Initial ACNPC Certification

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

• ACNPC Exam Content
• Certification by Exam — Eligibility Requirements
• Certification by Endorsement — Eligibility Requirements
• ACNPC Initial Certification Fees

The Certification Exam Policy Handbook will provide you with detailed testing and policy information. The ACNPC Exam Handbook includes exam-specific information, including the ACNPC application/honor statement and the ACNPC test plan.

• Certification Exam Policy Handbook
• ACNPC Exam Handbook

ACNPC Exam Content

• The ACNPC 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 exam focuses on adult patient populations.
• Each question on the ACNPC exam assesses one of the nurse characteristics identified in the Synergy Model.
  • The 2003 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.

Certification by Exam — Eligibility Requirements

For new ACNP program graduates

• 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-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 master's degree or higher in nursing with a concentration as an adult 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 ACNP including pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment.
    • Legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of the adult ACNP.
    • Supervised clinical practice relevant to the specialty of acute care.
  • The curriculum meets the following criteria:
    • Curriculum is consistent with competencies of adult ACNP practice.
    • Five hundred (500) supervised clinical hours in all roles of the ACNP within the graduate program.
      • All clinical hours must be focused on the care of acutely ill adult patients.
    • Supervised clinical experience is directly related to the knowledge and all role components of the ACNP.
• Those making up clinical or didactic coursework to meet ACNPC exam eligibility must complete all make-up courses in a postmaster’s certificate or DNP program. (Exception: graduate make-up courses completed prior to December 31, 2006).
• Applicants determined to be ineligible for the ACNPC 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 certification, the adequacy of a candidate's knowledge and experience in caring for acutely ill adult patients.

Certification by Endorsement — Eligibility Requirements

For currently certified ACNPs

• Current unencumbered licensure as an RN or APRN in the U.S. is required.
  • An unencumbered license has not been 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-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.
• Currently certification as an adult acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) through another nationally accredited organization is required. 

ACNPC Initial Certification Fees

*A no fee option exits for Certification by Endorsement. Refer to the ACNPC Endorsement Handbook.

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