Which certification are you using, AANP or ANCC?

[NJprisonrn]

I've read a lot of posts on here comparing the exams. But what about the organizations? Does one organization do more for NPs than the other? Which one are you guys taking?

I've heard that AANP test is more clinical but straight forward. The AANP's website and re-certification policies are also easier to navigate, IMO. I like that they are just for NPs.

The ANCC is a subsidiary of the ANA, so I assume that I would be supporting the ANA by choosing that exam. But their website is not easy for me to navigate. 20+% of the exam being nonclinical questions seems like a lot. They are more expensive and require a lot more for re-certification.

I am going back and forth on this one. My school is suggesting the ANCC, as we cover theory, policy and culture issues quite extensively. However, those are sometimes the questions that I struggle with. I feel my eyes glaze over every time I read that section of our review book.

Any thoughts?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

You should be well prepared to take either or both. They are both basic entry to practice exams. There is no overwhelming reason to take one vs the they other than perhaps the credentials of generic NP-C vs speciality-BC. The AANP is slightly "easier".

[mtsteelhorse]

Some of it depends on your specialty. For example as a psych NP I will be limited to ANCC

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP, www.aanpcertification.org) offers year-round computer-based testing for adult, family and gerontologic nurse practitioner certification. Starting in 2013, the AANP will also offer adult-gerontology primary care NP certification.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC, www.nursecredentialing.org) offers year-round computer-based testing for family, adult, acute care, geriatric, pediatric, adult psychiatric-mental health, and family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification. Starting in 2013, the ANCC will also offer adult-gerontology acute care and adult-gerontology primary care NP certification.

The National Certification Corporation (NCC, www.nccwebsite.org) offers year-round computer-based testing for women’s health and neonatal nurse practitioner certification. In addition, a paper test is offered once a year in the fall.

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB, http://www.pncb.org) offers year-round computer-based testing for pediatric primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner certification.

[NJprisonrn]

Thanks for your replies. I really appreciate your feedback. I slept on it and decided to go for AANP FNP. Let the studying begin!!!