Certify

Sign in to start your AANPCB certification process.


Online

How To Videos
AANP & AAENP Member Fee - $240
Non-Member Fee - $315


Paper applications are available upon request. An additional non-refundable $50 fee is charged for processing of a paper application. All fees are shown in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notification.

Recertify

Recertify every five years to maintain your Certifications.


Online

How To Videos
AANP & AAENP Member Fee - $120
Non-Member Fee - $195


Paper applications are available upon request. An additional non-refundable $50 fee is charged for processing of a paper application. All fees are shown in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notification.

Verify

Source Verification for State Boards, Certificants, & Employers.


Primary Source Verification
State Board Notification
How To Videos
Primary Souce Verification Fee - $40


NO charge for verifications provided to state boards.


Resources

Our Certifications

FNP with baby

Family NP

The FNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in family/individuals across the life span.



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AGNP with patient

Adult-Gerontology NP

The AGNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of adolescent to older adult population.


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ENP with patient

Emergency NP

The ENP certification examination is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of emergency specialty care across the life span.



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PMHNP with patient

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

The PMHNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of psychiatric mental health across the life span.



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woman preparing for an exam

Recognition

AANPCB certifications are recognized by all U.S. state nursing boards, nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and private insurance companies.

Accreditation

The Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP, and Emergency NP certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), which is the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification, and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is the accrediting body of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) that serves to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs and organizations that assess professional competence.

AANPCB Frequently Asked Questions

For general information about AANPCB, please visit our About Us page. For customer support, see our Contact Us page.


Q: How do I create an AANPCB account?

A: From the AANPCB homepage, click "Log In" and select "New User Registration" to create your Online Profile. Once registered, you can begin your initial or renewal application and track your certification process.


Q: I am having trouble finding my login. What should I do?

A: If you have already created an AANPCB account but forgot your username or password, click "Forgot your username/password?" on the login page. Enter the email address you used when setting up your account. We will send you either your username or a link to reset your password.

Pro Tip: If you no longer have access to the email address you registered with, you will need to create a new account.

Still need help? Email our Customer Support team at certification@aanpcert.org


Q: How do I update my name or contact information?

A: Log in to your AANPCB account and make updates directly in your My Online Profile section. If you need assistance, email certification@aanpcert.org


Q: I forgot to enter my AANP or AAENP membership number when I applied. Can I still get the membership discount?

A: Yes. Email certification@aanpcert.org within 30 days of submitting your application. Include your membership number and expiration date. We will verify and apply the discount, if eligible.

Q: Can I start my application before I complete my NP program?

A: Yes. MSN and post-graduate certificate candidates may begin their certification application up to 6 months before program completion. DNP students may apply 1 year in advance. This allows time to submit all required documents and complete the review process early. Eligibility to test requirements will only be granted once all program requirements are met and verified through a transcript.


Q: When can I apply for certification?

A: You may apply after completing all didactic and clinical course requirements for your NP program. AANPCB does not require candidates to wait for a degree conferral to apply or test. You may test with an unofficial transcript. However, certification will not be released until AANPCB receives your final official transcript with the degree conferral date.


Q: What specific program information is required in my application?

A: When completing your online application, you are required to enter the following:

  • Clinical Clock Hours: Faculty-supervised clinical hours required for your NP program.
  • Core Courses: Your 3 APRN Core courses (advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology).
  • At least one population-specific primary care course applicable to your program.
  • Preceptor Information: Names, credentials, and clinical settings for your preceptors.
  • Program Completion Date: The date all courses and clinical hours in the NP Track are completed.
  • Degree Conferred Date: The date you will be awarded your graduate degree or post-graduate certificate.

This information is used to verify that you have met all educational and clinical experience requirements.


Q: Is a professional nursing license required to apply?

A: Yes. You must hold a current, active U.S. RN license at the time of application and maintain it throughout your certification period.


Q: Do you require a Validation of Education (VOE) form or verification of clinical hours?

A: No. AANPCB does not require a VOE or verification form. Instead, applicants attest the information they provide is accurate and truthful when submitting their application. Candidates must ensure all program requirements are complete prior to submission.


Q: What documents are required to apply?

A: Upload an unofficial transcript showing completion of coursework and a copy of your professional nursing license. Your name, school name, and program details must be visible on the transcript. An official final transcript is required later to release certification. Additional supporting documents may be requested in rare cases.


