Top 10 Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Certifications are important for nurse practitioners in the job market because they provide evidence of a nurse practitioner's specialized knowledge and skills. Certifications demonstrate that a nurse practitioner has achieved a certain level of expertise in their field and can perform at a higher level than an uncertified or entry-level nurse practitioner. Employers often prefer to hire certified nurse practitioners since it is an indication that they have taken the time to develop their skills and knowledge in their chosen specialty area. Additionally, certifications can give nurse practitioners an edge when competing for jobs since employers may be more likely to hire someone who has proven themselves through certification exams.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most beneficial certifications for Nurse Practitioners, and explain how they can help to further a Nurse Practitioner's career.

What are Nurse Practitioner Certifications?

Nurse practitioner certification is a credential that demonstrates a nurse practitioner’s advanced education, training, and experience. Nurse practitioners must meet certain criteria to be certified, including completion of an accredited graduate-level program and passage of a national certification exam. Certification helps employers recognize the nurse practitioner’s expertise and provides assurance that the nurse has the necessary clinical knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients.

Having a certification also provides NP's with greater autonomy in practice. Depending on their state laws, they may have the ability to order diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses and refer patients to specialists without having to consult with a physician first.

In addition, many organizations require nurse practitioners to be certified as part of their hiring process or for advancement within their organization. The certification can also help them stand out in job searches or when applying for promotions since it is evidence of their commitment to excellence in patient care.

Finally, obtaining certification can lead to improved job satisfaction as it validates the nurse practitioner’s hard work and dedication in achieving this recognition. It also allows them to feel more knowledgeable and confident in their practice which can lead to better patient outcomes due to improved care delivery.

Pro Tip: Make sure to review the eligibility requirements for nurse practitioner certification in your state before you start the application process. Each state has different rules and regulations that must be met, so it's important to do your research beforehand.

Related: What does a Nurse Practitioner do?

Top 10 Nurse Practitioner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Nurse Practitioners today.

1. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes nurse practitioners who have met specific criteria and demonstrate advanced knowledge in their field. AANP certification is a way for nurse practitioners to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in patient care and professional practice.

In order to become certified, nurse practitioners must meet specific eligibility requirements, including having an active RN license and completing an accredited graduate-level program. Additionally, they must pass the AANP Certification Exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as clinical management, pharmacology, health promotion and disease prevention, physical assessment, and professional issues.

The exam typically takes three hours to complete. After passing the exam, nurse practitioners will receive their AANP Certification within four to six weeks.

The cost of the AANP Certification Exam varies depending on when it is taken; however, it generally ranges from $260-$400 USD.

2. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and is the largest and most prestigious nursing credentialing organization in the United States. ANCC offers certification programs for nurses at all levels, from entry-level to advanced practice. Certification through ANCC demonstrates that a nurse has achieved a high level of expertise in their specialty area and is committed to providing quality care.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the certification process, depending on the type of certification being sought. To get certified, nurses must meet eligibility requirements, which vary by program, and then pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions related to the specialty area for which certification is being sought.

The cost of an ANCC certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought and whether or not you are an ANA member. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 for non-members and $100-$400 for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with renewing your certification every five years.

3. National Board for Certification of Nurse Practitioners (NBCNP) Certification

The National Board for Certification of Nurse Practitioners (NBCNP) is a non-profit organization that provides board certification to nurse practitioners. It is the only national certifying body for nurse practitioners in the United States and its certification is recognized by all 50 states.

To become certified through NBCNP, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, complete a specialized training program, and pass a comprehensive exam. The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's background and experience.

In order to get certified, individuals must first submit an application along with any required documents such as transcripts or proof of education. Once accepted into the program, individuals will need to complete a specialized training program which typically includes classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and supervised practice hours. Once this is completed, applicants can then take the comprehensive exam which covers topics such as diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, pharmacology, health promotion and disease prevention.

