Three certification bodies — ANCC, AANPCB, and NCC — offer a combined 10 nurse practitioner certifications covering family practice, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology, emergency, women's health, and neonatal specialties. Which credential you choose depends on your clinical focus, career goals, and state licensure requirements. This guide compares every NP certification side by side so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Key Facts: NP Certification at a Glance
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Certification bodies: 3 (ANCC, AANPCB, NCC)
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Total NP certifications available: 10
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Exam cost range: $240–$395 (member/non-member pricing varies)
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Question count range: 150–175 per exam
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2024 first-time pass rates: 79%–91% depending on specialty and body
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Median NP salary (BLS, May 2024): $129,210 per year
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Projected job growth (BLS, 2023–2033): 46%
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Renewal cycle: Every 5 years (ANCC, AANPCB) or every 3 years (NCC)
Which Certification Bodies Offer NP Credentials?
Three organizations certify nurse practitioners in the United States: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), and the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Each body focuses on different NP populations and uses distinct exam formats, scoring systems, and renewal requirements.
ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association and offers four NP certifications: FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, and AGACNP-BC. According to ANCC's 2024 Certification Data Report, ANCC tested over 21,000 first-time NP candidates in 2024.
AANPCB is the certification arm of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. It offers four NP certifications: FNP-C, A-GNP-C, ENP-C, and PMHNP. According to AANPCB's 2024 Annual Report, AANPCB tested over 18,000 first-time candidates across its exams in 2024.
NCC is a not-for-profit organization that certifies NPs in two specialties not covered by ANCC or AANPCB: Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC). According to NCC's published statistics, NCC tested 878 WHNP and 416 NNP candidates in 2024.
What Are All 10 NP Certifications Available in 2026?
Ten distinct NP certification credentials exist in 2026, spanning six clinical specialties. Each certification maps to a specific population focus and clinical setting, and no two certifications are identical in scope. The master comparison table below summarizes every NP certification across all three bodies.
Master NP Certification Comparison Table
|
Certification |
Body |
Questions |
Scored |
Time |
Cost (Non-Member) |
Cost (Member) |
2024 Pass Rate |
Renewal Cycle |
Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FNP-BC |
ANCC |
175 |
150 |
3.5 hrs |
$395 |
$295 (ANA) |
83% |
5 years |
MC, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hotspot |
|
PMHNP-BC |
ANCC |
175 |
150 |
3.5 hrs |
$395 |
$295 (ANA) |
83% |
5 years |
MC, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hotspot |
|
AGPCNP-BC |
ANCC |
175 |
150 |
3.5 hrs |
$395 |
$295 (ANA) |
85% |
5 years |
MC, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hotspot |
|
AGACNP-BC |
ANCC |
175 |
150 |
3.5 hrs |
$395 |
$295 (ANA) |
83% |
5 years |
MC, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, hotspot |
|
FNP-C |
AANPCB |
150 |
135 |
3 hrs |
$315 |
$240 (AANP) |
83% |
5 years |
Multiple choice only |
|
A-GNP-C |
AANPCB |
150 |
135 |
3 hrs |
$315 |
$240 (AANP) |
87% |
5 years |
Multiple choice only |
|
ENP-C |
AANPCB |
150 |
135 |
3 hrs |
$315 |
$240 (AANP) |
91% |
5 years |
Multiple choice only |
|
PMHNP |
AANPCB |
150 |
135 |
3 hrs |
$315 |
$240 (AANP) |
82% |
5 years |
Multiple choice only |
|
WHNP-BC |
NCC |
175 |
150 |
3 hrs |
$325 |
$325 |
79% |
3 years |
Multiple choice only |
|
NNP-BC |
NCC |
175 |
150 |
3 hrs |
$325 |
$325 |
89% |
3 years |
Multiple choice only |
Sources: ANCC official certification pages, AANPCB fees, NCC statistics.
How Do ANCC, AANPCB, and NCC Compare as Certification Bodies?
The three NP certification bodies differ in organizational structure, exam philosophy, question format, and scoring methodology. ANCC uses a broader exam blueprint that includes professional role and policy content, AANPCB focuses primarily on clinical knowledge, and NCC targets specialized maternal-neonatal populations exclusively.