Q: How do I submit supporting documents?

A: Upload your unofficial transcript and RN license either during the application submission process or afterward by logging into your AANPCB online profile. Uploading documents directly through your profile ensures faster processing. If you prefer, you may also email the documents to certification@aanpcert.org, but this method may take longer to process and upload.


Name your documents clearly using this format for quicker processing:


Last Name, First Name - Document Type

Example: Smith, Sarah - Unofficial Transcript


AANPCB accepts unofficial transcripts for review and testing. The final official transcript must be sent directly from your school before certification can be released.


Q: What are the eligibility requirements for ENP certification?

A: Candidates should review the Candidate Handbook or visit the Eligibility section under the "Certify" tab on our website for full details.


Q: How much is the application fee?

A: The standard application fee is posted on the AANPCB home page. Members of AANP or AAENP are eligible for a $75 discount. Please enter your membership ID during the online application or email your membership information within 30 days of applying to receive the discount.


Q: How do I check the status of my application?

A: Log in to your AANPCB account to view your application status. Check for a personalized note we may leave in your file under the Notes section. Status definitions include:

  • New Application - Application has not been reviewed.
  • Hold for Information - Missing required information. Check the Notes section in your file.
  • Professional Review - Application is under review by our Nurse Practitioner Team.
  • Approved - You will be authorized to test based on your stated program completion date.
  • Denied - Application was reviewed and did not meet eligibility requirements. A partial refund, minus a processing fee will be issued.
  • Abandoned - You tested, but the application was later closed (e.g., missing documents or no response).
  • Expired Application - Application closed due to lack of response after multiple AANPCB contacts.
  • Expired Approval - You were approved but did not test within your eligibility window. No refund will be issued.

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible to schedule my exam?

A: You will receive an Eligibility to Test email from AANPCB that provides instructions and a link to schedule your exam with Prometric. Check your inbox and spam/junk folders for this message from certification@aanpcert.org


Q: Can I withdraw my application and receive a refund?

A: If you have not scheduled an exam and did not miss your exam, you may request to withdraw your application via email. AANPCB will issue a partial refund minus a $120 processing fee. No refunds are given if your approval has expired or you've already missed a scheduled exam.


Q: I didn't apply my AANP/AAENP membership when submitting my application. Can I still get the discount?

A: Yes. Email your membership information to certification@aanpcert.org within 30 days of applying to receive the $75 discount.


Q: What if I'm denied?

A: Denied applications will receive a partial refund minus a processing fee. The denial reason will be documented in your file notes and a notification letter will be emailed to you. If you wish to appeal your denied application, visit the Certification Board Policies section under the About tab.


Q: Can I request a reset of my eligibility window if I miss my exam or need more time?

A: AANPCB allows a one-time eligibility reset for candidates who miss their exam or let their eligibility window expire. The reset request must be submitted after the exam is missed or eligibility has expired, and within one year of your original application submission date. A $75 non-refundable processing fee applies. Approval is not guaranteed and is at AANPCB's discretion. If your request is denied or you miss the reset deadline, you must submit a new application and pay the fee.


Q: What is the process for retesting if I don't pass?

A: You may apply to retest by submitting a re-exam application online. The FNP exam allows up to 3 exam attempts per calendar year beginning in January 2026. Other exams currently allow 2 attempts per calendar year. Retest applications are reviewed similarly to new applications. Candidates must submit a minimum of 15 continuing education hours. More details will be provided in the score report letter AANPCB will email you within 3-5 business days after testing.

Q: Why do I need to renew my certification?

A: Renewal assures the public and employers that AANPCB-certified NPs have maintained current knowledge and professional competency. It reflects your commitment to meeting professional standards and continuing education.


Q: When can I renew my certification?

A: You may submit your renewal application up to 1 year before your certification expires. Early renewal is strongly encouraged to ensure your certification remains active without interruption. More information is available under the Recertify tab or in the Candidate Handbook.


Q: What are the requirements for renewing my certification?

A: To renew your certification:

  • Complete a minimum of 100 contact hours of continuing education (CE), including at least 25 pharmacology hours.
  • Complete a minimum of 1,000 practice hours in your NP role during your current 5-year certification period.
  • Maintain a current, active U.S. professional nursing license.

You may also choose to renew by exam, unless your certification is for ANP or GNP. These exams have been retired and are no longer available.


Q: How do I apply for renewal?