The cost of getting NBCNP certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This fee covers the cost of the exam as well as any additional fees associated with completing the program such as application fees or clinical rotation costs.

Overall, becoming certified through NBCNP is an important step in becoming a successful nurse practitioner in the United States and can help ensure that individuals are properly trained and qualified to provide quality healthcare services to their patients.

4. Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) Certification

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification in pediatric nursing. The PNCB offers two certifications, the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and the Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN).

To become certified as a CPN, applicants must have an active RN license, one year of full-time experience in pediatrics or at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in pediatrics within the past three years, and must pass the CPN exam. To become certified as a CPEN, applicants must have an active RN license, one year of full-time experience in pediatric emergency care or at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in pediatric emergency care within the past three years, and must pass the CPEN exam.

It typically takes four to six weeks to receive your certification once you have completed all requirements. You can apply for certification online through the PNCB website. The cost for either certification is $295 USD.

5. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional achievement of nurse practitioners (NPs) who have met rigorous standards of practice. The AANP Certification Program is designed to ensure that NPs are knowledgeable, competent, and up-to-date in their practice.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the AANP Certification process. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having an active RN license and completing an accredited NP program. You will then need to submit an application online or by mail and pay the applicable fee. After your application is reviewed and approved, you will be required to take and pass a comprehensive exam.

The cost for taking the AANP Certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member of the AANP or not. For non-members, the cost is $395; for members, it is $295. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application or renewing your certification every five years.

6. Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Certification

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of oncology nurses. It is a way for nurses to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care to cancer patients and their families.

To become certified, nurses must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam. The ONS offers three levels of certification: Certified Oncology Nurse (CON), Advanced Certified Oncology Nurse (ACON), and Advanced Practice Certified Oncology Nurse (APCON).

The CON certification requires a minimum of two years of experience as an oncology nurse, while the ACON and APCON certifications require five years of experience. Nurses must also have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in oncology nursing within the past three years in order to be eligible for any level of certification.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacology, symptom management, patient education, communication, ethical decision making, and professional practice issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The fee for taking the exam varies depending on the level of certification sought. The fee for CON certification is $350; the fee for ACON certification is $450; and the fee for APCON certification is $550.

Once certified, nurses must renew their certifications every five years by completing 50 hours of continuing education in oncology nursing or passing another exam.

7. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification is a voluntary certification program for nurses who specialize in critical care. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of nurses who provide care to acutely and critically ill patients.

To become AACN certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having an active nursing license and at least one year of full-time experience in acute or critical care. Applicants must also pass a written examination covering topics such as pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical judgment, and professional practice.

The process typically takes about six months from the time of application to the time of certification. The cost for the AACN Certification program varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, it generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

8. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Certification

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Certification is a credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge and expertise of pediatric nurse practitioners. It is awarded to those who have demonstrated mastery in providing care for children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 21.

In order to obtain NAPNAP Certification, an individual must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a valid, unrestricted RN license in the United States or its territories
• Have completed a master’s degree or higher from an accredited nursing program
• Have completed at least 500 hours of clinical practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner within the past three years
• Pass the NAPNAP certification examination
• Maintain continuing education credits as required by NAPNAP
• Renew certification every five years by meeting recertification requirements.

The process of obtaining NAPNAP Certification typically takes several months. After submitting an application and paying the fee, applicants must register for and take the certification exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health promotion/disease prevention; assessment; diagnosis; management; professional issues; and pharmacology. The exam can be taken at any Prometric Testing Center throughout the United States. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their certification within four to six weeks.

The cost for taking the NAPNAP Certification Exam is $400 for members of NAPNAP and $500 for non-members. There may be additional costs associated with preparing for and taking the exam, such as study materials or review courses. Additionally, there are fees associated with renewing certification every five years ($50 for members and $75 for non-members).

9. American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) Certification

The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for midwives in the United States. It is the only national certifying body for midwives and is recognized by the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, and the North American Registry of Midwives.