Body-by-Body Comparison Table
|
Feature |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parent Organization |
American Nurses Association (ANA) |
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) |
Independent not-for-profit |
|
Accreditation |
ABSNC, NCCA |
ABSNC, NCCA |
ABSNC, NCCA |
|
NP Exams Offered |
4 (FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, AGACNP-BC) |
4 (FNP-C, A-GNP-C, ENP-C, PMHNP) |
2 (WHNP-BC, NNP-BC) |
|
Total Questions |
175 |
150 |
175 |
|
Scored Questions |
150 |
135 |
150 |
|
Time Limit |
3.5 hours |
3 hours |
3 hours |
|
Question Types |
MC + multiple-response + drag-and-drop + hotspot |
Multiple choice only |
Multiple choice only |
|
Scoring Scale |
0–500 (pass: 350) |
200–800 (pass: 500) |
Criterion-referenced (pass/fail) |
|
Exam Focus |
Clinical + professional role/policy/leadership |
Clinical practice (assess, diagnose, plan, evaluate) |
Specialty clinical knowledge |
|
Non-Member Cost |
$395 |
$315 |
$325 |
|
Member Cost |
$295 (ANA members) |
$240 (AANP members) |
$325 (no member discount) |
|
Renewal Cycle |
5 years |
5 years |
3 years |
|
CE Hours for Renewal |
75 CE hours + 1,000 practice hours |
100 CE hours + 1,000 practice hours |
45 CE hours |
|
Testing Vendor |
Prometric |
PSI |
Prometric / Live Remote Proctoring |
ANCC exams include nonclinical domains such as healthcare policy, ethics, and leadership. AANPCB exams focus on four purely clinical domains — Assess, Diagnose, Plan, and Evaluate.
How Do FNP Certifications Compare: FNP-BC vs FNP-C?
The FNP-BC (ANCC) and FNP-C (AANPCB) are the two family nurse practitioner certifications, and both are accepted for licensure in all 50 states. In 2024, both exams had an 83% first-time pass rate based on published ANCC and AANPCB data. The choice between them comes down to exam format preference and content emphasis.
|
Feature |
FNP-BC (ANCC) |
FNP-C (AANPCB) |
|---|---|---|
|
Questions |
175 (150 scored) |
150 (135 scored) |
|
Time |
3.5 hours |
3 hours |
|
Cost |
$395 / $295 member |
$315 / $240 member |
|
2024 Pass Rate |
83% (7,751 first-time candidates) |
83% (15,491 first-time candidates) |
|
Domains |
Assessment (19%), Diagnosis (17%), Planning (19%), Implementation (29%), Evaluation (15%) |
Assess (32%), Diagnose (26.5%), Plan (26.5%), Evaluate (15%) |
|
Content Focus |
Clinical + professional role, policy, ethics |
Purely clinical practice |
|
Question Format |
MC + enhanced formats |
MC only |
AANPCB's FNP pass rate rebounded in 2024 after several years of decline, reaching 83%. ANCC's FNP-BC pass rate declined from 87% in 2021 to 83% in 2024. AANPCB tests nearly twice as many FNP candidates annually (15,491 vs 7,751 in 2024).
How Do Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certifications Compare?
Two certifications exist for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in 2026: the PMHNP-BC from ANCC and the PMHNP from AANPCB. ANCC's PMHNP-BC is the established credential with over 9,600 first-time candidates in 2024, while AANPCB launched its PMHNP exam in 2024 as the first alternative option for this specialty.
|
Feature |
PMHNP-BC (ANCC) |
PMHNP (AANPCB) |
|---|---|---|
|
Questions |
175 (150 scored) |
150 (135 scored) |
|
Time |
3.5 hours |
3 hours |
|
Cost |
$395 / $295 member |
$315 / $240 member |
|
2024 Pass Rate |
83% (9,633 candidates) |
82% (699 candidates) |
|
Domains |
5 domains including professional role |
4 clinical domains: Assess (33%), Diagnose (21%), Plan (26%), Evaluate (20%) |
|
Candidate Volume (2024) |
9,633 |
699 |
AANPCB's inaugural PMHNP exam accounted for only 6.76% of all PMHNP test-takers in 2024. The ANCC PMHNP-BC remains the dominant credential. Candidates should verify their state board recognizes the newer AANPCB PMHNP credential before registering.
How Do Adult-Gerontology NP Certifications Compare?
