Taking an exam is the final step to earning an ISA certification. Upon paying the exam fee, the application process is complete, and you have acknowledged that you meet the requirements listed below in numbers 1–3.

1. Commit to the ISA Code of Conduct.
2. Meet the education and work experience requirements for the specific certification for which you are applying.
3. Acknowledge that you are subject to a random application verification audit.
4. Agree to provide the supporting documents proving your qualifications if you are audited.
5. Pay the exam fee. (See “Exam Fee” section below for more information.)

Next Steps

1. Watch for an email from coming from our testing provider, Meazure Learning (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). Expect to receive it fifteen days before your exam window. The email will include information about how to schedule your exam online or at a test center. NOTE: If you have attended a CCST review course and wish to apply for CCST certification, you must also meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3. Since the application fee is included in the cost of all CCST review courses, you will receive an exam invitation within three business days after completing the review course.
2. Schedule and take your exam. You will be notified whether you pass or not immediately upon completing the exam.
3. Watch for an email summarizing your exam results. If you pass your exam, you will also receive your digital badge and you will be listed in the ISA Credential Directory.
4. Watch for an email from certification@isa.org regarding an audit. You will only receive this email if you have been randomly selected to be audited. If you do not receive this email, you do not need to do anything. Audits are conducted three times per year, so it may take several months after completing your exam to receive an email if you have been selected for an audit.

Certification Exams Available

All ISA certification exams are closed book and have multiple choice questions. The CCST Specialist—Level 2 certification exam is three hours long and all other certification exams are four hours long. See the information below for the number of questions in each exam.

Exam Fees 

Submit payment to apply for the chosen certification when you can confirm that you meet the certification requirements to sit for the exam and can test within the deadline of the exam window of your choosing. You will be notified by email with the next steps to schedule your exam.

CAP 

• CAP Requirements
• CAP Application Fee
  • 347 USD — ISA Members
  • 467 USD — Non-members 

CCST 

Apply for CCST Certification for Free

Register for one of the CCST review courses and apply for certification for no additional fee. The following courses qualify: Level I Review Course (TS00), Level II Review Course (TS02) or Level III Review Course (TS03). You will automatically receive an exam invitation once you start the course. By paying for the review course, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met and can document the requirements for the certification level for which you are applying.

Payment Methods

ISA accepts payment for exam fees by check, certified check, money order, PayPal payment, wire transfer in US Dollars, or credit card. Make checks payable to ISA. For wire transfer account information, please contact ISA Customer Service. The following credit cards are accepted: AMEX, Discover card, Master Card, and VISA. Purchase orders are not accepted.

Fees are nonrefundable. It is your responsibility as the applicant to thoroughly review the requirements of the certification for which you are applying. No refunds will be made for applicants who do not appear for testing on the appropriate exam date. There are no group discounts for certification application fees.

Exam Scheduling

After you pay your exam fee to complete the application process, you will receive an exam invitation (Notice to Schedule Exam) email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com 15 days before the beginning of your assigned exam window with steps to schedule the exam. Follow the instructions in the email to schedule your exam—online or at a test center—through the online exam scheduling system. You can get more information about your exam window deadline by accessing the “My Credentials” tab in your ISA account.

If you have not received your exam invitation within that time frame, please check your spam or junk folder for an email from candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com, as some server firewalls may block the receipt of the email. If you still are unable to find your exam invitation, please email certifications@isa.org for assistance.

See further related details on the Exam Procedures page.

Exam Windows

After passing the CAP or CCST certification exam, you will earn a digital badge. To access, manage, and/or share your secure digital badge, use your email address and password to enter your BadgeCert portfolio. If it is the first time accessing your portfolio, click “Request new password?” on their login page to create your password. More information about using your digital badge can be found here.

Grievances Appeal Process

If you feel you were wrongly denied certification, either original or renewal, from the CAP or CCST programs, then you have the right to appeal. Review the Grievances Appeal Process.

