AANP or ANCC?

[nursetim, NP]

My preceptor brought up the subject of which organization I was going to be licensed with. A friend said that since I was ANP I only had one choice. Pulling them both up I see that I do in fact have a choice. So who is it? I've seen a thread or two bemoaning ANCC. I can't afford to wait, I'm behind the curve already. My preceptor said that some states don't accept one or the other. I'm looking to pull up stakes and go west to seek my fortune. Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, Alaska. Input would be greatly appreciated.

[kimartin0623]

It doesn't matter. both exams are accepted in all states. I'm taking AANP, because my professor preferred them. Some people say AANP is easier, others say ANCC is easier. But it doesn't matter which one you take.

[nursetim, NP]

My preceptor said that one of the test was not very clinically based, but he took it in the 80's so I imagine they have changed a great deal.

If I could get input from those that have taken either one in regards to clinically based or research and politic based questions I would appreciate it.

[JDCitizen]

When my class hit the point of looking at which testing group to use:

- AANP was the first up for dates (the main reason we went this route)

- We heard the same stories one was harder than the other

- Something about legal signature differences (I don't remember what)

Testing: Who what when and where was a big, big topic the last semester.

[adria37]

I took both the AANP and the ANCC exams for FNP. AANP you sign FNP-C and ANCC you sign FNP-BC (C=certified and BC=board certified). The AANP seemed more difficult and clinically focused. I believe I could have taken the ANCC exam and passed without ever attending FNP school.

[JDCitizen]

Also another consideration is recertification: So far my perceptions of AANP recertification process is pretty bad.

1) Snide people on the phone

2) Vague answers to questions

3) Even within the 6 month range for recertification but I have never received the packet they said was in the mail.

4) Hey but they are friendly when it comes to confirming payment...

I would like to hear other folks recertification stories.....

[nursetim, NP]

I thought that one of the joys of NP is there are no recerts just renewal. Am I wrong there?

[djc1981]

For what its worth, in job listings I have sometimes seen requests for ANCC certification specifically but have never seen AANP specifically.

[JDCitizen]

I thought that one of the joys of NP is there are no recerts just renewal. Am I wrong there?

More like word play :wink2:

You spend your time and your dime and than they charge you to check how you spent your time and your dime so you can just start it all over again.

[nursetim, NP]

You lost me JD. Are you saying it is like the diving certification organization P.A.D.I. (Put Another Dollar In)?

[JDCitizen]

You lost me JD. Are you saying it is like the diving certification organization P.A.D.I. (Put Another Dollar In)?

:wink2: Guess my humor was... well not humorous.

You spend your time and your dime and than they charge you to check how you spent your time and your dime so you can just start it all over again:

5 years spent spending money to get the CEUs and working to meet the hourly requirements

Recertification time gather all the information send it to them with a check or credit card number

Wait

Wait

Call them to find out whats going on and get snippy answers

Hopefully all goes well and recertification is granted

5 year cycle begins again...

They have you, they know they have you and all you can do is jump through their hoops.....

[nursetim, NP]

Looks like I have decided on ANCC. The decision made me dizzy.