Adult-gerontology NP certifications split into two tracks: primary care and acute care. ANCC offers both (AGPCNP-BC and AGACNP-BC), while AANPCB offers only primary care (A-GNP-C). Choosing between them depends on whether you plan to practice in outpatient primary care or inpatient hospital/ICU settings.
|
Feature |
AGPCNP-BC (ANCC) |
AGACNP-BC (ANCC) |
A-GNP-C (AANPCB) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Population Focus |
Adult-gero primary care |
Adult-gero acute care |
Adult-gero primary care |
|
Questions |
175 (150 scored) |
175 (150 scored) |
150 (135 scored) |
|
Time |
3.5 hours |
3.5 hours |
3 hours |
|
Cost |
$395 / $295 |
$395 / $295 |
$315 / $240 |
|
2024 Pass Rate |
85% (921 candidates) |
83% (2,784 candidates) |
87% (1,630 candidates) |
|
Domains |
5 domains (clinical + professional role) |
Core Competencies (24%), Clinical Practice (43%), Professional Role (33%) |
4 clinical domains: Assess (28%), Diagnose (25%), Plan (25%), Evaluate (22%) |
|
Clinical Setting |
Outpatient, primary care |
Hospitals, ICUs, ED |
Outpatient, primary care |
The AGACNP-BC blueprint was updated effective March 13, 2025, with greater emphasis on complex acute care management. ANCC also requires candidates to pass within 5 years of degree completion starting January 1, 2026. The A-GNP-C from AANPCB had an 87% pass rate in 2024 — the highest among primary care NP exams.
What About Emergency, Women's Health, and Neonatal NP Certifications?
Three NP specialties are offered by only one certification body each: Emergency (AANPCB only), Women's Health (NCC only), and Neonatal (NCC only). These are the only pathways to certification in their respective specialties, so candidates in these fields have no choice between bodies.
ENP-C (AANPCB) — Emergency Nurse Practitioner
The ENP-C is a specialty certification for certified FNPs who have additional emergency care education and practice. According to AANPCB, the exam has 150 questions (135 scored) and must be completed in 3 hours. The 2024 pass rate was 91% with 236 first-time candidates. Eligibility requires current FNP-C certification plus specialty education and practice in emergency care.
WHNP-BC (NCC) — Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner
The WHNP-BC from NCC covers obstetrical, gynecological, and primary care for women. The exam has 175 questions (150 scored) with a 3-hour time limit and costs $325 (no member discount). According to NCC statistics, the 2024 WHNP pass rate was 79% with 878 candidates tested — the lowest pass rate of any NP certification in 2024. Pass rates have declined steadily from 94% in 2020 to 79% in 2024.
NNP-BC (NCC) — Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The NNP-BC from NCC certifies NPs in neonatal care. According to the NCC NNP Candidate Guide, the exam has 175 questions (150 scored) with a 3-hour time limit. It costs $325 ($50 application fee + $275 testing fee). The 2024 pass rate was 89% with 416 candidates tested, per NCC statistics. Content focuses heavily on Embryology, Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Systems Management (51% of scored questions).
Which NP Specialty Has the Highest Salary in 2026?
Neonatal nurse practitioners earn the highest average salary of any NP specialty at $152,308 per year, followed by psychiatric-mental health NPs at $146,302 and acute care NPs at $138,459. The median salary for all nurse practitioners is $129,210 per year according to BLS data from May 2024. The BLS projects NP jobs will grow 46% from 2023 to 2033, over 10 times faster than the average for all occupations.
NP Salary by Specialty and Certification
|
NP Specialty |
Primary Certification(s) |
Average Annual Salary |
Salary vs Median NP |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Neonatal NP |
NNP-BC (NCC) |
$152,308 |
+$23,098 |
|
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP |
PMHNP-BC (ANCC), PMHNP (AANPCB) |
$146,302 |
+$17,092 |
|
Acute Care NP |
AGACNP-BC (ANCC) |
$138,459 |
+$9,249 |
|
Emergency NP |
ENP-C (AANPCB) |
$128,931 |
-$279 |
|
Family NP |
FNP-BC (ANCC), FNP-C (AANPCB) |
$129,976 |
+$766 |
|
Adult-Gerontology NP (Primary Care) |
AGPCNP-BC (ANCC), A-GNP-C (AANPCB) |
$127,199 |
-$2,011 |
|
Women's Health NP |
WHNP-BC (NCC) |
$127,671 |
-$1,539 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and published 2025 nurse practitioner specialty salary reports.