OR

• A four-year degree
• 36 months of leading and directing projects within the past eight years
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification
• While the PMP certification does not require a bachelor’s degree, job candidates who hold a four-year degree have a significant advantage. PMP candidates with a secondary degree must have 60 months of experience in leading and directing projects to qualify, while those with a four-year degree are only required to have 36 months of experience.
• In addition, the PMP certification requires 35 hours of project management education, compared to the CAPM’s 23-hour minimum requirement. Purdue’s flexible online Project Management Essentials course fulfills the hourly requirement of both certifications.

CAPM vs. PMP Certification exam Cost

Professionals who pursue project management certification are making a valuable, long-term investment in their careers. Part of that investment does include exam fees.

The PMI requires a fee for both exams, with the cost of the CAPM exam at $225 for PMI members and $300 for non-members. The cost of the PMP exam is $405 for PMI members and $575 for non-members. See the table below for a quick comparison.

A one-year membership to the PMI is $139 and comes with many tools and templates for your professional use, including a downloadable copy of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

Many companies offer professional development benefits that may cover employee education and professional credentialing costs. According to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resources, 78% of employers cover opportunities for professional skill development.

How Difficult Are the CAPM and PMP Certification Exams?

Because the CAPM is geared toward entry-level project managers or those who are considering a project management career, the CAPM exam is widely considered to be less rigorous than the PMP exam.

The CAPM exam questions are derived from the PMBOK® Guide, PMI’s global standards for project management, as well as other sources, which are listed (with the relevant chapters) in the CAPM exam reference list.

The PMP certification exam, on the other hand, is appropriate for individuals of varying experience levels — from those early in their career to established professionals with more significant project management experience — and is therefore more challenging to achieve.

Like the CAPM, the PMP exam also covers the PMBOK® Guide, but it also includes questions designed to test whether the candidate knows how to handle real-world project management scenarios.

To pass the PMP Exam, PMI not only recommends studying the PMBOK® Guide, the PMP Examination Content Outline and the PMP handbook, but also enrolling in a formal course of study offered by a PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), such as Purdue University.

CAPM exam Details

The CAPM exam consists of 150 questions that call for multiple-choice, hot spot and drag-and-drop responses, in addition to animations and comic strips. The exam questions cover four domains to integrate different project delivery approaches, with a specific proportion of questions in each.

Candidates have three hours to complete the test, with a 10-minute break in the middle.

PMP exam Details

The PMP exam consists of 180 questions that fall under three domains in predetermined proportions. About half of the questions represent predictive project management approaches, while the other half represent agile or hybrid approaches. Questions regarding these different approaches are spread throughout the domains.

Candidates have 230 minutes to complete the exam, with two 10-minute breaks.

CAPM vs. PMP Certification: Industry-Wide Benefits

Considering that the CAPM certification is more affordable and requires less experience than PMP certification, project managers may ask themselves, “Why would I pursue PMP certification?” The answer is simple: The PMP is the most significant, industry-recognized certification for project managers worldwide.

PMPs work in a wide range of industries in almost every country. Many employers require PMP certification when hiring project managers because PMPs have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to lead complex projects and direct project teams.

PMPs bring value to their organizations while advancing their own careers. Project managers with a PMP certification earn a 22% higher median salary than those without a PMP certification, according to PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey.

While CAPM certification isn’t as widely recognized as PMP certification, it demonstrates knowledge of PMI’s project management framework and project management processes, which can certainly benefit candidates when applying for jobs. In addition, CAPM-certified employees have a working knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide, which can serve as an excellent first step to eventually pursue PMP certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to convert a CAPM to a PMP?
Converting to PMP certification is not an option. However, CAPM certification meets the PMP exam requirement for 35 hours of project management education/training, so you can achieve PMP certification faster.

How much experience do you need for CAPM certification?
CAPM certification does not require any professional experience, making it an attractive credential for exact graduates as well as anyone seeking to begin a career in project management. However, it does require a minimum of 23 contact hours of project management education.

