AANP allows NPs to renew their certification by fulfilling a minimum number of clinical practice and continuing education hours or by retaking the certification examination. An NP must complete a minimum of 1,000 practice hours in their population focus, 100 advanced continuing education contact hours.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification: Which Exam Should You Take?
The selection of ANCC or AANP certification examination is subjective and depends on your knowledge and test-taking abilities. Although some NP candidates believe that one exam may be easier to take than the other, both include rigorous exams.
If you are uncertain about which test to take, we’ve listed some pros and cons of each certification exam below.
ANCC: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Only clinical content is tested, with 10% of the questions about the professional role.
- Certifications in adult-gerontology (primary and acute), family, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health are available.
- NPs are board-certified (FNP-BC) with a broad focus that also comprises nursing policy.
- Certification renews every five years and requires candidates to complete 75 continuing education hours and hold an active RN license and ANCC board certification.
Cons
- The test includes drag and drop, multiple answers, and hot spot-type questions; it’s not entirely multiple-choice.
- The test takes longer than the AANP exam, which runs 3.5 hours and 175 questions.
AANP: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Straightforward, multiple-choice questions.
- The test has 150 questions to answer in three hours.
- NPs are certified (FNP-C) with strong clinical focus, most choosing clinical practice.
- Certification renews every five years. Candidates can retake the exam or complete 1,000 practice hours, 100 continuing education hours, and complete at least one of eight professional development categories.
Cons
- The certification program only certifies in two primary care specialties: adult-gerontology and family.
- AANP certification had a lower pass rate in 2021, but in 2018 the ANCC pass rate was 86%, and the AANP pass rate was 85%.
Note: You don’t have to take both