Navigating the APRN Certification Process

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists and play a critical role in healthcare delivery. APRNs can assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans, including prescribing medications to patients across the lifespan and various settings.

APRNs must complete an advanced degree, which includes a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). However, this degree does not grant the ability to practice; instead, it allows you to sit for the board certification exam specific to your degree. Once you pass the exam, you must maintain certification and your state APRN and RN license.

Applying for an APRN Certification Exam

Educational Requirements

To practice as an APRN, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program with an MSN, DNP, or PhD in your chosen specialized area. Specialties may include nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or midwife.

Suppose you choose to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. In that case, you will specialize in caring for a specific population, such as family practice, pediatrics, adult gerontology, or psychiatric mental health.

Eligibility Criteria

Some certification exams require a specific number of faculty-supervised clinical hours. For example, the ANCC FNP-BC certification exam requires a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours before it can be taken.

You must also have an active RN license, which you must maintain even once you become an APRN.

Application Process

To apply, you will visit the certifying body, such as the AANP or ANCC, and complete the application. Official transcripts from your graduate program will also be required, along with an exam fee.

Testing Centers & Exam Dates

Once the certifying body receives your application and approves you to sit for the exam, you will receive an Authorized to Test (ATT) number allowing you to register for the exam. Most, if not all, exams are taken online at a testing center. The location of the testing centers will depend on the city and state where you take the certification exam.

Overview of Popular APRN Certification Exams

There are numerous APRN certification exams based on the career you wish to pursue. Below is a quick overview of some popular APRN certification exams.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certifications

Nurse Anesthetist Certifications

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

Nurse Midwife Certification

American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

Preparing for the APRN Certification Exam

Below are a couple of tips on preparing for the APRN certification exam.

Give yourself a minimum of 6-12 weeks to prepare
Review the blueprint specific to your certification exam.
Develop a study plan and adhere to the schedule.
Look for review courses specific to your certification exam and study style.
Review test-taking strategies and take practice tests. You can find practice tests through various review courses and certification bodies.

Maintaining Certification

To practice, you must maintain your APRN certification. This process entails renewal fees, specific CEU requirements, and practicing clinical hours. The typical time frame for renewing your APRN certification is every five years.

Please note that maintaining your APRN certification is separate from maintaining your state RN and APRN license; however, the CEUs you complete for your certification can carry over to your state license.