How much experience do you need for PMP certification?
The experience needed to qualify for the PMP exam and go on to earn PMP certification is based on previous education:

• Professionals with a four-year degree must have a minimum of three years (36 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 4,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.
• Professionals without a four-year degree must have a minimum of five years (60 months) of non-overlapping project management experience, during which at least 7,500 hours were spent leading and directing project tasks and activities.

The experience requirements must have been accumulated within the past eight years.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn CAPM certification?
PMI membership is not required to take the CAPM exam or earn certification, but members do receive a discount on the exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members), as well as other benefits.

Do I have to be a PMI member to earn PMP certification?
No, it is not necessary to become a PMI member to earn PMP certification, though members do have a reduced exam fee ($60 for PMI members, down from $150 for non-members) among other benefits.

How long does it take to process the CAPM application? How long does it take to process the PMP application?
According to the PMI, applications take about five to ten days to process.

Do I need to renew my CAPM certification or my PMP certification?
Yes, both the CAPM certification and the PMP certification require a renewal every three years.

• Professionals with CAPM certification need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 15 professional development units (PDUs) over the three-year cycle in order to maintain their status. These PDUs are broken down into nine PMI Talent Triangle PDUs and six Giving Back PDUs.
• Those who have a PMP certification will need to pay a renewal fee ($60 for PMI members, $150 for non-members) plus earn 60 PDUs over the three-year cycle to maintain their status. PMP professionals have some choice in how they distribute their required PDUs; visit the PMI’s requirements page for more information.

Purdue University’s Online Project Management Courses

Professionals who participate in Purdue University’s online project management courses can gain a wealth of field knowledge, solid foundational skills, and exceedingly effective preparation for the PMP exam in order to obtain a project management certificate. Course materials and activities align closely with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) to help learners retain project management knowledge and apply it to their current projects.

Project Management Essentials
This 100% online, instructor-led course runs for eight weeks and allows working professionals to gain familiarity with basic project management concepts and terms.

Participants are empowered to begin effectively applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to current projects and earn project management hours that can help qualify them to take the PMP exam.

Experienced PME instructors engage participants in a range of learning activities, including directed study of the PMBOK® Guide; online discussions; recorded lectures; quizzes and self-tests; and written assignments. The instructors also welcome the opportunity to coach interested learners on an individual basis via email or scheduled phone appointment.

PMP exam Preparation
PMP exam Preparation is a live, virtual course based on the PMBOK® Guide. Enrollment includes 90-day access to all course material, which is 100% aligned to the Project Management Institute’s PMP® exam Prep content.

Participants get an in-depth review of some of the most challenging learning material on the exam and learn how to build a personal study plan.

This course is for project managers who have a minimum of three years’ experience and prior knowledge of the PMBOK® Guide.

Project Management Professional, PMP, CAPM, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Sources
Project Management Institute. 2020. “PMI® Certifications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/generic-certification-handbook-sixteen-translations.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2023. “PMI® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/capm20ecofinal.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Project Management Professional (PMP®) Examination Content Outline.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/pmp-examination-content-outline.pdf

Project Management Institute. 2021. “Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf

Society for Human Resources. 2022. “Employee Benefits Survey: Executive Summary.” Accessed June 5, 2023. https://shrm-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1654193525/Membership%202022/Employee_Benefits_Survey_-_Executive_Summary_-_FINAL.pdf

Social work licensing practices vary widely by state. Some states require entry-level and generalist social workers to pass an exam and earn licensure. In other states, you only need a license to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provide psychotherapy services.

In many states, social work licensure at any level requires you to pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The ASWB exam is a nationally recognized assessment that evaluates your comprehension of human behavior and development.

If you’re a social work major or considering pivoting into the human services field, read on to discover how to prepare for, take and pass the ASWB licensure exam—with or without a social work degree.

What Is the ASWB Exam?

