ENP-C - Emergency Nurse Practitioner-Certified (AANPCB)

The Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certified (ENP-C) credential is a specialized certification for nurse practitioners (NPs) who provide emergency and urgent care services to patients across the lifespan. Administered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), this certification validates the advanced clinical knowledge and skills required for high-quality emergency care. The ENP certification is designed for nurse practitioners with advanced education and training in emergency care who are committed to providing prompt, effective treatment in emergency settings.

Eligibility

The ENP specialty certification exam is available to certified family nurse practitioners (FNPs) with a current, active nursing license who meet one of three eligibility criteria options:

Option 1:

• Minimum of 2,000 direct, emergency care clinical practice hours as an FNP in the past 5 years

• 100 hours of continuing emergency care education

  • Minimum of 30 hours related to emergency care procedural skills

Option 2:

• Completion of an approved graduate or post-graduate academic emergency care nurse practitioner program

Option 3:

• Completion of an approved emergency fellowship program

Completion Time: 3 Hours

Cost: 

Online Application

• $240 AANP and AAENP members

• $315 Nonmembers

Paper Application

• $290 AANP and AAENP members

• $365 Nonmembers

Exam Format

The ENP exam includes 150 questions total, with 135 scored and 15 pretest questions. All scored questions cover patient conditions and types. The exam is computer-based, with 3 hours to complete. All questions are in a multiple-choice, objective format. 

Candidates receive a scaled score between 200 and 800 points, with a minimum score of 500 required to pass. They may receive a preliminary pass/fail status at the testing site upon completion of their exam. Official score reports arrive via mail. Unsuccessful candidates may retake the exam after completing at least 15 hours of advanced practice nursing continuing education (CE) from an accredited CE provider in the areas of weakness indicated on their score report. Candidates may only test twice per year.

Application Process

• Create an Online Profile account at AANPCB

• Apply for the certification exam

• Upload a copy of current nursing license and other required documents or send them via fax, email or mail after completing the application

• Sign attestation

• Pay exam fee

• Receive approval and Authorization to Test

• Schedule exam

Paper applications are also accepted with an additional processing fee.

ENP specialty certification holders must renew their credentials every 5 years. Applicants must hold a current, active nursing license. They may renew by retaking the ENP exam or by completing at least 1,000 practice hours as an NP and 100 contact hours of advanced CE.

Renewal Fees

Online Application - Recertification by Practice Hours & CE

• $120 AANP and AAENP members

• $195 Nonmembers

Paper Application

• $170 AANP and AAENP members

• $245 Nonmembers

Online Application - Recertification by Exam

• $240 AANP and AAENP members

• $315 Nonmembers

Paper Application

• $290 AANP and AAENP members

• $365 Nonmembers

Must complete at least 100 hours of CE, including:

• 25 CE hours in advanced practice pharmacology

• May replace non-pharmacology CE credits with precepting with a maximum of 120 preceptor hours replacing 25 non-pharmacology CE credits

The AANPCB offers the following resources for exam candidates:

• Candidate Handbook

• Reference List

• Test-Taking Tips

• Candidate Bulletin

• Practice Test

The AANPCB also offers the following certifications:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C)