A: Log in to your AANPCB Online Account and click Renew Your Certification to begin. Follow the prompts to submit your application and upload required documents. Renewal fees are posted on the homepage. Active members of AANP or AAENP receive a $75 discount if their membership information is included during the application or submitted within 30 days.


Q: How long does it take to process my renewal?

A: Most complete applications are processed within 3-5 business days. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will delay processing.


Q: What qualifies for CE credit?

A: CE must:

  • Be relevant to your NP population focus and role.
  • Be provided by an accredited organization (e.g., AANP, ANCC or other approved providers).
  • Include at least 25 pharmacology hours.

Refer to the Candidate Handbook for a list of acceptable CE sources.


Q: What should I consider when evaluating a CE course?

A: Is the:

  • Content relevant to the NP role and area of certification specialty?
  • Intended audience NPs, PAs, physicians, or other health professionals?
  • CE program accredited?
  • CE completed within the 5-year period of certification?

Q: Can I use graduate-level coursework toward my CE requirement?

A: Yes. Academic courses completed during your 5-year certification period may count if relevant to NP practice. One semester credit = 15 CE hours. Submit a university transcript showing course completion.


Q: What counts toward the 1,000 practice hours?

A: Practice hours must be completed in your NP role and within your current 5-year certification cycle. You will attest to meeting this requirement during your application. No documentation is needed unless requested by AANPCB. See the Recertify tab or Candidate Handbook for more information.


Q: Can I use precepting hours for renewal?

A: Yes. Precepting advanced practice students while providing direct patient care as an NP qualifies for renewal. You may count up to 120 precepted hours, which can be applied toward a maximum of 25 non-pharmacology CE hours.


Q: What qualifies as precepting?

A: Precepting is the supervision of advanced practice students during the provision of direct patient care in your NP role and population focus. This includes students from NP, PA, medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.


Q: How do I calculate and submit preceptorship hours?

A: Use the Preceptorship Conversion Table available under the Forms tab. Submit the form with verification from the educational program. Preceptorship hours must be completed within your current 5-year certification period.

All verification requests must be submitted online under the Verify tab at www.aanpcert.org. Options available include:


  • Verification for State Boards of Nursing - for candidate use to request verification be sent to an SBON.
  • Primary Source Verification for Employers or Credentialing Organizations
  • Online Replacement/Duplicate Certification Request - for candidate use to order a certificate packet.
  • Verification Information for the General Public

Note: State Boards of Nursing (SBONs) must submit their verification requests via email to certification@aanpcert.org. They do not have access to submit requests through the online portal.


Q: How can my employer verify my certification?

A: Employers and credentialing organizations must submit a Primary Source Verification request through the Verify tab on our website.


Q: What information is included in the verification?

A: Verifications include confirmation of certification status, certification number, population foci, and expiration date. AANPCB does not disclose exam scores or pass/fail status to employers or SBONs.


Q: What is the fee for primary source verification?

A: The processing fee is $40 USD per verification. All orders are final and non-refundable.


Q: Can I request verification to be sent to my State Board of Nursing (SBON)?

A: Yes. Candidates may request verification to be sent to an SBON by selecting Verification for State Boards of Nursing under the Verify tab and following the instructions.


Q: Is there a fee for sending verification to a SBON?

A: No. AANPCB does not charge a fee for verifications sent to SBONs.


Q: Will AANPCB automatically notify my employer or SBON of my exam results or certification status?

A: No. AANPCB only sends verification upon request. Exam results are never shared with employers or SBONs - only certification status is provided.


Q: Can the public verify my certification status?

A: No. However, basic certification information can be accessed through the Verification Information for the General Public section under the Verify tab.

AANPCB certification exams are administered by Prometric at testing centers worldwide. Candidates may only schedule an exam after receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from AANPCB. Please review the following FAQs carefully:

Q: Where are testing centers located?

A: Certification examinations are administered in a computer-based format at Prometric testing centers globally. If you are deployed or unable to locate a test center near you, email us at certification@aanpcert.org to discuss alternate testing site options.


Q: How do I schedule an examination?

A: Once you are eligible to test, log into your AANPCB online account and select Schedule Exam to be directed to Prometric's scheduling system.


Q: I just received my Authorization email. What do I do now?

A: Follow the instructions in your ATT email to schedule your exam. Online registration is available 24/7. You will need to:

  • Click Schedule Exam in your AANPCB account.
  • Enter your eligibility ID and the first 4 letters of your last name on Prometric's site.
  • Select a testing location and available test date.

