Dual Certification Dilemma: AACN vs. ANCC for Career Advancement

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Specializes in ICU.
Dual Certification Dilemma: AACN vs. ANCC for Career Advancement

I recently passed the AACN exam and am scheduled to take the ANCC exam next week. As I prepare for the next step in my career, I'm seeking advice on whether obtaining both certifications is advantageous.

Some employers reportedly prefer one certification over the other, and I want to make an informed decision to enhance my professional standing.

Considering your experience, I would appreciate your insights on the benefits of holding dual certifications and any potential employer preferences. Your guidance is invaluable as I navigate this decision.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

I've never heard of an employer preferring a particular certification.  They just want the NP to be board-certified.  No need to waste time and money on 2 different exams

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Sounds like you're an AGACNP. You don't need both. There was a time in the remote past that AACN's certification was not "recognized" in some states when their exam was still fairly new. That's not true anymore. I was quite active with AACN and that organization made sure they were on equal footing with ANCC. AACN and ANCC are business entities and employers favoring one over the other is a set up for legal trouble since both organizations meet national standards of certification.

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.
juan de la cruz said:

There was a time in the remote past that AACN's certification was not "recognized" in some states when their exam was still fairly new. That's not true anymore.

I wish this was the case. I took the AACN exam in 2021 and my first employer delayed my employment offer by a few months because they were not sure whether my certification would be accepted, or I would have to take another certification exam. Fortunately it worked out for me, and they have now approved AACN, but it's possible that other places are still not there. 

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
JBMmom said:

I wish this was the case. I took the AACN exam in 2021 and my first employer delayed my employment offer by a few months because they were not sure whether my certification would be accepted, or I would have to take another certification exam. Fortunately it worked out for me, and they have now approved AACN, but it's possible that other places are still not there. 

Oh I'm sure, in an AACN meeting I attended, we were told to report those instances so that AACN can intervene.

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