Frequently Asked Questions--
about ANCC Certification
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Q. What is the value of certification?
A. Certification protects the public by enabling anyone to identify competent people more readily. Simultaneously it aids the profession by encouraging and recognizing professional achievement. Certification also recognizes specialization, enhances professionalism and, in some cases, serves as a criterion for financial reimbursement. It may also foster an enlarged role within the employment setting. Because certification of nursing practice signifies attainment of specific criteria and knowledge, skills, and abilities in a specific specialty field, certified nurses comprise a minority of the professional nurse population. -
Q. How many nurses have been certified by ANCC?
A. More than a quarter million nurses have been certified by ANCC since 1990. More than 75,000 advanced practice nurses are currently certified by ANCC. -
Q.How are nurses certified by ANCC?
A. Before nurses can sit for a certification examination, they must demonstrate that they hold active RN licenses, have the appropriate education, and, for all but nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, have experience in the specialty field. Those who have met the eligibility requirements can then register to take the certification examination. -
Each exam is designed by certified nurses in the specialty under the guidance of a professional psychometrician who ensures that all tests are psychometrically sound and legally defensible. Tests are based on the scope and standards of practice approved by the American Nurses Association Congress of Nursing Practice and Economics. The paper-and-pencil tests generally are given twice each year at many locations around the United States and at military installations abroad. Most Clinical Nurse Specialist and all Nurse Practitioner, Informatics Nursing, Cardiac/Vascular, and Gerontological examinations can be taken at the candidate's convenience because they are computer-based.
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Q. When are exams given?
A. ANCC administers nearly 30 specialty and advanced practice certification examinations each year. ANCC certification exams are administered by authorized testing agencies at locations across the country. The exams are given in either computer-based or paper-and-pencil format. Paper-and-pencil exams are generally given twice a year. Dates for the computer-based exams will be sent to applicants by the authorized testing agency.
This page last revised April 25, 2008.