The WHNP-BC (Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified) is the only national certification for nurse practitioners specializing in women's health. Offered exclusively by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), this exam validates advanced practice competency in obstetrics, gynecology, primary care for women, contraception, menopause management, and STI screening. The computer-based exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions with 3 answer options, allows 3 hours, and costs $325.
What Is the WHNP-BC Certification?
The WHNP-BC is an entry-level, competency-based certification that tests specialty knowledge for licensed registered nurses who have completed a US-accredited nurse practitioner program specifically in women's health care. It is the sole NP certification pathway for the women's health specialty — no other credentialing body offers an equivalent exam.
NCC awards the WHNP-BC credential to nurse practitioners who demonstrate proficiency in providing obstetrical, gynecological, and primary care to women across inpatient and outpatient settings. According to the NCC, the credential verifies "specialty knowledge and the application of that knowledge" for WHNPs. The certification is recognized across all 50 states, and most state boards of nursing require national certification for APRN licensure.
