ANCC GERO-BC Certification Exam Syllabus

ANCC GERO-BC syllabus for ANCC Gerontological Nursing-Board Certified (GERO-BC) preparation

Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the ANCC Gerontological Nursing certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the ANCC GERO-BC exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The ANCC Gerontological Nursing-Board Certified (GERO-BC) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Specialty, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as geriatric assessment, care planning, professional practice within real-world settings like acute care hospitals, long-term care settings, ambulatory and community care.

The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official ANCC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the ANCC GERO-BC exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for registered nurses, gerontological nurses, specialty care nurses

ANCC GERO-BC Exam Summary and Key Details

Exam Name ANCC Gerontological Nursing Certification
Credential ANCC Gerontological Nursing-Board Certified (GERO-BC)
Vendor American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Exam Code GERO-BC » ANCC GERO-BC Certification Practice Exam
Exam Delivery Mode Computer-based test at a Prometric test center
Exam Duration 180 mins
Number of Questions 150 (125 Scored Items / 25 Pretest Items)
Passing Score 350 (on a scale of 0-500)
Exam Price Non-member - $395
Members - $295
Scheduling Window 120 days after Authorization to Test
Schedule Exam Prometric
Sample Questions ANCC GERO-BC Exam Sample Questions
Recommended Practice ANCC GERO-BC Certification Practice Exam

ANCC GERO-BC Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
 

Topic Areas Topic Details, Courses, Books Weighting
Assessment and Diagnosis

A. Knowledge

  1. Tools and techniques for physical examination and psychosocial assessment (eg, fall risk, depression screening, pressure injury risk)
  2. Social determinants of health
  3. Pharmacotherapy (eg, interactions, polypharmacy)
  4. Age- and disease-related factors that affect clinical findings

B. Skill

  1. Age-related physiological change identification (eg, sensory, neurological, circulatory)
  2. Risk factor identification (eg, cognitive impairment, non-adherence, abuse and neglect)
31%
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

A. Knowledge

  1. Evidence-based interventions and expected outcomes
  2. Treatment modality contraindications (eg, food, drug, herbal supplements)
  3. Unique medication needs of older adults (eg, dosage, route modification, Beers Criteria)

B. Skill

  1. Nursing diagnosis and problem list evaluation (eg, individual preferences, patient-centered care, condition prioritization)
  2. Safety interventions
  3. Therapeutic environment creation (eg, individual risk factors, milieu management)
  4. Care coordination across the continuum (eg, case management, transitions, resources, support systems)
34%
Professional Foundation A. Knowledge
  1. Theoretical frameworks (eg, coping, developmental, hierarchy of needs)
  2. Disease prevention within the individual, family, and community (eg, screenings, education)
  3. Self-management and health promotion strategies
  4. Principles of adult learning and communication (eg, preferences, barriers)
  5. Diversity, equity and inclusion, and social justice for subpopulations of older adults (eg, grand-families, behavioral health disorders, veterans, homeless)
  6. Legal and ethical considerations (eg, advance directives, advocacy, research, scope and standards of practice)
  7. Regulatory compliance and quality improvement (eg, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Joint Commission)
  8. Technology- and data-driven care (eg, electronic health record, remote patient monitoring, telehealth, hospital from home model of care)
35%

The ANCC GERO-BC certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Specialty. The exam evaluates competencies such as geriatric assessment, care planning, professional practice, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as registered nurses, gerontological nurses, specialty care nurses working in settings such as acute care hospitals, long-term care settings, ambulatory and community care.

To prepare effectively for the ANCC Gerontological Nursing Certification exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.

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