Pro Tip: If you are requesting accommodation, do not schedule your exam yet. See below for details.


Q: What should I do if I require special testing accommodations or arrangements?

A: All special accommodation requests must be submitted online through Prometric. Visit https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/arrange-testing-accommodations. Complete the online form and upload the required documentation.

Important:

  • Wait until you receive your Eligibility to Test email from AANPCB before submitting a request, Prometric cannot process accommodation requests unless your eligibility file has been shared with them. Check your inbox and spam/junk folders for this message from certification@aanpcert.org.
  • Do not schedule your exam until your accommodation request has been reviewed and approved.
  • If approved, the accommodation is valid for one year.

For questions, contact Prometric's Accommodations team at (800) 967-1139.


Q: Do Prometric testing sites offer accessible accommodations?

A: Yes. All Prometric testing centers are equipped to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodations will be provided to meet qualified candidates' needs.


Q: How do I reschedule or cancel an exam appointment?

A: Log into your AANPCB account and click Schedule Exam, select your current exam appointment to access the reschedule/cancel options. If you have any issues, contact Prometric at 1-800-742-8738.

Effective July 1, 2025:

  • 30 or more days before the test date: No fee.
  • 5-29 days before the test date: $50 fee (collected by Prometric).
  • Less than 5 days, missed appointments, or late arrivals (over 30 minutes): Full test delivery fee applies.

Q: What happens if I request accommodation too early?

A: Candidates must wait until they receive their eligibility to test email from AANPCB before submitting any accommodation requests to Prometric. Submitting early may delay the process, as Prometric cannot match the request to an active candidate file.

Q: When will I receive my certificate packet after passing the exam?

A: Once your initial certification has been released, AANPCB will mail a certificate packet to the address listed in your online account within 3 weeks. The packet includes your official wall certificate, wallet card, and score letter. These documents are also available in your online account:

  • Wall Certificate: Located under My Certifications.
  • Wallet Card: Located under My Wallet Cards.
  • Score Letter: Located under My Documents.

Q: What happens if I fail the exam?

A: If you do not pass the exam, your score letter will be uploaded to your AANPCB Online Account under the My Documents section within 3-5 business days and emailed to you. AANPCB does not report exam failures to State Boards of Nursing (SBON), even if one was selected during the application. Only certification status is shared with SBONs.


Q: How do I print or access my wallet card?

A: Log in to your AANPCB Online Account and go to the My Wallet Cards section to view or print your card.


Q: How do I request a duplicate or replacement certificate packet?

A: Visit the Verify tab on our website and select Online Replacement/Duplicate Certificate Packet. Follow the instructions provided to place your order and submit payment.


Q: What if I need to update my name before requesting a duplicate certificate?

A: You can update your name directly in your AANPCB Online Account under My Online Profile. Once your information is updated, you may request a duplicate certificate with your new name.

Affiliates

Organizations the AANPCB works closely with:

AANP logo AAENP logo ABSNC logo ncca logo

AANPCB News

2026 AANPCB Commissioner Election

Sun, 07 Sep 2025

The election for two (2) BOC positions is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, and will close midnight (PST) Tuesday, September 30, 2025.  
Read More

Changes to Recertification Reminders

Mon, 04 Aug 2025

Effective August 1, 2025, AANPCB will no longer be mailing recertification reminder postcards to certificants.  
Read More

AANPCB's PMHNP Certification Program is NCCA Accredited

Thu, 12 Jun 2025

AANPCB is pleased to announce the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) has granted accreditation, effective June 11, 2025, to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-C) Certification Program.  
Read More

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board Call for Nominations

Wed, 21 May 2025

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (AANPCB) is now accepting nominations and self-nominations for 2 committed and qualified individuals to serve on the AANPCB Board of Commissioners.  
Read More

View all news items

Contact Us

Address

Capital Station, LBJ Building, P.O. Box 12926, Austin, TX 78711-2926

For Overnight Delivery ONLY:
AANPCB, 2600 Via Fortuna, Ste 240, Austin, TX 78746

Phone Number

Main (512) 637-0500
Toll-free (855) 822-6727

Email

E-mail RN license, Unofficial Transcripts, etc. to: Certification@aanpcert.org

E-mail Official Transcripts ONLY to: Transcripts@aanpcert.org