ACNPC exam

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 2, 2012

The websites of both the AACN and NC BON state that passing the national exam from AACN is not listed as an approved credential.

States Accepting the ACNPC

However, rules change and it's best to check with a reliable source at the BON. I would also ask for information in writing so there's no chance for dispute in the future.

NP Rules(2).pdf

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2012

Sorry to hijack the thread, but Juan I have a question regarding certification. I see that there are many states that currently accept the AACN's certification for ACNPs but most job listings in those states don't list it as an acceptable certification. Why is that? I've really been leaning towards getting their certification with all that's going on with the consensus model, but I'm worried about any limitations it may place on obtaining a job.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 3, 2012

Sorry to hijack the thread, but Juan I have a question regarding certification. I see that there are many states that currently accept the AACN's certification for ACNPs but most job listings in those states don't list it as an acceptable certification. Why is that?

I've actually seen that too. I can only infer the fact that AACN's credential is still relatively new (it was introduced in 2007). Most hospital credentialing boards are familiar with the more established NP certification boards such as ANCC, AANP, NCC, and PNCB. I personally think that there will be some institutions that will accept the ACNPC credential even though it's not listed as approved in their hospital by-laws. It's best to ask individual recruiters and hiring practice managers if there's a chance that AACN is also recognized if you have a job lined up before you take any national certification. AACN is well recognized by hospitals for its CCRN certification.

In the case of state BON's, credentials not previously listed as recognized such as ACNPC will take more effort to gain recognition. Changes in state scope of practice including requirements for entry to practice as an NP can sometimes require approval from the state's legislative body and a change in state law. This can take a while to happen. That's why I'm actually doubting the fact that this Consensus Model that some in the nursing community are proposing to happen by 2015 will actually make a difference in standardizing practice for NP's across all states. The only impact it had made so far is the annoying new credentials ANCC is introducing in 2013.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2012

Thanks, Juan. I think I'll do what you suggested and ask prospective employers prior to taking the certification exam. I'm glad you touched on the Consensus Model effecting NP practice across all states. It seems that even the ANCC has forgotten that advanced nursing practice is controlled on a state level and any attempts to standardize nursing practice would have to be endorsed by all states. For instance, I reside in a state that does not require certification in order to practice as an advanced practice nurse (I don't plan on staying here after graduation). I don't see how the Consensus Model would effect advanced nursing practice in a state like mine.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 5, 2012

You're absolutely right. The Consensus Model is endorsed by major national nursing organizations including NCSBN which represents all the Boards of Nursing in the US. However, the individual Boards of Nursing only enforce provisions stated in each state's individual Nurse Practice Act...these boards do not create legislation. For instance, the wide irregularity in CNS practice across all 50 states in terms of prescriptive authority will continue to exist unless a collective effort is made by legislators in all 50 states to enact a law allowing CNS's to prescribe. Same goes with NP's...our independent roles will continue to have state to state variations even with a Consensus Model because in the end, this is just as good as a set of recommendations for states to follow. That's the nature of our federal form of government. It can only have an impact on a national level for entities that have a wider scope such as national certification boards.