NPs in psychiatric hospital settings earn a median of $140,400 per year, according to BLS occupational data.
How Should You Choose Between ANCC, AANPCB, and NCC?
Your choice of certification body depends on four factors: your clinical specialty, exam format preference, budget, and career goals. If your specialty is women's health or neonatal care, NCC is the only option. For family practice, psychiatric-mental health, or adult-gerontology primary care, you must decide between ANCC and AANPCB.
Decision Guide: Choose Your NP Certification
Choose ANCC if:
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You want a credential recognized for academic advancement and Magnet hospital employment
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You are comfortable with multiple question formats (drag-and-drop, hotspot, multiple-response)
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You plan to pursue a career in leadership, policy, education, or research alongside clinical practice
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You are pursuing acute care NP certification (AGACNP-BC — available only through ANCC)
-
Your employer or state specifically requires ANCC certification
Choose AANPCB if:
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You prefer a purely clinical exam focused on Assess, Diagnose, Plan, and Evaluate
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You want a lower exam cost ($315 vs $395 for non-members; $240 vs $295 for members)
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You prefer multiple-choice-only questions and a shorter exam (3 hours vs 3.5 hours)
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You are pursuing emergency NP certification (ENP-C — available only through AANPCB)
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You want the most commonly taken FNP exam (15,491 AANPCB candidates vs 7,751 ANCC candidates in 2024)
Choose NCC if:
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You are a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC — NCC only)
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You are a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC — NCC only)
-
You completed an accredited NP program in women's health or neonatal care
Specialty-to-Certification Quick Reference
|
Your Clinical Specialty |
Certification Options |
Recommended Body |
|---|---|---|
|
Family Practice (lifespan) |
FNP-BC or FNP-C |
AANPCB (lower cost, clinical focus) or ANCC (broader scope) |
|
Psychiatric-Mental Health |
PMHNP-BC or PMHNP |
ANCC (established, larger candidate pool) |
|
Adult-Gero Primary Care |
AGPCNP-BC or A-GNP-C |
Either — compare exam formats |
|
Adult-Gero Acute Care |
AGACNP-BC |
ANCC (only option) |
|
Emergency NP |
ENP-C |
AANPCB (only option) |
|
Women's Health |
WHNP-BC |
NCC (only option) |
|
Neonatal |
NNP-BC |
NCC (only option) |
Expert Insight: "The mixed outcomes across specialties reaffirm that our work is not done," said Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, in a 2024 nurse practitioner pass-rate analysis. "We must remain committed to aligning curricula with national standards, investing in active learning, and ensuring that every graduate is fully equipped — not only to pass an exam, but to deliver safe, competent, and compassionate care in a complex healthcare landscape."
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Each NP Certification?
All NP certifications require an active RN license and completion of an accredited graduate-level NP program in the corresponding population focus. Starting January 1, 2026, ANCC requires candidates to pass the exam within 5 years of degree completion.
Eligibility Comparison
|
Requirement |
ANCC (all 4 exams) |
AANPCB (FNP-C, A-GNP-C, PMHNP) |
AANPCB (ENP-C) |
NCC (WHNP-BC, NNP-BC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RN License |
Active US RN |
Active US RN |
Active US RN |
Active US/Canada RN |
|
Degree |
MSN, DNP, or post-grad certificate from accredited program |
MSN, DNP, or post-grad certificate |
MSN, DNP, or post-grad certificate |
Graduate of accredited NP program |
|
Clinical Hours |
500+ faculty-supervised hours in population focus |
Determined by NP program |
Current FNP-C + emergency specialty education/practice |
Completed accredited program in specialty |
|
Exam Window |
Within 5 years of degree completion (effective Jan 2026) |
Within 120 days of application approval |
Requires current FNP-C |
Per application approval |
|
Special Requirements |
Post-grad certificate applicants must be from accredited programs (effective Jan 2026) |
Official transcript required |
1,000+ emergency clinical practice hours for recertification |
Specialty-specific clinical experience |
What Is the Pass Rate Trend for NP Certification Exams?
