Every aspiring Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) dreams of adding those coveted 3 letters to their name. Before that moment arrives, you’ll need to navigate the certification process. Whether you're aiming for the Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified (FNP-C) or Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (the FNP-BC), here are the registration steps, eligibility criteria, and exam costs to set you up for success.
Differences Between AANPCB and ANCC
As you prepare for FNP certification, familiarize yourself with the 2 certifying organizations:
- AANPCB (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board) offers the FNP-C credential.
- ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) offers the FNP-BC credential.
Both certifications allow you to practice as an FNP, but you’ll find slight differences in exam format, cost, focus areas, and renewal requirements. We’ll take you through these distinctions so you can make the best decision for your career goals.
FNP Exam Requirements
Before diving into registration, make sure that you meet the basic FNP exam requirements for either certifying body.
Educational Requirements
To qualify, you must complete one of the following from an accredited program:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Post-Graduate Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Your coursework should cover areas such as health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and pathophysiology — along with specialized FNP clinical courses.
RN Licensure
You must hold an active, unrestricted (unencumbered) 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
AANPCB and ANCC require you to complete at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours in an FNP program. These hours must involve direct patient care across the lifespan, and only clinical hours completed as part of your formal FNP education program are accepted.
Step-by-Step FNP Exam Registration
While the FNP-C and FNP-BC share common steps, their application processes vary slightly. Here’s how to tackle each:
How to Register for the FNP-C Exam
- Create your account on the AANPCB portal, ensuring that your name and information match 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 members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
- 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.
How to Register for the FNP-BC Exam
- 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
Planning ahead for costs is a smart step toward becoming an FNP. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
FNP Exam
FNP-C vs. FNP-BC Exam Cost Comparison
| Certification | Member Fee | Non-Member Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FNP-C (AANPCB) | $240 (AANP member) | $315 |
| FNP-BC (ANCC) | $295 (ANA member) / $340 (AANP member) | $395 |
FNP Education
MSN vs. DNP Program Tuition Comparison
| Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| MSN | $35,000-70,000 |
| DNP | $40,000-100,000+ |
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).
Other FNP Costs
- FNP Exam Prep: Our affordable resource includes over 1,000 practice questions, content-rich rationales written by nursing experts, and smart flashcards to help you study more efficiently.
- Professional Memberships for AANP and ANA will help you save on exam fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the ideal time to submit my FNP exam application?
The ideal time is within the final semester of your FNP program, around 2-3 months before graduation.
Besides transcripts, what other specific documents might be needed for FNP registration?
Some applications require a VOE form completed by your program director, RN license details, and clinical site/preceptor information. See Step-by-Step FNP Exam Registration.
What factors cause the wide variation in FNP program tuition costs?
Tuition differences stem from school type, location, program format, and length. See FNP Education.
Can I apply for FNP certification if my new program is awaiting accreditation?
No. Your program must be fully accredited when you submit your application.
Do the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my RN license also count for FNP renewal?
Some may, but renewal requirements for FNP certification are usually more specialized and must directly relate to your NP role.
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.
More on the 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.
