Q: What address do I use to mail correspondence or my documentation (CEs, official transcripts, applications, name changes) to?
A: Documents should be mailed to: AANPCP, P.O. Box 12926, Austin, TX 78711

• Documents requiring overnight delivery, or mailings requiring a signature (USPS/ UPS/FedEx), should be sent to:AANPCP, 2600 Via Fortuna, Suite240, Austin, TX 78746

Back to FAQs

Q: What is the National Consensus Model for APRN Regulation?
A: In 2008, the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education (LACE) was published. There are currently 45 national nursing organizations, including AANPCP, involved in this collaborative effort. The creation of this regulatory model will help to define the 4 roles of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) today at the graduate level, as well as serve to provide clarity and consistency in states laws, regulations and schools of nursing governing APRN roles, standards, and practices. The goals of the Consensus Model include increased transparency and communication among the 4 regulatory components of licensure, accreditation, certification, and education; and protection of the public by ensuring that APRNs are comprehensively educated and prepared to practice appropriately. The proposed implementation date is 2015.

Q: What does APRN “Core”, “Role” and “Population Foci” mean?
A: For licensure and APRN credentialing under the APRN Consensus Model, requirements specify that all APRNs be educated in nationally recognized competencies of the APRN Core (advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology); the APRN Role (appropriate clinical and didactic experiences in 1 of the 4 APRN roles: CNP, CNS, CNA, CNM); and population-focused competencies in at least 1 of 6 population foci: lifespan/family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, neonatal, women’s health/gender-related, or psych/mental health.

Q. Will I be required to have a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree by 2015 to be eligible to sit for the AANPCP National Certification Exam?
A:Unsure. The concept of changing the entry-level terminal degree for advance practice nurses from a MSN to the DNP by the year 2015 has been under discussion for more than a decade. It is a recommendation, and AANPCP does endorse the idea of the DNP. The implementation of such a requirement is complex and is, therefore, not yet a mandate. Current entry-level preparation for NP practice is a graduate degree in nursing. AANPCP will continue to offer certification as long as you have a master’s degree, post-master’s certificate, or doctoral degree from an accredited APRN program.

Q: Where can I find more information on the APRN Consensus Model?
A: For more information and for references, please refer to:

• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (www.nonpf.org)
• The DNP link on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing website (www.aanc.nche.edu)
• The following Position Statements under the Publications tab on the AANP website (www.aanp.org):
• Discussion Paper: Doctor of Nursing Practice (AANP, 2010)
• Position Statement on Nurse Practitioner Curriculum (AANP, 2010)
• The National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (www.ncsbn.org ).

Back to FAQs

Q: Does AANPCP offer a Practice Exam?
A: Yes. A 75-item multiple-choice Practice Examination for the FNP certification will be available starting in late April or May of 2012 for a fee of $50. The A-GNP Practice Exam will be available later this year after the completion of the role delineation study and the blueprint is developed. These practice exams will be administered independently by TesTrac.com, an online testing service.

Q: What certification examinations are offered by AANPCP?
A: The Certification Program currently offers entry-level primary care Adult, Family, and Gerontologic, Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification exams. AANPCP plans to offer the new Adult-Gerontology primary care NP certification exam beginning in early 2013.

Q: Is the AANPCP certification nationally recognized by all states?
A: Yes, the examination is recognized by all states, as well as by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and most private insurance companies. Since the GNP certification may not be recognized by some states, it is best to check with the state regulatory agencies if that is the only NP certification you plan to take. Remember, the GNP certification is being phased out as an entry level certification by 2013.

Q: Is the AANPCP Certification recognized by Canada?
A: In some Provinces, yes. But the certificant should check with the respective governing board of the province in which they plan to practice regarding this.

Q: Will AANPCP be retiring any certification exams soon?
A: Yes, we are. In anticipation of implementation of the Consensus Model, the Gerontologic examination will be retired as an entry-level certification exam in 2013. We anticipate the phasing out of the Adult examination by 2014. As long as you maintain current certification with AANPCP as an ANP or GNP through continuing education and clinical practice hours, and do not allow your certification to lapse, your credential will not be affected.

