PMHNP: NP to DNP when to take the cert exam

[snowcactus]

I am a little confused on when to take the certification exam.

I am in my last year of PMHNP program, graduating Summer 2018.

I have just now decided to apply to a NP to DNP program (it also comes with 1000 clinical hours) right after graduating and before I actually start working as an NP.

This may be a dumb question, but do I have an option of when I take the certification exam? Am I supposed to wait until I finish the DNP? Am I allowed to wait that long?

Again, sorry if this question sounds dumb. I haven't thought to ask it because I wasn't going the DNP route initially.

[verene, MSN]

I would assume you can sit the boards at the end of your MSN/NP program. Unless you really want to wait until the end of the DNP program. Do clarify with the DNP program, though if you want to wait as some MSN-DNP programs assume you are licensed in your specialty during the DNP portion of the program.