At one point, I thought of taking the AACN certification but my professors recommended to take the ANCC first. I tried taking the AACN Adult CNS exam reviewer and it was very specific compared to ANCC. Previously thought of taking this exam but now I'm planning to take a post-FNP certificate or DNP course (whichever will allow part-time students). Wished I took the NP path first before the CNS.