NP certification pass rates range from 79% to 91% in 2024. The most notable trend is the AANPCB FNP pass rate rebound — from 73% in 2023 to 83% in 2024.
2024 Pass Rate Summary (First-Time Candidates)
|
Certification |
Body |
2024 Pass Rate |
Candidates Tested |
Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ENP-C |
AANPCB |
91% |
236 |
Highest NP pass rate |
|
NNP-BC |
NCC |
89% |
416 |
Up from 81% in 2023 |
|
A-GNP-C |
AANPCB |
87% |
1,630 |
Stable |
|
AGPCNP-BC |
ANCC |
85% |
921 |
Up 6% from 2023 |
|
FNP-BC |
ANCC |
83% |
7,751 |
Down from 85% in 2023 |
|
FNP-C |
AANPCB |
83% |
15,491 |
Up 10% from 2023 |
|
PMHNP-BC |
ANCC |
83% |
9,633 |
Stable |
|
PMHNP |
AANPCB |
82% |
699 |
First year offered |
|
AGACNP-BC |
ANCC |
83% |
2,784 |
Stable |
|
WHNP-BC |
NCC |
79% |
878 |
Down from 87% in 2023 |
Sources: NCC statistics, ANCC published certification data, and AANPCB published certification data.
The declining WHNP-BC pass rate is particularly concerning — dropping from 94% in 2020 to 79% in 2024 according to NCC's statistics page. NCC has not publicly commented on the reasons behind this sustained decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I take both ANCC and AANPCB exams for the same specialty?
Yes. There is no restriction on holding certifications from multiple bodies. Some NPs hold both FNP-BC and FNP-C. However, most employers and state boards require only one active certification for licensure.
Q2. Are ANCC and AANPCB certifications accepted in all 50 states?
Yes. Both ANCC and AANPCB certifications are recognized by all 50 state boards of nursing for NP licensure. NCC certifications (WHNP-BC, NNP-BC) are also accepted in all states for their respective specialties.
Q3. Which NP certification exam is the hardest?
Based on 2024 first-time pass rates, the WHNP-BC from NCC has the lowest pass rate at 79%. The ENP-C from AANPCB has the highest pass rate at 91%, though it also has the smallest candidate pool (236 test-takers).
Q4. How much does it cost to get an NP certification?
NP certification exam fees range from $240 (AANPCB with AANP membership) to $395 (ANCC without ANA membership). NCC exams cost a flat $325 with no member discount. Total costs including application fees, study materials, and test preparation typically range from $500 to $1,500.
Q5. How often do I need to renew my NP certification?
ANCC and AANPCB certifications renew every 5 years. ANCC requires 75 CE hours plus 1,000 practice hours. AANPCB requires 100 CE hours plus 1,000 practice hours. NCC certifications renew every 3 years and require 45 CE hours.
Q6. Is the AANPCB PMHNP exam new?
Yes. AANPCB launched its PMHNP certification exam in 2024, making it the first alternative to ANCC's PMHNP-BC. AANPCB accounted for 6.76% of all PMHNP candidates in 2024. Candidates should verify state board acceptance before choosing this newer option.
Q7. Which NP specialty pays the most?
Neonatal NPs earn the highest average salary at $152,308 per year, followed by psychiatric-mental health NPs at $146,302. The BLS reports a median salary of $129,210 for all NPs as of May 2024.
Q8. Do I need to be a member of ANA or AANP to take their certification exam?
No. Membership is optional but offers significant exam fee discounts. ANA membership reduces the ANCC exam cost from $395 to $295. AANP membership reduces AANPCB exam costs from $315 to $240. NCC does not offer member pricing.
Start Preparing for Your NP Certification Exam
No matter which certification body or specialty you choose, structured practice testing is the most effective way to prepare. Simulation-based practice exams that mirror real test conditions help you identify weak areas, build clinical reasoning speed, and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Explore MedicoExam's practice exams and preparation resources for ANCC, AANPCB, and NCC certification preparation.
Written by the MedicoExam Content Team — Healthcare Education Specialists at MedicoExam.com
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. MedicoExam is not affiliated with ANCC, AANPCB, or NCC. Exam details, costs, and policies are subject to change — always verify with the official certification body before registering. This content does not contain exam recalls, leaked questions, or proprietary test material.
Last Updated: May 2026
