Initial ACNPC-AG Certification

Obtaining ACNPC-AG certification demonstrates that you have mastered certain skills, knowledge and abilities, which distinguish you as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.

Once you have reviewed the information outlined below and are ready to sit for the ACNPC-AG exam, we recommend you submit your application online.

• Apply Online

ACNPC-AG Exam Information

• Exam Content
• Exam Eligibility Requirements 
• Exam Fees

The Certification Exam Policy Handbook provides detailed testing and policy information. The ACNPC-AG Exam Handbook includes exam-specific information, including the application/honor statement and Test Plan.

• Certification Exam Policy Handbook
• ACNPC-AG Exam Handbook

Exam Content

• The ACNPC-AG exam is a 3.5-hour test consisting of 175 multiple-choice items.
  • Of the 175 items, 150 are scored and 25 are used to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams.
• The ACNPC-AG exam focuses on the adult-gerontology patient population (young adults, older adults and the frail elderly).  
• Each question on the ACNPC-AG exam assesses one of the nurse characteristics identified in the Synergy Model.
  • The 2011 AACN Certification Corporation Study of Practice included Synergy Validated ACNP Competencies.
  • Within the domain of Clinical Judgment, body systems is used as a second dimension of exam development.

Exam Eligibility Requirements

• Current unencumbered licensure as an RN or APRN in the U.S. is required.
  • An unencumbered license is not currently being subjected to formal discipline by any board of nursing and has no provisions or conditions that limit the nurse's practice in any way.
  • Candidates and ACNPC-AG-certified nurses must notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days if any restriction is placed on their RN or APRN license.
  • You must submit a photocopy or online printout of your current, unencumbered RN or APRN license along with your application.
• Completion of a graduate advanced practice education program meeting the following requirements:
  • The education program is offered by an accredited college or university that offers an NLNAC or CCNE accredited graduate degree in nursing with a concentration as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.
  • The program has demonstrated compliance with the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (NTFC).
  • Both direct and indirect clinical supervision must be congruent with current AACN and nursing accreditation guidelines.
  • The curriculum includes, but is not limited to:
    • Biological, behavioral, medical and nursing sciences relevant to practice as an adult-gerontology ACNP including advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment.
    • Supervised clinical practice relevant to the specialty of adult-gerontology acute care.
    • Legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of the NP.
  • The curriculum meets the following criteria:
    • Curriculum is consistent with competencies of adult-gerontology ACNP practice.
    • Five hundred (500) supervised clinical hours in all roles of the adult-gerontology ACNP within the graduate program.
      • All clinical hours must be focused on the care of acutely ill adult-gerontology patients (young adults, older adults and the frail elderly).
    • Supervised clinical experience is directly related to the knowledge and all role components of the adult-gerontology ACNP.
• Those making up clinical or didactic coursework to meet ACNPC-AG exam eligibility must complete all make-up courses in a postmaster’s certificate or DNP program. 
• Applicants determined to be ineligible for the ACNPC-AG exam will have their application fee refunded.
• AACN Certification Corporation may adopt additional eligibility requirements at its sole discretion from time to time.
  • Any such requirements will be designed to establish, for the purposes of ACNPC-AG certification, the adequacy of a candidate's knowledge and experience in caring for acutely ill adult-gerontology patients.

Exam Fees

Payable in U.S. Funds. Fees are subject to change without notice.