Back to FAQs

Q: What are the eligibility requirements to take the certification examination?
A: Certification is offered to graduates of accredited masters, post-masters, or doctoral level Adult, Family, and Gerontologic nurse practitioner programs in the U.S. and Canada. In order to complete processing of an applicant’s application, additional requirements include the successful completion of:

• a minimum of 500 (or more) clinical clock hours of faculty-supervised practice;
• courses in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology;
• a current active RN license in a state or territory of the United States; and
• an official transcript showing academic “work-to-date” completed, or a final official transcript showing your degree awarded (conferred)

Q: How soon before I graduate from my nurse practitioner program can I begin the application process?
A: You may begin the application process as early as 6 months before graduating to allow time for review and for you to send in any missing information. We encourage you to establish an online AANP Certification Profile and Account with us. Visit www.aanpcertification.org to begin.

Q: I have not completed my program. Can I submit my application without a final transcript?
A: Prior to your graduation, AANPCP will accept an official transcript from your university showing the courses you have completed and academic “work-to-date”. Your application can be processed and then sent for professional review. Candidates cannot sit for an examination until after they have completed their program. Examination scores will not be released until after we have received your official final transcript or certificate showing completion date of the program and degree or certificate received.

Q: What does a “complete” application mean?
A: A complete application includes the following:

• Your complete name (as printed on your state issued ID) and address
• Copy of your current RN license
• NP Program Information, Program Description sections with required coursework, clinical sites and clock hours filled out completely
• Complete addresses (street number, city, state and zip) of your clinical practice sites, site specialty and your preceptor's full name and credentials
• Official transcript of academic coursework to date, and/or final transcript stating degree with date conferred. Post-Masters applicants must also submit an official MSN transcript
• Payment in full (including late fees if applicable)
• E-mails are sent weekly to candidates whose application is missing information
• A candidate cannot sit for the exam if their application is incomplete

Q: My state does not mail RN licenses anymore. How can I get a copy of my RN license?
A: You should first look on the website for your State Board of Nursing. Most states provide registered nurse online verification using your license number. Another resource is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org).

Q: What is an official final transcript?
A: An official final transcript will have the university insignia, degree completed, and date degree conferred. AANPCP must receive official final transcripts in a sealed envelope issued from the school registrar's office. Faxed transcripts are not official.

Q: Can transcripts be sent directly from my school?
A: Yes, they can. Some universities are able to send official transcripts to via secured website (e.g. E-Script, National Student Clearinghouse) and can be sent to certification@aanp.org. Otherwise, request that the university send your transcript directly to AANPCP in a sealed envelope.

Q: May I enclose my transcript with my application?
A: Yes, as long as it is in an envelope sealed by the university’s registrar.

Q: Do you expedite processing of certification applications?
A: Normal processing time for an initial application takes 3 to 5 weeks, depending upon receipt of a completed application, required documentation, and fees, before undergoing professional review for completion. Given this turn-around time, AANPCP does not currently provide expediting of applications.

Q: I am completing a post-master’s degree. Do you still require a transcript from me?
A: Yes. We require a transcript showing your master’s degree in nursing awarded. However, we can begin processing your post-master’s application without it if you provide us an official transcript of “work-to-date” to begin your application process. Once you have completed your post-master’s program, we will need your PM certificate or a letter from the university showing completion of an accredited Adult, Family, or Gerontologic post-master’s program in order to release your certification scores and send you your certificate.

Q: How will I know the status of my application?
A: You will be notified by e-mail if additional information is required for the completion of your application. This is an automatic process that occurs weekly beginning about 2 weeks after you submitted your application.

Q: What is the process for approval of an application to sit for the exam and how will I know?
A:Approval to sit for the examination is granted only after your application is received, reviewed for completeness, and has undergone professional review. Once you have been approved, you will receive an email and an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from AANPCP notifying you of approval to sit for the certification exam. This ATT letter will provide you information on scheduling your examination. You will then receive a separate letter from Professional Examination Service (PES) within 10 business days with your ID Registration Number and instructions to schedule your exam at the testing center. You may then select and schedule the date, location, and time for your examination according to the instructions in the letter. If you have not received a letter from PES within 14 days of receipt of your ATT letter, you should notify AANPCP at 512-442-5202.

