Top 11 Family Nurse Practitioner Certifications
Updated 20 min read
Certifications for a family nurse practitioner demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field that can be attractive to employers. It shows that the nurse has gone beyond the traditional education and taken the time to learn additional skills and competencies. These certifications are important in the job market because they allow employers to recognize an individual’s advanced qualifications and experience. They also provide potential employers with evidence of a Nurse Practitioner's commitment to their professional development and ability to stay current with new developments in their field. Furthermore, certifications can help nurses stand out among other applicants as they demonstrate specialized knowledge, which can increase job opportunities.
The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Family Nurse Practitioners and explain how they can improve a family nurse practitioner's career.
What are Family Nurse Practitioner Certifications?
Family Nurse Practitioner certification is a specialized certification for Registered Nurses (RNs) who have achieved an advanced level of education and clinical training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. It is granted by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Family Nurse Practitioners are trained to provide comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages, including preventive health services, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and managing patient care. They often provide well-woman exams, immunizations, physicals, screenings for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as mental health counseling.
By earning family nurse practitioner certification, RNs demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality patient care. This can lead to increased job opportunities within healthcare organizations that value this type of expertise. Additionally, it may make them eligible for higher salaries due to their advanced skillset. Certification also allows nurses to stay current on the latest trends in nursing practice related to primary care services which can help them better serve their patients.
Pro tip: Research and understand all the requirements for obtaining family nurse practitioner certification before beginning the process. This will help ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is required and can prepare accordingly. Additionally, reach out to your state board of nursing to confirm any specific requirements or regulations that may apply in your area.
Related: What does a Family Nurse Practitioner do?
Top 11 Family Nurse Practitioner Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Family Nurse Practitioners today.
1. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurse practitioners. It is designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners in providing quality healthcare to their patients. The AANP Certification Program is based on professional standards established by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
It typically takes two to three months to complete the AANP Certification process. The first step is to complete an online application form, which requires basic information about your educational background and current practice setting. After submitting your application, you will need to take and pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as pharmacology, diagnosis, management, and patient education. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your AANP Certification.
The cost of obtaining AANP Certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the AANP. For non-members, it costs $395 for the initial application fee plus $225 for each subsequent renewal period. For members, it costs $295 for the initial application fee plus $175 for each subsequent renewal period.
In addition to passing the exam and paying applicable fees, applicants must also meet certain continuing education requirements in order to maintain their certification status with the AANP. This includes completing at least 30 hours of continuing education every three years in areas related to nurse practitioner practice.
2. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a voluntary certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and skills of nurses who practice as family nurse practitioners. This certification is designed to assess an individual’s ability to provide primary care services to families, including health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic conditions in patients of all ages.
In order to become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through ANCC, individuals must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have an unrestricted RN license in the United States or its territories
- Have completed a graduate-level program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Have completed at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner within the past three years
- Pass an exam administered by ANCC
The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost for taking the exam is $350 for non-members and $295 for members. It typically takes four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.
Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certification from ANCC. Your certification will remain valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits and payment of a renewal fee.
3. Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a voluntary certification that recognizes the knowledge and clinical skills of nurses who provide direct care to children and families. This certification demonstrates the nurse’s expertise in pediatric primary care, including diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health issues. The PNCB Family Nurse Practitioner Certification requires nurses to complete an accredited graduate-level program in nursing, be licensed as a registered nurse, have at least 500 hours of direct practice experience with children, and pass the PNCB exam.
It typically takes one to two years to obtain the PNCB Family Nurse Practitioner Certification. To get certified, nurses must complete an accredited graduate-level program in nursing, be licensed as a registered nurse, have at least 500 hours of direct practice experience with children, and pass the PNCB exam. Nurses can apply for certification online or by mail.
The cost of obtaining the PNCB Family Nurse Practitioner Certification varies depending on whether you are applying for initial certification or recertification. For initial certification, there is a $395 application fee plus an additional $200 fee for taking the exam. For recertification, there is a $295 fee plus an additional $150 fee for taking the exam.
4. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the advanced practice knowledge and skills of family nurse practitioners. This certification is designed to demonstrate that family nurse practitioners have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare services to their patients. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the NCCPA.
The exam consists of two parts: a computer-based multiple-choice test and a performance assessment. The multiple-choice test covers topics such as pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and clinical management. The performance assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, interpret laboratory results, and prescribe medications.
In order to take the exam, applicants must have completed an accredited graduate-level program in family nurse practitioner studies and have at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in the past three years. Applicants must also hold current RN licensure in the state where they plan to practice as a family nurse practitioner.
The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are an NCCPA member. For non-members, the fee is $475; for members it is $425. The cost includes an application fee ($200) and an examination fee ($275).
It typically takes four to six weeks from when you submit your application until you receive your results from the exam. If you pass, you will receive your certification within four weeks of passing the exam.
5. American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurses who specialize in providing primary care to families and individuals. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nurses who have completed an accredited family nurse practitioner program.
To become certified, applicants must have a current RN license, have graduated from an accredited family nurse practitioner program, and pass the AACN Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that test the applicant’s knowledge in areas such as health promotion and maintenance, diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic illnesses, pharmacology, physical assessment, and professional issues.
The process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials to the AACN for review. Once approved, applicants will receive an authorization to test letter which will allow them to register for the exam.
The cost of AACN Family Nurse Practitioner Certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the AACN. For members it costs $295; for non-members it costs $395. In addition to these fees there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or other related expenses such as study materials or travel costs.
6. American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners who provide primary care to individuals, families, and communities. The ACNM FNP Certification is designed to ensure that FNPs have the necessary competencies to practice in an autonomous manner and provide comprehensive care across the lifespan.
To become certified as an ACNM FNP, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include: having a valid RN license in their state; holding a master’s degree or higher from an accredited nursing program; completing 500 hours of clinical experience as a nurse practitioner; passing the national FNP certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); and completing continuing education units every two years.
It typically takes two to three years to complete all of the requirements for ACNM FNP certification. During this time, applicants should focus on gaining experience in primary care settings such as family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, geriatrics, or mental health.
The cost of ACNM FNP certification varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can range from $600-$1,000 for application fees and exam fees combined.
Overall, obtaining ACNM FNP Certification is a rigorous process that requires dedication and hard work but can be extremely rewarding for those who are committed to providing quality healthcare services to their patients.
7. International Council of Nurses (ICN) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a certification program for nurses who have completed a Master's degree in nursing and are interested in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. This certification is designed to demonstrate that the nurse has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide comprehensive primary care services to families across the lifespan.
To get this certification, a nurse must first complete an accredited Master’s degree program in nursing with a focus on family nurse practitioner studies. After completing the degree program, the nurse must then pass an examination administered by ICN. The exam includes topics such as health assessment, diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic conditions, pharmacology, health promotion and disease prevention, legal/ethical issues related to practice, health education/counseling/advocacy, research methods/evaluation of outcomes, and professional role development.
Once the exam is passed successfully, the nurse will receive their ICN Family Nurse Practitioner Certification. This certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed. To renew it, nurses must complete continuing education requirements set forth by ICN.
The cost of getting this certification varies depending on where you take the exam and what other materials are required for registration. Generally speaking though, it can range from $200-$400 USD.
8. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification is a nationally recognized certification for advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. The certification is granted by the NAPNAP Certification Board after successful completion of a comprehensive exam.
To become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by NAPNAP. These include: holding an active RN license in the United States or its territories; having a minimum of two years' experience in direct pediatric nursing care; having completed an accredited graduate-level nurse practitioner program with a focus on pediatrics; and completing 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in pediatrics within the past three years.
Once all eligibility requirements have been met, you can apply to take the NAPNAP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam. This exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis and management, pharmacology, professional issues, research utilization, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice per year at Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States.
The cost to take the NAPNAP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam is $395 for members of NAPNAP or $495 for non-members. If you pass the exam, you will receive your certification within six weeks after completing it.
9. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist is a credential that recognizes pediatricians who have completed additional training and experience in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. This certification helps to ensure that pediatricians are able to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for their patients.
In order to become an AAP Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist, a physician must complete at least 50 hours of approved continuing medical education (CME) in the area of mental health within the past five years, as well as at least 500 hours of direct clinical experience with children and adolescents with mental health conditions. The CME must include topics such as diagnosis and treatment of common mental health conditions, psychopharmacology, family dynamics, and cultural competence.
The cost for the AAP Certified Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400.
Once all requirements have been met, physicians can apply for certification through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The ABP will review applications and issue certifications upon successful completion of all requirements.
10. National Organization of Nurse Practice Facilitators (NONPF) Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Certificate
The National Organization of Nurse Practice Facilitators (NONPF) Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Certificate is a certification program that recognizes the advanced practice competencies of registered nurses. The certificate is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide quality care to patients in a variety of settings.
The NONPF Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Certificate requires successful completion of an approved course of study and passing a comprehensive examination. The coursework includes topics such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, clinical management, research methods, professional communication, and ethical decision-making. Upon successful completion of the coursework and passing the exam, the nurse will receive a certificate from NONPF recognizing their advanced practice competencies.
The program typically takes one year to complete depending on individual circumstances. To get started on this certification program you must first be licensed as an RN in your state or country and have completed at least two years of full-time practice as an RN. You must also submit transcripts from any nursing school you attended and proof of continuing education credits related to advanced practice nursing.
The cost for the NONPF Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Certificate varies depending on the specific requirements for each state or country. In general, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD plus additional fees for books and other materials needed for the program.
11. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) is a specialty certification for nurses who provide primary care to adults and geriatric patients. This certification focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, management, and prevention of common health problems in adult and older adult populations. The AGPCNP is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical competency in the field of adult-gerontology primary care nursing.
To obtain the AACN AGPCNP certification, nurses must have an active registered nurse license in their state or jurisdiction, a Master's degree or higher from an accredited nursing program with coursework in advanced pharmacology and physical assessment, at least 500 hours of clinical practice as an RN in adult-gerontology primary care within the past three years, and must pass the AACN AGPCNP Certification Exam.
The cost to take the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $350-$400. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining necessary documentation to apply for the exam such as transcripts or proof of licensure.
The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete all of the requirements listed above. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to become certified as an AACN AGPCNP.
Do You Really Need a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate?
The answer to whether you need a family nurse practitioner certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to become a nurse practitioner in the field of family health, then obtaining a certificate is an important step toward achieving that goal.
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) provides primary healthcare services to families, including preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, providing patient education, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. To practice as an FNP, you must have a Master’s degree in nursing or higher, along with a specialized certificate in family nurse practitioner from an accredited institution. This certification shows that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality healthcare services to families.
In addition to the educational requirements for becoming an FNP, there are also legal requirements such as obtaining licensure from your state board of nursing. Depending on where you live, this may involve taking additional courses or passing exams related to the scope of practice for FNPs. It is also important that FNPs stay abreast of current legislation related to their field so they can remain compliant with the law.
Overall, if becoming an FNP is something that interests you and fits within your career goals, then obtaining a certificate is essential for practicing in this field. The extra effort required to complete the educational requirements allows nurses to demonstrate their commitment and expertise in providing quality care for families.
Related: Family Nurse Practitioner Resume Examples
FAQs About Family Nurse Practitioner Certifications
1. What qualifications do I need to become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Answer: To become a Family Nurse Practitioner, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, an RN license and national certification as a family nurse practitioner.
2. How long does it take to become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Answer: It typically takes two to three years of full-time study or four to five years of part-time study to complete the requirements for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
3. What is the average salary for a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Answer: The average annual salary for a family nurse practitioner is approximately $109,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Answer: Yes, most states require that practitioners maintain their certifications by completing continuing education courses every few years.
5. Is there an exam I need to take in order to become certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Answer: Yes, you must pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination in order to become certified as a family nurse practitioner.