Understanding ANCC and AANP Certification for Nurse Practitioners
After completing a nurse practitioner program, aspiring nurse practitioners need to become certified to practice. Currently, two organizations offer certification exams for nurse practitioners: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
While both exams are recognized certification options, they differ in their criteria and examination procedures. It is important to understand the similarities and differences between ANCC and AANP certification exams when deciding which one to take.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification: What’s the Difference?
Established in 1991, the ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA had initiated a joint certification program in maternal, gynecological, and neonatal nursing in 1975. The ANCC is recognized for its clinical focus and ability to certify nurse practitioners in five primary care specialties: adult-gerontology (primary and acute), family, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health.
The AANPCB was established in 1985 as an independent certifying body, while the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners was organized in 1999. Upon the merger of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Nurse Practitioners in 2013, the AANP became a membership organization, while the AANPCB remained as a certifying body for nurse practitioners.
The ANCC certifies nurse practitioners for clinical practice, academia, and nursing policy, while the AANP certifies nurse practitioners mainly for clinical practice.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification Examinations
Both ANCC and AANP certification exams are rigorous and similar in length. The AANP exam for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) consists of 150 questions that need to be answered within three hours. In comparison, the ANCC exam consists of 175 questions that need to be answered within 3.5 hours, and only 150 questions are scored.
In the past, the ANCC exam focused primarily on research, but it was updated in 2019 to include more clinical content. It evaluates comprehensive history and physical, diagnostic test selection, pharmacologic intervention, cultural congruence, risk assessment, and resource management.
The AANP exam has a stronger clinical focus and is entirely clinically-based, testing an NP candidate’s abilities in assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation. The AANP exam certifies only adult-gerontology, family, and emergency nurse practitioners, while the ANCC certifies in five primary care specialties.
Certification Renewal
Both ANCC and AANP certifications require renewal every five years. ANCC certification renewal requires candidates to complete 75 continuing education credits and hold a current RN license and ANCC board certification. An NP seeking AANP certification renewal must have at least 1,000 practice hours in their population focus, 100 contact hours of advanced continuing education, or retake the certification exam.
ANCC vs. AANP Certification: Which Exam Should You Take?
Choosing the certification exam to take depends on your professional goals, knowledge, and test-taking ability. Since both exams are rigorous, an NP candidate can choose to take both exams if they wish to be certified by both credentialing organizations, as long as their state licensure requirements allow them to do so.
If you’re unsure about which certification exam to take, consider the differences below:
ANCC Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Only clinical content is tested with 10% of the questions about the professional role.
- Certifications are available in adult-gerontology (primary and acute), family, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health.
- NPs are board-certified (FNP-BC) with a broad focus that also covers nursing policy, and those who choose ANCC certification tend to go into academia or have an interest in guiding 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:
- Questions are not all straightforward multiple choice. The test includes drag and drop, multiple answers, and hot spot-type questions.
- The test is slightly longer than AANP; 3.5 hours and 175 questions.
AANP Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Straightforward, multiple-choice questions.
- The test takes three hours and has 150 questions.
- NPs are certified (FNP-C) with a strong clinical focus and most choose clinical practice.
- Certification renews every five years, and candidates can renew either by retaking the exam or by completing 1,000 practice hours, 100 continuing education hours, and at least one of eight professional development categories.
Cons:
- Certifies only in adult-gerontology and family primary care specialties.
- In 2022, the AANP certification exam pass rate was lower than the ANCC exam pass rate.
The Benefits of Being a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner
Although not required in some states, certification benefits both nurse practitioners and healthcare providers. Certification helps hospitals differentiate themselves from competitors and reassures patients and insurance companies that they receive skilled and experienced care. It also reflects an NP’s dedication and accomplishment and can help advance their careers.
A 2001 study conducted by the American Board of Nursing Specialties showed that credentialing increased nurses’ confidence in making decisions and reduced medical errors and liability risks.
In Conclusion
Certification is essential to NP practice, and determining which certification exam to take depends on an NP’s knowledge, test-taking ability, and professional goals. Both ANCC and AANP certification exams are recognized and fulfill stringent criteria and standards to produce qualified and proficient nurse practitioners.