How to Apply for the AANP and ANCC Exams: A Step-by-Step Guide for NPs

Are you preparing to graduate from your nurse practitioner program? Do you have questions on how to apply to take your certification exam through the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) or the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)?

If so, you’re in the right place! At SMNP Reviews, we’re all about helping you become a real-deal NP, so let’s dive right into how you can successfully submit your NP certification exam application with confidence.

Who can register for AANP and ANCC?

AANP certifies nurse practitioners in the following specialties:

💜 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
💜 Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
💜 Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
💜 Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)

ANCC certifies nurse practitioners in the following specialties:

💜 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
💜 Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
💜 Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
💜 Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

If your specialty is available for both AANP and ANCC certification, then you get to choose which exam to take! You can find all the info about the differences between the exams in our other post, ANCC vs AANP: Which NP Certification Exam Should You Take?

How do I register for AANP and ANCC?

Depending on which exam you’re planning to take, the steps to register are quite similar—here’s how to apply step-by-step!

Prefer to watch? Check out these guides on the SMNP Reviews YouTube channel:

Step 1: Go to the AANP or ANCC Websites

For AANP, go to the AANP Certification Board website.

For ANCC, go to the ANCC “Our Certifications” website.

For both exams, make sure to review the candidate handbooks for all eligibility rules and processes!

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

If you’re a new user, you’ll follow the instructions on each site to create an account. You’ll first select the exam you want to take, and then follow the instructions to register. Just fill in your email, create a password, and share some essential personal information as requested. 

Step 3: Pick Your Exam

Once you’ve got your account ready, log in and pick the exam that suits your specialty. 

Step 4: Fill in the Blanks

This includes your contact information, including your name, address, and Social Security Number.

Step 5: Educational History

Share where you attended your NP program, graduation date, and when your degree will be officially conferred.

Remember, these dates can differ. Your program will have to send in information to verify your education. It’s a good idea to reach out to your program director or chairperson to clarify those dates and to make sure all necessary information was sent. This may include total clinical hours and any additional information required about the must-have courses like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced physical assessment.

Step 6: Clinical Sites

Include the details about your clinical sites, including addresses, specialties, and who your preceptor was.

Step 7: RN License Check

Include your license number, which state it’s from, and when it expires. You can even choose to notify your State Board of Nursing once you pass the exam, which may help to save some time with licensing later on!

Step 8: Upload Transcripts

Have your official transcript and RN license verification files ready to upload into the application. 

Step 9: Dot the I’s and Cross the T’s

Read and agree to all the statements, and don’t forget to sign your name at the bottom.

Step 10: Double-Check and Send

Give everything a final once-over, confirm your exam type and price, and submit your payment. (If you’re a member of any student or professional organizations related to nursing, you might be able to add them to your application and be eligible for potential discounts!)

Lastly, hit that submit button! Congratulations on officially applying for your NP board certification exam 🥳

Psst – still looking for resources to help you pass your NP boards with flying colors? Explore your options for Live Study Groups, Qbanks, courses, and more at SMNP Reviews! 💜

And for even more (free!) content to help you pass your exams, check out these other posts on the blog!

• Top Test-Taking Secrets for Your NP Board Exam
• How to Choose the Perfect NP Board Review Option for You
• NP Practice Questions: Breaking Them Down to Build Up Your Score!