To obtain AMCB certification, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements. This includes completing an accredited midwifery program, passing a comprehensive written examination, and meeting clinical practice requirements. The process typically takes about two years to complete.

To get started on the certification process, applicants must first submit an application with all required documentation to the AMCB. This includes transcripts from any postsecondary institutions attended, proof of completion of a midwifery education program, proof of current licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction where practicing midwifery, and verification of current professional liability insurance coverage. Once these documents are received and accepted by the AMCB, applicants can then register for and take the written exam.

The cost to apply for AMCB certification varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. For example, it costs $425 to apply for Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) certification while it costs $575 to apply for Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) certification. In addition to this fee, there is also a separate fee for taking the written exam which ranges from $395-$495 depending on which type of exam you take.

Overall, obtaining AMCB certification requires dedication and commitment but can be an extremely rewarding experience that allows you to practice professionally as a certified midwife in many states across the country.

10. Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)Certification

The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is a professional organization that provides certification for advanced practice nurses who specialize in geriatric care. GAPNA certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of advanced practice nurses who have achieved expertise in gerontological nursing. This certification is available to all registered nurses with an advanced degree in nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

To become certified through GAPNA, applicants must meet certain educational and clinical experience requirements. Applicants must have completed at least 500 hours of direct patient care in a gerontological setting over the past three years, and must also hold a current RN license. After meeting these requirements, applicants can submit their application to GAPNA for review.

Once approved, applicants will be required to pass an examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, health promotion, assessment and diagnosis, management of chronic conditions, ethics and legal issues related to gerontological care. The cost of the exam is $395 for members of GAPNA and $495 for non-members.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants will receive their GAPNA certification within four weeks. Certification is valid for five years before renewal is required. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits related to gerontological nursing practice and submission of a renewal application with payment of the appropriate fee ($125 for members; $175 for non-members).

Do You Really Need a Nurse Practitioner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, then obtaining a certificate is an important step in the process. A nurse practitioner certificate demonstrates that you have the necessary qualifications and skills to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner. It also helps to establish your credibility and demonstrate that you have the knowledge and expertise required to work in this field.

A nurse practitioner certificate will provide you with additional education and training beyond what is typically included with a nursing degree. This additional education can include courses related to pharmacology, physical assessment, diagnosis, treatments, and other specialized areas of nursing practice. With these extra qualifications, a nurse practitioner can diagnose and treat more complex medical conditions than someone without a certificate might be able to do.

Not all states require nurse practitioners to obtain certification before they can practice; however, many employers prefer candidates who hold this credential because it shows that they have taken the extra steps necessary for success as an advanced registered nurse practitioner. In addition, having a certificate may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field or seeking promotions within your current role.

Ultimately, obtaining a nurse practitioner certificate is an individual decision based on your own career goals. However, it is generally recommended for those who wish to practice at the highest level of nursing care available and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field.

Related: Nurse Practitioner Resume Examples

FAQs About Nurse Practitioner Certifications

1. What is a Nurse Practitioner Certification?

A Nurse Practitioner Certification is a credential awarded to Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed an accredited program of advanced nursing education and training. This certification allows them to provide primary care services independently, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and counseling patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.

2. How long does it take to become certified?

The length of time to become certified varies depending on the individual’s educational background. Generally, it takes two or three years of full-time study in an accredited nurse practitioner program to complete the degree requirements for certification.

3. What are the educational requirements for Nurse Practitioners?

In order to become a Nurse Practitioner, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, as well as a valid RN license. Depending on the state you live in, you may also need additional certifications or licensure requirements before practicing as a Nurse Practitioner.

4. What is the difference between a Physician Assistant (PA) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals trained to provide medical services under the supervision of physicians while Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who can independently diagnose, treat, and manage patient issues within their scope of practice.

5. How often do I have to renew my Nurse Practitioner Certification?

The renewal period for most certifications is typically every two years with continuing education courses required during that time period in order to maintain certification status.