FOR FNPS/APRNS-STEP BY STEP PROCESS AFTER PASSING YOUR BOARDS

faithwithoutworks, DNP, NP · Dec 19, 2023

Hello Current and Future NPs,

I wanted to write this step by step process on what is needed to be done after passing your certification boards examination. As most professors, depending on which school you are attending, discuss this with you usually at the end of your final semester. However, it can still be difficult to follow or you might feel lost on the process. Now, as most jobs will assist you with this process, it's still important to know this information for yourself and especially the costs. Again, if you have a job that covers these expenses for you, that is awesome. However, if you do not, you have the option to write off these expenses for taxes.

STEP 1: Applying for your Certification Exam

Depending on the exam, the cost will vary.

ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner: https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/family-nurse-practitioner/

AANP Family Nurse Practitioner: https://www.aanpcert.org/about/fees

Step 1a: Renewing your Certification

-Certification renewal is every 5 years.

-Now with the AANP Recertification Application: If you are a member, it will cost 170$ while non-members will have to be $245. I think there is also an added $50 for processing fees, but double check.

Go to for AANP Recertification Application: https://www.aanpcert.org/recert/index

Go to for ANCC Recertification Application: https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/renewals/

STEP 2: Apply for State License

-After you pass your boards, you can apply for your state license. I know you can choose the option on the AANP or ANCC to send a letter to your state board of nursing for free letting them know that you are now certified as a NP (THIS IS NOT GET YOU YOUR STATE LICENSE).

-Check with your state's requirements on what they need to license you as a NP in the state. In Georgia, you can visit: https://sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-APRN-NP.

Go to: Initial Authority Licensure Checklist and Follow Everything Thoroughly. You do not want to miss any supported documents as the processing time can take weeks to months. The cost is: $85-90

Step 2a: Renewing State License for Both RN and NP

-Yes, both licenses you need to renew.

-In GA, to renew your RN and NP license will cost: $65 each (every 2 years). A total of $130

Step 3: Apply for NPI

-Once you are licensed in the state, you can now apply for your NPI. This is FREE.

Go to: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/

Step 4: Apply for Protocol Agreement (This varies between states)

-If you are in the State of GA, you MUST HAVE a protocol agreement with your delegating physician. GA is not an independent practice state for NPs. You must work under a supervising physician.

-Each Protocol Agreement will cost: 150$

-Now, the Georgia Composite Medical Board is EXTREMELY BACKED UP. This was VERY frustrating to me. The processing time has been up to 6 months. However, I learned if you go there in person, they will approve your protocol agreement on the spot (as they did for me). PLEASE make sure you have ALL supporting documents.

Go to: https://medicalboard.georgia.gov/licensure-information/APRN-protocol-registration-forms

Step 5: Apply for DEA

-You CANNOT apply for your DEA license UNLESS you have an approved protocol agreement. THEY WILL ASK THIS FROM YOU.

-The cost is: $888 (you must renew this every 3 years)

-I understand a lot of people are confused if you need to apply for multiple DEA licenses for each practice location within the same time. This is false. I spoke with a DEA representative myself. You only need one DEA license. However, if you are practicing in another state, then yes you need to apply for another DEA license.

-One important thing to note is that if you are working at two jobs with two different supervising physicians, and you want to change your DEA registration license address, you must provide the DEA with an approved protocol agreement letter of that practice's address.

Step 6: Register with the PDMP

-Once you receive your DEA license, it is AN ABSOLUTE MUST to register with the PDMP.

-This is free.

You can even call state representative, and usually they will approve you on the spot.

Step 6: Credentialing

-Most jobs will do this for you and others would require you to do it. This is free.

You can visit this website: https://www.caqh.org

Step 7: Prescribing Platform

-Again, most jobs will take care of this for you. So, this should be no cost to you.

However, if interested, you can check this website out: https://www.rxnt.com

I really hope this helps someone! If there is anything I am missing, please feel free to comment and add. Again, each state is different. What I wrote here is based in the State of Georgia while a few steps are based nationally such as the Certification Board, PDMP, CREDENTIALING, ETC. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.