ANP-BC - Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (certified by ANCC)

  • Cost $275-$375
  • Renews every 5 years

COURSE FORMAT

About

The Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) credential is a distinguished certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It’s designed for nurse practitioners who specialize in adult care. This certification validates the advanced clinical knowledge and skills needed to provide comprehensive care to adults, including older adults, across the health continuum. ANP-BC is recognized nationally and internationally, enhancing career prospects, credibility in clinical practice, and commitment to the advancement of nursing care for adults. This certification has been retired and is only available for renewal.

Eligibility

Because this certification is only available for renewal, applicants must currently hold an unexpired ANP-BC credential and a current, unencumbered advanced practice register nurse (APRN) license. If you allow your certification to lapse by 2 years or more, you can’t reactivate.

Completion Time: Exam no longer administered

Cost: All costs are for renewal only

  • $275 - American Nurses Association Members

  • $295 - American Association of Nurse Practitioners Members

  • $320 - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse Association Members

  • $375 - Nonmembers

  • All prices include a $140 nonrefundable administrative fee

Course Format

Exam Format

Exam no longer administered, ANP-BC certification is available for renewal only.

Certification

Renewal

ANP-BC must be renewed every 5 years, but holders can renew up to 1 year before their expiration date. Because this credential is only available for current holders and for renewal only, certifications that are 2 or more years past the expiration date can’t be reactivated. Applicants can’t renew this certification through testing. To renew, applicants must:

  • Hold a current, unencumbered APRN license

  • Provide proof of professional development in their online account

  • Complete an online application

Alternatively, renewal applicants may renew by mail by sending a request to [email protected].

Renewal Fees

  • $275 - American Nurses Association Members

  • $295 - American Association of Nurse Practitioners Members

  • $320 - Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse Association Members

  • $375 - Nonmembers

  • All prices include a $140 nonrefundable administrative fee

Continuing Education

Track professional development, including continuing education in your ANCC account to transfer it to your renewal application. Renewal requires 75 contact hours within one of eight certification renewal categories, including continuing education, academic credits, professional service, publications/research, presentations, preceptorships or practice hours. Testing isn’t an option for professional development.

Other Resources

Related Certifications

Other ANCC certifications include:

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)

  • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)

  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP-BC)

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Was this page helpful?

Frequently asked questions

What other certifications does the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer besides the Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC)?

The American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) also offers the following:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)

  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC)

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

What organization offers the Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC)?

The American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) for renewal only.

How often do I need to renew my ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) certification?

You must renew your ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) certification every five years.

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for recertifying the ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC)?

Recertifying your ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) credential requires a total of 75 continuing education (CE) hours, with a minimum of 25 CE hours in pharmacotherapeutics. At least 60 CE hours must be formally approved by the ANCC.

When was the ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) retired?

The ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) was retired in 2016.

Can I keep my ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) certification if I plan to retire from practice?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified-Retired (ANP-BC-Retired) designation for certification holders who are retired. There's a one-time application fee of $75 for ANA members and $100 for non-members to gain retired status.

My ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) has lapsed for more than two years. Can I still renew my ANP-BC certification?

No, you can't renew your ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ANP-BC) if it's lapsed for more than two years.