Before you can practice as a family nurse practitioner (FNP), you must pass 1 of 2 available certification exams. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate FNP exam registration requirements by discussing eligibility criteria, how to apply, and various costs and fees.
ANCC vs. AANP® Registration & Cost Overview
The ANCC and AANP registration requirements for the FNP exam are similar. If you qualify for 1, you likely qualify for the other. Costs are also roughly equivalent, with the ANCC typically costing a bit more. Below is a high-level overview of what to expect:
| Application Consideration | FNP-C® Exam | FNP-BC™ Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Certification board: | AANPCB / AANP | ANCC |
| Career alignment: | Patient care | Leadership roles |
| Education requirement: | MSN, PGC, or DNP | MSN, PGC, or DNP |
| RN licensure: | Active required | Active required |
| Clinical practice: | 500+ hours | 500+ hours |
| Non-member application fee: | $315 (online) / $365 (paper) | $395 |
| Member discounts: | Yes (AANP) | Yes (ANA, AANP, & GAPNA) |
FNP Exam Registration Requirements
To register for the FNP exam through the AANP or ANCC, you must meet the following 3 eligibility requirements related to education, licensure, and clinical practice hours:
FNP Education Requirements
You must complete 1 of the following from a qualifying, accredited program:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Your coursework should cover health assessment, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and specialized FNP clinical courses. Check with your exam’s governing body for specific requirements, which contain nuance and are subject to change.
RN Licensure
You must hold an active, unrestricted (unencumbered) Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States or its territories. This means your license is current and free from any disciplinary limitations or restrictions on your practice.
Clinical Practice Hours
You must complete at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours in an FNP program. These hours must involve direct patient care across the lifespan. Only clinical hours completed as part of your formal FNP education program are accepted.
How to Register for the FNP Exam
The steps to apply for the FNP-C and FNP-BC exams are similar. Begin by checking that you have the following:
| AANP & ANCC Exam Application Checklist |
|---|
| ✔ Government-issued ID |
| ✔ Official transcripts (or unofficial if not yet available) |
| ✔ Proof of program completion |
| ✔ Active RN license details |
| ✔ Application payment |
Below are the specific steps to register for each board’s FNP exam.
AANP: FNP-C® Exam Registration
- Create your account on the AANP portal, ensuring your name and other information match those on your government-issued ID.
- Submit your online application with all required documentation, including:
- Official transcripts (or unofficial if official is not yet available)
- Proof of program completion
- Copy of your active RN license
- Pay your application fee, which is discounted for AANP members.
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) by email, which opens a 120-day window to schedule and take your exam.
- Schedule your exam through Prometric at a convenient testing center.
ANCC: FNP-BC™ Exam Registration
- Verify your eligibility (education and RN license).
- Create your account on the ANCC website.
- Complete your ANCC FNP-BC application form, including:
- Official transcripts (or unofficial if official is not yet available).
- Validation of Education (VOE) form, if required.
- RN license details and clinical site/preceptor information.
- Submit your payment for your exam fee (member discounts apply).
- Receive your ATT and schedule your exam through Prometric within the specified window.
Registration Timeline
Depending on the volume and completeness of the submissions, document review may take as few as 3 business days. The total process can take several weeks, but expedited review is available for an additional fee. Once issued, your ATT is typically valid for 120 days.
Costs, Fees, Tuition, and More
The cost to apply for the FNP exam is $300 to $400, with discounts available for members of approved nursing organizations. You should also consider fees related to your eligibility, such as tuition for completing your education requirements and the costs associated with attaining your RN license. The following fees represent 2026 pricing and are subject to change:
FNP-C Exam Costs and Fees
| Online Application | |
|---|---|
| AANP Member | $240 |
| Non-Member | $315 |
| Paper Application | |
| AANP Member | $290 |
| Non-Member | $365 |
FNP-BC Exam Costs and Fees
| Pricing & Discounts | Initial Certification |
|---|---|
| Non-Member | $395 |
| American Nurses Association (ANA) Member | $295 |
| AANP Member | $340 |
| AANP Student Member | $290 |
| Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) Member | $340 |
FNP Education Cost Estimate
| Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| MSN | $35,000 to $70,000 |
| DNP | $40,000 to $100,000+ |
Note: Costs vary according to school type (private or public), location (in-state or out-of-state), program format (online or in-person), and program length (1-3 years).
How to Save on FNP Registration Costs and Fees
Despite the high costs of attaining your FNP license, there are several ways you can save:
- Professional Memberships: Joining the AANP, ANA, or GAPNA can result in direct application savings.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Many healthcare employers cover part or all of your FNP program tuition in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment.
- Scholarships and Grants: Nursing associations, foundations, and schools offer non-repayable awards specifically for FNP students.
- Federal Loan Repayment Programs: Service-based federal programs repay a portion of your student loans for work in underserved areas.
- School-Specific Aid: Universities offer alumni discounts, need-based grants, payment plans, and institutional scholarships to reduce tuition costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the ideal time to submit my FNP exam application?
Can I apply for FNP certification if my new program is awaiting accreditation?
Do Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my RN license also count for FNP renewal?
How soon after passing the FNP exam can I officially use the FNP-C or FNP-BC credential?
How long is the Authorization to Test (ATT) typically valid after my application is approved?
Most ATTs are valid for 120 days. Confirm this detail when you receive your ATT email. See Registration Timeline.
Read More about Becoming an FNP
Tap into focused review strategies, study plans, and essential concepts designed to help you succeed on the FNP exam with greater confidence.
Discover how scores are calculated, which questions count, and how to interpret your exam results to understand your strengths and gaps.
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.
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.