It is important to note that:

• Applicants who apply prior to graduating will receive this letter no sooner than 2 weeks before your graduation date (date your degree is conferred)
• Candidates will not be allowed to sit for a certification examination until after completion of their program
• Examination test scores will not be released until after an official final transcript or post-master’s certificate with date and completion of an Adult, Family, or Gerontologic nurse practitioner program has been received AND processed by AANPCP

Q: What can I expect on the day of the examination and what is considered “acceptable form of identification” that I should take to the testing center?
A: Please refer to FAQs on the Prometric website (www.prometric.com) for important information regarding “Prometric Testing Center Regulations” and answers to your “Test Center Experience” questions, including what is considered an acceptable form of identification. .

Q: What if I have an appointment to take the exam and can't make it?
A: You will need to follow the guidelines of Prometric regarding cancellations. You should call Prometric or the testing center directly to change your scheduled appointment as soon as you know you need to change your scheduled exam. To avoid additional fees, you may change your scheduled exam date and time as long as you are within your 120 -day window of opportunity to test AND it is before 12 P.M. noon EST of the second business day PRIOR to your exam. Contact the Prometric Customer Service Center to schedule, reschedule, cancel, and confirm appointments.

Q: Can I request an extension?
A: Yes, extensions can be granted on a case by case basis with sufficient justification. Examples of sufficient justification would be illness, family obligations, accidents, etc. If you do not test during your new testing window of 60-days, you will forfeit applicable fees. You will need to reapply as a new applicant and pay all applicable fees.

Q: May I withdraw from taking the exam?
A: Yes. You must submit a written request to AANPCP to withdraw from the exam. As long as your request is received before the expiration of your 120-day testing window and as long as you have not set up your exam, you will receive a refund less a $120 processing fee.

Q: If I fail the exam, what is the waiting period to retake the examination?
A: Assuming that your final transcript with your degree posted has been received, you will receive a letter explaining the requirements to retake the examination along with your test results. In order to retake your examination you will be required to document completion of a minimum of 15 contact hours of continuing education applicable to your area of weakness, preferably a general review course. These CEs must be completed after the date you sat for your exam. Once the requirement is completed you will be able to apply using the Retake Examination Form.

• Please note: You may sit for the examination no more than twice in a calendar year (Jan thru Dec).

Q: What should I do if I require special testing accommodations?
A: AANPCP works with the testing center, Prometric, to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you have a documented disability and/or require special accommodations, you must have your licensed health care provider provide documentation to AANPCP regarding your special circumstance and what will be needed to facilitate your request. Once received and approved by AANPCP, you will need to contact the Special Accommodations Department at Prometric Services (www.prometric.com).

Q: When can I expect to receive my scores?
A: When you finish your examination, you will see a preliminary Pass / Fail on your computer screen at the testing center. Some testing centers may be able to provide you a copy of that preliminary screen/result if requested. This copy is not an official document. AANPCP receives scores once weekly from the testing center. If we have your final official transcript showing degree and date conferred, a Pass letter with your exam score and your certificate and wallet card will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.

Q: How do I sign my name once I become certified? Is there a standard way that is recommended?
A: Yes, there is a standard way to list credentials after your name. This is especially important because consumers, insurance companies, credentialing, and government officials or entities require or expect it. Academic degrees are listed first because they are earned, are considered permanent, and in most cases cannot be taken away from you. Nurses (RN or LPN) are licensed by the State Boards of Nursing. SBON recognition of the APRN designation will be on your state nursing license and is what you are required to use as your legal credential. National certifications are usually voluntary. When you become certified by AANPCP in 1 of the 3 population-foci (Adult, Family, or Gerontologic), you are able to use the initials NP-C to indicate your certification status. There are exceptions, but in most cases, post-nominal credentials following a NPs name usually follow this order:

• Highest earned academic degree in or related to nursing
• Nursing licensure
• Nursing Certification
• Population-focus is optional
• Example: Jane Doe, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Back to FAQs

Q: What fees are associated with Certification?
A: Current fees are:

NOTICE: The Endorsement option will expire as of May 31, 2012.

