There are two Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exams you can choose to take, regulated by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Let’s explore how they’re scored and what you need to pass to launch your FNP career.
AANP and ANCC Passing Scores
The AANP passing score is 500 on a scale from 200 to 800 points. These scores are not solely determined by number or percent correct. Instead, a complex scaled scoring method is used to convert your raw score into a numerical standard that applies to test forms of varying difficulty. This process ensures a consistent standard is applied to all test-takers.
The ANCC passing score is 350 on a scale from 0 to 500 points. Similar to the AANP, your ANCC score reflects a scaled scoring method that converts your raw score (based on the number of test items you answered correctly) into a consistent standard that can be applied across test forms of varying difficulty.
AANP Pass Rates
The AANP offers multiple certification exams for nurse practitioners entering different specialties. Their 2024 Annual Report includes pass rate data for the Family NP Exam (FNP), Adult-Gerontology NP Exam (AGNP), Psychiatric Mental Health NP Exam (PMHNP), and Emergency NP Exam (ENP).
| Exam | Pass Rate | First-Time Exams |
|---|---|---|
| FNP | 83% | 15,491 |
| AGNP | 87% | 1,630 |
| PMHNP | 82% | 699 |
| ENP | 91% | 236 |
ANCC Pass Rates
The ANCC offers multiple certification exams for nurse practitioners entering different specialties. Their 2024 Certification Data Report outlines pass rate information for the Family Nurse Practitioner Exam (FNP-BC), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam (PMHNP-BC), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam (AGACNP-BC), and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Exam (AGPCNP-BC).
| Exam | Pass Rate | First-Time Exams |
|---|---|---|
| FNP-BC | 83% | 7,751 |
| PMHNP-BC | 83% | 9,633 |
| AGACNP-BC | 83% | 2,784 |
| AGPCNP-BC | 85% | 921 |
AANP Score Report and Retakes
You will receive a preliminary pass/no pass report after completing your exam at the testing center. It may take up to 1 week for your score to be processed for final release. You will be mailed an official score report letter within 3 to 6 weeks if you have met all requirements for score release.
A preliminary pass report is not an official notification and does not indicate active NP certification status. You may not use it for employment or licensure.
Your individual score is considered confidential and will not be shared with any person or organization without your written consent. Your score letter authorizes the use of the NP-C credential for a 5-year period.
If you fail your AANP exam, your score report will include your relative performance in the Testing Domains. Review it with the FNP exam blueprint to revise your study strategy. You should also consider preparing with an FNP prep course. To retake the exam, you must complete at least 15 hours of relevant continuing education. You may not test more than 2 times in a calendar year.
ANCC Score Report and Retakes
You will receive a preliminary pass/fail result after completing your exam at the testing center, and you can view it via the Prometric Report Validation Portal after leaving the testing environment. You will be mailed your certificate approximately 4 weeks after passing the exam if you have met all requirements for score release.
The ANCC does not automatically send verification of certification to your state board of nursing or employer. You may request 1 free verification online.
To protect your privacy, test results are not released by phone, fax, or email for any reason. When you receive your certificate in the mail, you will also receive an official letter stating your 5-year certification period.
If you fail your ANCC exam, your score report will include diagnostic information for each tested content area. Review it with the FNP-BC Test Content Outline to revise your study strategy, and consider preparing with an FNP prep course. You may apply to retest after 60 days from the date you last tested, but you may not test more than 3 times in any 12-month period. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements when applying to retest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AANP passing score and pass rate for the FNP exam?
The AANP’s FNP exam is scored from 200 to 800. You must score 500 or above to pass. The exam uses scaled scoring to account for exam forms of varying difficulty, ensuring consistency for all test-takers. In the AANP’s 2024 Annual Report, the FNP pass rate was 83% for first-time test-takers.
What is the ANCC passing score and pass rate for the FNP exam?
The ANCC’s FNP-BC exam is scored from 0 to 500. You must score 350 or above to pass. The exam uses scaled scoring to account for exam forms of varying difficulty, ensuring consistency for all test-takers. In the ANCC’s 2024 Certification Data Report, the FNP pass rate was 83% for first-time test-takers.
Does the AANP or ANCC release percentiles and average scores?
No. Neither the AANP nor ANCC releases percentile data or average scores. Because the exams are pass/fail, the pass rates are most important. If you fail, you will be provided with relevant information pertaining to your exam performance.
What if I fail my FNP exam?
If you fail your FNP exam, whether through the AANP or ANCC, you will receive a score report with information about your exam performance.
- To retake your AANP exam, you need to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education in relevant nursing topics. You can only test 2 times in a calendar year.
- To retake your ANCC exam, you must reapply to take the exam at least 60 days after your failed attempt. You can only test 3 times in any 12-month period.
How do AANP and ANCC FNP pass rates compare?
Read More About the FNP
Explore an overview of both AANP and ANCC exams, including key differences in structure, content focus, and test format to help guide your certification decision.
FNP Registration, Cost and Eligibility Page
Find detailed steps to register, understand eligibility requirements, and review associated fees for both AANP and ANCC certification exams.
Get expert prep strategies, topic breakdowns, and practice tips tailored to the FNP exam so you can study smarter and feel confident on test day.
See what's tested on the AANP Exam Blueprint and ANCC Test Content Outline to understand the topics covered in each Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exam.