ASWB is a nonprofit organization comprising all of the state social work regulatory boards in the United States and Canada. This body regulates the social work profession and administers the licensure exam that evaluates prospective social workers’ ethics and expertise. Passing the ASWB exam is the final step to earning a social work license in many states.

ASWB offers five exam categories—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical—each tailored to a specific education and experience level. A candidate’s exam category determines their title and scope of practice post-licensure.

Within a four-hour window, ASWB exam-takers must answer questions concerning:

• Human development, diversity and behavior in the environment
• Assessment (of clients’ physical and mental status)
• Interventions with clients
• Professional relationships, values and ethics

ASWB exam Categories

All ASWB exam categories contain 170 questions on human development and behavior, but question types may vary among categories. For example, the associate and bachelor’s exams lean more heavily on recall questions than other exam categories, which feature larger proportions of reasoning questions.

Each exam category may lead to a different level of social work licensure depending on your state’s licensing processes. Not all states offer all five categories of the ASWB exam.

Associate

This category offers a licensure pathway for applicants who want to practice social work without earning a four-year degree in the field. In most cases, associate-level social workers can only practice under supervision.

A handful of states offer this licensing pathway: South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Only South Dakota, New Hampshire and Massachusetts require associate-level social workers to pass the associate ASWB exam.

Registration for the associate ASWB exam category costs $230.

Bachelor’s

The ASWB bachelor’s exam, which also costs $230, evaluates your generalist understanding of social work practices and ethics. You must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college to sit for this exam category.

The bachelor’s category features the same questions as the associate category.

Passing the bachelor’s exam qualifies you to become a non-clinical baccalaureate social worker. Exact titles vary among states; in Oregon, these professionals are called registered baccalaureate social workers, while North Carolina calls them certified social workers.

In most cases, social workers at this level interview clients, manage cases, conduct research and advocate for social justice. Depending on the state, they may only be able to practice autonomously after gaining supervised work experience post-licensure.

Master’s

The ASWB master’s category requires a master of social work (MSW) and usually qualifies applicants for the licensed master social worker (LMSW) credential. Again, the exact title may vary by state—Indiana calls these professionals licensed social workers, for example.

The master’s-level exam tests your foundational understanding of the social work field and evaluates your application of specialized skills gained during their MSW program. Licensees know how to apply advanced practice skills and specialized knowledge in their roles.

LMSWs can drive social change and justice for various communities. In some states, they can provide clinical therapy with oversight from an LCSW. The registration fee for this ASWB exam category is $230.

Advanced Generalist:

The advanced generalist category is tailored to prospective LMSWs who aspire to work in macro-level roles. This means working with large populations, such as entire states and countries. The advanced generalist ASWB exam indicates a desire to work with public policy, state or national campaigns, or other government initiatives.

To sit for the advanced generalist ASWB exam, you must hold a master’s degree in social work plus two years of nonclinical professional experience.

With a fee of $260, test takers can prove their expertise in social justice, public policy and administration, and public welfare to their state licensing boards.

Clinical

The minimum requirements for this ASWB category include an MSW and two years of clinical experience. The clinical ASWB test serves prospective social workers who want to provide mental health services in clinical settings.

LCSWs (who may work under different titles, depending on where they practice) provide psychotherapy services to prevent, diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Through individual or group therapy, these professionals help people struggling with emotional distress.

Clinical social workers practice independently in various settings, including hospitals, schools, psychiatric facilities and social service agencies. Registering for the clinical ASWB exam category costs $260.

Signing Up for the ASWB Exam

Apply for a State License

First, you must get your state board’s approval to register for the ASWB exam. Approval processes differ depending on the state where you want to practice.

Typical requirements vary by state and license level but may include college transcripts, a license application fee and proof of supervised experience, which you can send to the board via email or fax. Some states may also require you to provide fingerprints and undergo a background check.

Sign Up for the ASWB Exam

Once you receive approval from your state social work board, you must register for the appropriate ASWB licensure exam, either online, via mail or by fax. Registration costs between $230 and $260, depending on your exam category.