All fees are subject to change without prior notification.

Q: How can I pay to take the certification exam and/or any related fees?
A: We accept all major credit cards, money orders, and checks for payments. Please note: There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.

Q: Can I include my membership dues payment with my application for certification?
A: Yes, you can. Payments must be sent separately though, one for the AANPCP certification and one for AANP membership.

Q: Is there a fee to send a verification of certification to my state board of nursing?
A: There is no charge to provide initial verification to your state board of nursing.

Q: I would like additional verifications sent to my employer or potential employer. What is the fee?
A: The processing fee for verification is $30. The processing fee for Emergency Verification is $45. These forms may be found on-line.

Q: Will AANPCP automatically notify my state board of nursing or employer of the results of either my certification exam, or my eligibility to sit for the exam?
A: No. State boards of nursing and employers are not automatically notified by us. AANPCP provides verification of eligibility to sit for the certification exam and/ or the results of your certification examination only if you request it. A request can be made by completing the state board verification form on-line at www.aanpcertification.org or by completing the form provided by your state board of nursing and mailing it to AANPCP, P.O. Box 12926, Austin, TX 78711 or faxed to (512) 442-5221.

Back to FAQs

Q: How do I notify you of name change?
A: You have 2 options. Once you have established an online account with us you may make changes to your online profile at any time. Or you may send a request for name change to AANPCP via mail, e-mail, or fax, along with a copy of supporting documentation (e.g., court record, marriage certificate) providing proof of name and giving us permission to make the requested name change.

Q: I am getting married? How do I notify you of a recent name change that will occur during my application process?
A: Congratulations! However, if you have already applied for certification, we recommend that it is best not to change your name during your application process. Remember, your name must match on your application, your ATT letter/ registration documentation and the forms of identification you are required to take to the testing center. If it doesn’t, you may not be able to sit for your scheduled examination. If you do want your certificate to reflect a new name, then once you have taken your exam and know you passed, you should submit the request and required supporting documentation via email or fax, or change your name online so that your certificate will show your new name. It usually takes 2 business days for name changes to take effect.

Q: If my certificate or wallet card is lost or destroyed, how do I replace them?
A: In order to replace your wall certificate you will need to submit a request with your signature. You may fax or mail the request to our office along with the $20 fee. A copy of your wallet card is available for you to print from your AANPCP online registration account and profile.

Q: How do I notify you of an address change or email change, and why is this so important?
A: You may make changes to your online profile once you have established an online account with us by registering on the certification website at www.aanpcertification.org. It is extremely important that certificants notify AANPCP of changes to their name or contact information. This will become more crucial as newer developments involving certification and regulatory changes unfold with the implementation of the APRN Consensus Model. It is possible that recertification may not be possible for some APRNs in the future if they allow their certification to lapse, or were not aware of changes to practice or CE requirements. It is the certificant’s responsibility to notify AANPCP of changes to personal contact information. Failure to do so does not relieve a certificant of his or her responsibility to maintain their professional certification.

Q: I registered for an online account. I am already certified by AANPCP but it says I am not. What is the problem?
A:The online account is a different area of our database. Your “existing” information has to be “LINKED” to your new registration. To insure accuracy, we do this manually and the process takes at least one business day. If it is not updated correctly in 3 business days, please call 512-442-5202 during business hours of 9 am to 5 pm CST Monday through Friday.

Q: I have forgotten my password to log into my account? What do I do?
A: Click on the “Forgot your password” link under the username and password on the LOG IN page. Your password will be emailed to you. Be sure to include certification@aanp.org in your acceptable email to avoid having our messages wind up in your junk folder.

Q: If I log out will my application be saved?
A: Your application will be saved as long as you have enabled cookies on your computer in your Internet browser. A cookie is a file on your computer that saves internet settings. It is also computer specific. Check to see if your cookies are enabled in your browser so that your application will be saved.

Q: How do I enable my cookies?
A: This depends on which browser you are using. Most browsers have a “HELP” function and you should check that first. If you are still unable to accomplish it, please call us for assistance before getting too frustrated.

Back to FAQs