Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification
Recognize Your Education, Skills and Professional Expertise
You have completed your rigorous NP education and are planning to enter the workforce — but first, you need to achieve national certification from an accredited certifying body. While it can be intimidating, certification formally recognizes all that you’ve learned along your journey to becoming an NP. Celebrate that achievement and find a certification program as your first step to licensure.
Find an NP Certification Board
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The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
AANPCB is an independent nonprofit organization separately incorporated from AANP. AANPCB was established to provide a valid and reliable program for entry-level NPs. The Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP and Emergency NP certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Available certifications include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP).
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGNP).
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP).
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (PMHNP).
In addition, members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) receive a special $75 discount on AANPCB certification applications!
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The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program
The ANCC Certification Program enables nurses and NPs to demonstrate their specialty expertise and validate their knowledge to employers and patients. ANCC offers a range of certifications across many specialty areas and practice areas, most of which are accredited by the ABSNC or the NCCA. Available certifications include:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification (ANP-BC).*
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC).
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC).
- Advanced Diabetes Management Certification (ADM-BC).*
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP-BC).*
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC).
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certification (GNP-BC).
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (PPCNP-BC).*
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC).
- School Nurse Practitioner Certification (SNP-BC).*
*Renewal only.
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American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation
AACN Certification Corporation provides comprehensive credentialing of acute and critical care nurses and NPs, ensuring practice that is consistent with high standards of excellence. AACN’s certification programs are accredited by the NCCA. Available certifications include:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Adult-Gerontology (ACNPC-AG).
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC).*
*Renewal only.
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The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
The PNCB promotes optimal outcomes in global pediatric health by providing certification services that validate specialized knowledge and continuing competence in pediatric nursing. PNCB’s certification programs are accredited by the NCCA. Available certifications include:
- Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC).
- Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC).
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National Certification Corporation (NCC)
NCC is a not-for-profit organization that provides a national certification program for nurses, NPs, physicians and other licensed health care professionals. NCC’s NP certification programs are accredited by both the ABSNC and the NCCA. Available certifications include:
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification (NNP-BC).
- Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (WHNP-BC).
Find NP Certification Review Courses
Don’t stress certification. Stay up to date on the latest practice guidelines and trends — and build your skillset — by preparing for NP certification using AANP-accredited review courses.