If your registration is successful, you’ll receive an “authorization to test” email from ASWB.

Schedule Your Test with Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE provides testing centers for licensure applicants nationwide. You can schedule, cancel and reschedule exam appointments with Pearson VUE through the testing authorization email.

Preparing for the ASWB Exam

Understand How the exam Is Structured

The ASWB exam is a four-hour, computer-based test comprising 170 multiple-choice questions that test your expertise and decision-making skills as a social worker.

Exam questions cover various content areas and competencies you should have covered during your degree program. You may also find knowledge, skills and abilities statements resembling real-life situations that require critical thinking. To pass the licensure exam, you must answer about 100 out of the 150 questions correctly.

Take a Practice Test

Although self-study is necessary to pass professional exams, practice tests can help you prepare better. By taking a mock test, you can identify loopholes in your study plan, learn the testing software, understand your strengths and areas for improvement, and prepare for complex questions.

After you register for your exam, ASWB offers a 30-day window to take a practice test for an additional $85. Practice exams exist for all categories except the advanced generalist exam.

Other test prep resources offer free practice tests, but ASWB warns against those resources because their content may be misleading.

Know What to Expect on Test Day

ASWB enforces several security measures on test day to ensure a reliable exam process. Prepare to present two photo IDs and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Pearson VUE test centers are fitted with surveillance tools to detect exam malpractice. Test Center personnel may also walk through the room at intervals.

You cannot enter the testing center with personal items, but you will receive erasable note boards, markers and other necessary materials from the Test Center personnel. You must return the items after the exam or risk invalidating your score.

The testing equipment should look like a typical computer setup. Test administrators may provide a short on-screen tutorial to help you navigate the software.

Decompress After the Exam

Upon completing the licensure exam, you’ll receive an unofficial score report at the Test Center indicating your performance. ASWB will then send the official score report to your state’s social work board two weeks after the exam.

Note that your scores cannot be altered at any point, so all you can do is wait for your state board to contact you or go ahead with other state-specific requirements. This may take anywhere from two weeks to a month.

If you fail the licensure exam, you can retake it after 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the ASWB Exam

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP), a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), requires significant education and training, as well as knowledge, skills and competencies. Aspiring NPs must be licensed registered nurses (RNs), hold a bachelor of science in nursing and complete a masters in nursing or a doctorate of nursing program graduate programs.

The last step on the long journey to becoming an NP is passing a national nursing certification exam in your specialization. Passing the right exam demonstrates your advanced clinical knowledge and skills and shows employers you can succeed as an NP in your specialty.

Two national organizations, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), offer nurse practitioner certifications. You must pass a board certification exam from either AANP or ANCC to become an NP.

NPs specializing in family or adult-gerontology primary care can take either an AANP exam or an ANCC exam. For other practice specialties, like psychiatric-mental health, only one organization offers the relevant exam and credential.

Learn more about AANP vs. ANCC nursing certifications, and figure out which path is right for you.

AANP vs. ANCC

AANP and ANCC both offer NP certifications and board certification exams. AANP is a membership organization representing more than 121,000 nurse practitioners across North America. Its credentialing arm is the AANP Certification Board (AANPCB), which only offers NP certifications.

ANCC is an offshoot of the American Nurses Association (ANA), a professional group with 4 million members in the United States. ANCC administers certifications to both NPs and registered nurses with an associates degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

If you’re pursuing NP certification in family or adult-gerontology primary care, you can do so through AANPCB or ANCC. Other NP specializations do not offer a choice; you must take the relevant certification exam from whichever organization offers it.

For example, aspiring emergency nurse practitioners can only pursue certification through AANPCB. NPs seeking to specialize in psychiatric mental health, on the other hand, must earn their credentials through ANCC.

What Is the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)?

AANP created AANPCB, a nonprofit credentialing organization for nurse practitioners, to offer NP certifications in the following specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)

AANP members receive a $75 discount on AANPCB certification applications.

