Processing Times: Applications and documents currently have a processing time of 7-10 business days. Incomplete submissions or missing documentation may cause delays.
Support Options: For questions, email certification@aanpcert.org or call (512) 637-0500. AANPCB phone lines will be unavailable between 1:00-2:00 PM CT.
Source Verification for State Boards, Certificants, & Employers.
The FNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in family/individuals across the life span.
The AGNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of adolescent to older adult population.
The ENP certification examination is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of emergency specialty care across the life span.
The PMHNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of psychiatric mental health across the life span.
NPCB 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.
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.
For general information about NPCB, please visit our About Us page. For customer support, see our Contact Us page.
A: From the NPCB 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.
A: If you have already created an NPCB 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
A: Log in to your NPCB account and make updates directly in your My Online Profile section. If you need assistance, email certification@aanpcert.org
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.
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.
A: You may apply after completing all didactic and clinical course requirements for your NP program. NPCB 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 NPCB receives your final official transcript with the degree conferral date.
A: When completing your online application, you are required to enter the following:
This information is used to verify that you have met all educational and clinical experience requirements.
A: Yes. You must hold a current, active U.S. RN license at the time of application and maintain it throughout your certification period.
A: No. NPCB 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.
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.
A: Upload your unofficial transcript and RN license either during the application submission process or afterward by logging into your NPCB 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
NPCB accepts unofficial transcripts for review and testing. The final official transcript must be sent directly from your school before certification can be released.
A: Your NP program's registrar office must send one official final transcript reflecting your degree awarded date directly to NPCB at:transcripts@aanpcert.org
Before requesting your transcript, please confirm with your program that your degree has been posted to your transcript. Transcripts submitted before the degree is awarded cannot be accepted and may result in duplicate submissions.
A: You will typically receive confirmation from your NP program once the transcript has been sent. After NPCB reviews the transcript, a note will be added to your application file, which you will be able to view when logged into your account.
Transcripts are reviewed in the order received, so please allow time for processing.
A: Candidates should review the Candidate Handbook or visit the Eligibility section under the "Certify" tab on our website for full details.
A: The standard application fee is posted on the NPCB 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.
A: Log in to your NPCB account to view your application status. Check for a personalized note we may leave in your file under the Notes section. Status definitions include:
A: You will receive an Eligibility to Test email from NPCB 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
A: If you have not scheduled an exam and did not miss your exam, you may request to withdraw your application via email. NPCB 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.
A: Yes. Email your membership information to certification@aanpcert.org within 30 days of applying to receive the $75 discount.
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.
A: NPCB 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 NPCB's discretion. If your request is denied or you miss the reset deadline, you must submit a new application and pay the fee.
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 NPCB will email you within 3-5 business days after testing.
A: Renewal assures the public and employers that NPCB-certified NPs have maintained current knowledge and professional competency. It reflects your commitment to meeting professional standards and continuing education.
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.
A: To renew your certification:
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.
A: Log in to your NPCB 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.
A: Most complete applications are processed within 3-5 business days. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will delay processing.
A: CE must:
Refer to the Candidate Handbook for a list of acceptable CE sources.
A: Is the:
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.
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 NPCB. See the Recertify tab or Candidate Handbook for more information.
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.
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.
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:
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.
A: Employers and credentialing organizations must submit a Primary Source Verification request through the Verify tab on our website.
A: Verifications include confirmation of certification status, certification number, population foci, and expiration date. NPCB does not disclose exam scores or pass/fail status to employers or SBONs.
A: The processing fee is $40 USD per verification. All orders are final and non-refundable.
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.
A: No. NPCB does not charge a fee for verifications sent to SBONs.
A: No. NPCB only sends verification upon request. Exam results are never shared with employers or SBONs - only certification status is provided.
A: No. However, basic certification information can be accessed through the Verification Information for the General Public section under the Verify tab.
NPCB 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 NPCB. Please review the following FAQs carefully:
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.
A: Once you are eligible to test, log into your NPCB online account and select Schedule Exam to be directed to Prometric's scheduling system.
A: Follow the instructions in your ATT email to schedule your exam. Online registration is available 24/7. You will need to:
Pro Tip: If you are requesting accommodation, do not schedule your exam yet. See below for details.
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:
For questions, contact Prometric's Accommodations team at (800) 967-1139.
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.
A: Log into your NPCB 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:
A: Candidates must wait until they receive their eligibility to test email from NPCB before submitting any accommodation requests to Prometric. Submitting early may delay the process, as Prometric cannot match the request to an active candidate file.
A: Once your initial certification has been released, NPCB 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:
A: If you do not pass the exam, your score letter will be uploaded to your NPCB Online Account under the My Documents section within 3-5 business days and emailed to you. NPCB 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.
A: Log in to your NPCB Online Account and go to the My Wallet Cards section to view or print your card.
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.
A: You can update your name directly in your NPCB Online Account under My Online Profile. Once your information is updated, you may request a duplicate certificate with your new name.
Organizations the NPCB works closely with:
NPCB
2600 Via Fortuna, Suite 240
Austin, TX 78746
Email:Certification@aanpcert.org
Phone: (512) 637-0500
When contacting us by email, please include your full name. If you have an account with us, please include the full name associated with your profile.
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