New NP licensing exam?

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Heard this from a colleague today and wanted to get the opinion of everyone on this forum. Apparently there have been suggestions that NP's should take and pass the ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine) exam in order to become licensed/independently practicing NPs. Can anyone confirm or deny this and if so exactly what will be entailed in preparing for the ABIM exam? Will currently practicing NPs be grandfathered in or still have to take it? Thanks..

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I've been an APN for 7 yrs, never heard of this. Gotta link to back this up?

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

Sounds pretty far-fetched and reeks of rumor mongering. The ABIM exam is only open to physicians who trained in an Internal Medicine residency. The uproar would be so loud if NP's were allowed to take this test.

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Are APNs going to be allowed on the board that makes the ABIM exam? If not than this should not be acceptable to the nursing profession. It would be an intrusion on nursing as an independent profession. I think examination and certification is a great thing but APNs should have a say in the exam process. I have a feeling this is just a rumor, I can't imagine the medical community wanting APNs to take their exam.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Nope, don't belive it. We got so much grief regarding the American Board of Comprehensive Care Certification Exam for DNPs, and there was tremendous backlash against the Nat'l Board of Medical Examiners for agreeing to compose the exam. There is no way the MDs would ever allow us to take an exam that would prove once and for all we really can do the very same thing with our NP education. I just don't believe it. No way, no how.

I'd jump at the chance to take it, however!

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