Certifications Offered by AANPCB

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)

The A-GNP certification demonstrates clinical knowledge of adults from age 13 until advanced age and end-of-life. This certification qualifies you for NP licensure specializing in adult patients. A-GNPs have demonstrated expertise and competencies in health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions, and evidence-based practice.

The certification’s competency-based exam includes 150 questions, including 15 pre-test questions that do not count toward your score. The test covers assessment, diagnosis, plan and evaluation domains, including questions about all age parameters. Online applications cost $240 for AANP members and $315 for nonmembers. Prices may change over time and discounts may be available for members of specific nursing organizations. Members should check with their association membership offices to see if discounts are applicable.

A-GNP applicants must hold an active RN license. Other eligibility requirements include a minimum of 500 graduate level clinical practicum hours and successful completion of a graduate or postgraduate adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program at an accredited school of nursing.

To find out more about earning RN licensure, review our guide on how to become an RN.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The FNP certification qualifies holders to apply for a state license to practice as an FNP offering primary care across the life span, from prenatal patients to older adults.

The competency-based exam includes 150 questions (135 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions). The test assesses knowledge of various age and practice domains like assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and planning. It covers courses like cultural competence, crisis management, pain management and anatomy.

FNP applicants with AANP memberships pay $240 to apply online, while nonmembers pay $315. Eligibility requirements for the FNP include an active RN license, completion of a graduate or postgraduate family nurse practitioner program at an accredited school and at least 500 clinical hours.

To learn more, see our guide on how to become a family nurse practitioner.

What Is the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)?

As part of ANA, ANCC offers various certifications to help NPs and RNs advance their careers. ANCC’s NP certifications include:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC®)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC®)
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC™)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™)

In addition to providing certifications, ANCC also accredits healthcare organizations that offer or approve continuing education for nurses. ANCC recognizes healthcare organizations that encourage safe and effective nursing practice as well. ANA members can save $100 on ANCC’s NP certification application fees.

NP Certifications Offered by ANCC

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC)

ANCC’s AGPCNP-BC credential qualifies you to practice as an entry-level adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. To qualify for the AGPCNP-BC, you must hold RN licensure and pass a national certification exam.

To obtain this credential, you must earn an accredited AGPCNP master’s in nursing, a DNP or a postgraduate certificate including at least 500 supervised clinical hours. Applicants must complete three APRN core graduate courses in advanced physiology or pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and advanced pharmacology.

The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification provides accreditation for this certification, which requires renewal every five years. For initial certification, ANA members pay $295, and nonmembers pay $395. AANP members, AANP student members and Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) members also receive discounts.

The AGPCNP exam assesses competency in clinical knowledge and skills for this specialty. The competency-based test lasts 3.5 hours and includes 175 questions (150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions). Questions cover the patient assessment process, plan of care and professional practice, spanning different age groups, body systems and drug agents.

You can take ANCC’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Readiness Test to assess your preparedness for the official exam. You can use ANCC’s study aids to prepare for the test.

Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)

ANCC’s FNP-BC credential qualifies you to apply for state licensure to work as a family nurse practitioner. This certification requires renewal every five years.

To earn this credential, you must pass the competency-based FNP-BC exam to demonstrate that you have the clinical skills and knowledge necessary for FNP work. The 3.5-hour test includes 175 questions (150 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest questions). exam content covers assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation with questions about different age groups, drug agents and body systems.

ANA members pay $295 for initial certification; nonmembers pay $395. AANP members, AANP student members and GAPNA members also receive discounts.

Eligibility requirements for the FNP-BC certification include a current RN license and an FNP master’s, postgraduate certificate or DNP from an accredited school. The FNP program must include 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours. Applicants must also complete three graduate-level APRN core courses covering advanced physiology or pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and advanced pharmacology.

You can take ANCC’s FNP readiness test to assess your exam readiness and to get a better idea of what to expect. ANCC also provides other study aids, including demo questions and a test content outline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AANP vs. ANCC