PMHNP-BC - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification is a specialized credential for nurse practitioners who focus on mental health care. This certification, offered by organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), demonstrates expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with psychiatric disorders. PMHNPs provide a wide range of services, including psychotherapy and prescribing medications.

Cost: $295 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for non-members

Exam Format

The PMHNP certification exam assesses a candidate's knowledge and skills in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan.

Exam Length: 3.5 hours

Question Format: 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 25 unscored) covering psychiatric disorders, treatment modalities, psychotherapy, and patient care management

Passing Criteria: Requires a score of 350, based on a 500-point scale set by the certifying organization.

Exam Registration and Testing

Candidates must:

1. Meet the eligibility criteria set by the certifying organization, including a Master’s, Postgraduate, or Doctoral degree from an accredited psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program.

2. Register for the exam through the certifying organization's website and pay the examination fee.

3. Schedule the exam at an authorized testing center.

4. Adhere to the testing center’s rules, including presenting valid identification.

5. Complete the exam within the allotted time.

6. Receive results, which are typically available immediately after the exam or within a few weeks.

1. Education: Complete a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program at the graduate level.

2. License: Hold an active RN license.

3. Application: Apply for the certification exam through the certifying organization.

4. Examination: Successfully pass the PMHNP certification exam.

5. Certification Issuance: Obtain certification upon meeting all requirements and passing the exam.

PMHNP certification typically requires renewal every 5 years, which may involve:

1. Completing continuing education in psychiatric-mental health.

2. Meeting clinical practice requirements.

3. Submitting a renewal application and fee.

Maintaining PMHNP certification requires ongoing education to stay current with advancements in psychiatric care and treatment. This includes workshops, seminars, and academic courses related to mental health.

For the most accurate and current information on PMHNP certification, including specific eligibility criteria, exam content, and renewal processes, candidates should refer directly to the certifying organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Study materials for the PMHNP exam include textbooks, online courses, practice tests, and review courses focusing on psychiatric nursing. Many candidates also join study groups or attend workshops.

Before pursuing PMHNP certification, candidates must be licensed as registered nurses (RNs) and complete a graduate-level psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program. After obtaining PMHNP certification, practitioners may pursue further specialization in areas like substance abuse, geriatric psychiatry, or child and adolescent mental health.

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)

The ANCC offers the Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PHMCNS-BC) for renewal only.