This is IT, I have HAD IT!

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

OK, I need y'alls take on this, please.

I passed my ACNP exam last month. That was my 3rd time to attempt it. I have had no end to the issues with the ANCC, and I would like some input. I was emailed after I submitted the 3rd attempt application, and told that I had to submit a FULL application. I did so, via Priority Mail, and waited, and waited, and waited. I finally called the facility to see what the problem was, only to have them tell me that they could not find my application. I was accused of not mailing it, and was told to send in another, and they would process it, but not before the eight week usual period. So, they lost my app, refused to accept it, and refused to offer to expedite the process for me, after having had my payment since April. This was in June. I passed my test July 30, after I got a phone call from them, saying that they had found my app, and would process it in a week, if I would please recant my request for a refund.

Today, I get the following email:

Dear Angelfire:

A recent review of our records indicates that your Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification, Order #yada yada, has an outstanding balance of $50.00. The original Order Amount is $390.00, and we believe that this balance has been created due to the following reason: Wrong Membership Submitted / Membership Card Missing / Membership Expired.

The balance due for this order must be paid within 60 days of this notice. If the amount in arrears is not paid, the Certification application will be deemed "Withdrawn".

If your application is deemed Withdrawn due to non-payment, ANCC will retain a $140.00 administrative fee and refund remaining balance paid, in accordance with our policies regarding Withdrawn applications.

If you desire to pay this balance by credit card, please call Customer Service at [phone]. If you desire to pay the balance by check or money order, please mail your payment to the following address:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

P.O. Box 791333

Baltimore, MD 21279-1333

If you believe are records are incorrect, please contact us via the email or the phone number shown below. If you have paid this balance in the last 5-7 business days, please disregard this notice.

Thank you for your time and attention in this regard, and we value your business.

Needless to say, I am less than pleased, especially since they have had the payment since April, the amount I was told to pay was $340 (for a retest), and, during all the phone calls back and forth about the lost app, NOTHING was mentioned about an outstanding balance. This is the first I have heard.

SO, short of calling and raising sand, what can I do? I have the receipt where I paid, the form where I passed my test. Can they take away my certification? Is there another company that offers the FNP exam, that I have to take shortly? Thanks in advance.

[zenman]

When I apply, I'll have a lawyer as the middleman...

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Let me know if you have any issues, will you?

[mrspopeye]

They value your business??? Ha. I know the AANP credentials NPs also, but I don't think they do ACNPs. Anyway, they are no better. It was a nightmare both times I used them. Last time, 4 months to get an authorization to test. Awful (nonexistant) communication.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I finally got it settled, I DO NOT owe them any money, and I made them email me that info. I have a copy, and my OM at work has one as well. I would not put it past them to try it again Just ridiculous.

[Christen, ANP]

I'm glad everything got worked out! Congrats on passing your test. :)

[kellynp]

Iam sorry to hear about your difficultiles with the ANCC but congrads on the passing the other cert. exam, which one did you take? Iam sitting for the AANP in the next few months ans not sure which study aides to use, any suggestions? thanks nicole

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I took the ANCC, and found the Fitzgerald CDs to be invaluable. I also had the Barbara Todd book and attended the Barkley review. Good luck!