ANCC vs. AANP: The Differences Explained + Which to Take

Key takeaways

The ANCC and the AANPCB are two of the most recognized organizations providing nurse practitioner (NP) certifications in the United States.

• Individuals with an advanced degree, such as nurse practitioners, who also hold certification, earn $162 more per week than those without either a license or certification [1].

• Both organizations offer certifications in adult gerontology, family practice, and mental health.

• After becoming a nurse practitioner, you can specialize in various areas and pursue certification.

Explore the ANNC versus the AANP to discover the differences between these two certification boards and decide which might be right for you. If you’re ready to continue your learning, discover the fundamentals and real-world application of value-based care in the Value-Based Care Specialization. In as little as one month, you can build skills in leadership, community health, and continuous quality improvement (CQI).

ANCC vs. AANP: Key facts

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) are two of the most recognized organizations providing NP certifications in the United States. Nurse practitioners treat and diagnose patient ailments, order diagnostic exams, and, in some states, prescribe medication. As a result, NPs undergo years of medical training to do much of the same work as physicians. While not every state requires NPs to be certified, even NPs practicing in states without certification requirements should consider obtaining one to remain competitive in the job market.

Here’s what you need to know about the ANCC and AANPCB before deciding on the one for you. 

Does certification matter?

Certification can help you stand out to employers and improve your earning potential. For example, according to research by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with an advanced degree, such as nurse practitioners, who also hold certification, earn $162 more per week than those without either a license or certification [1]. 

What is ANCC certification?

The ANCC is a credentialing board that was created in 1990 as a subsidiary of the American Nursing Association (ANA), which has provided certification services for several decades. Today, the ANCC offers four different certifications for nurse practitioners specializing in different subjects. They are: 

• 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)

Learn more: Psychiatric Nurse: Duties, Pay, and How to Become One

While the specifics for each of these specializations vary from one to the other, they all follow the same test format, cost the same, and take the same amount of time to complete. At a glance, these include [2, 3, 4, 5]:

You can also find discounted exam rates specific to each certification based on your membership to various organizations tangentially related to your specialty.

What is AANP certification? 

The AANPCB was founded in the early 1990s by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Today, the AANPCB provides three specialized nursing certifications for aspiring NPs. They are:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

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

• Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP)

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

While the specifics of each exam vary from certification to certification, they all follow the same format, take the same time to complete [6, 7], and cost the same [8]. These include: 

Differences between AANP and ANCC

As you can see, the ANCC and AANP have many similarities and several key differences that may impact which one you pick. To help you get a better idea of how they stack up with one another, here are some key facts side-by-side:

Benefits

ANCC and AANP certifications both provide similar benefits to those who obtain them. In addition to potentially increasing your earning potential, both certifications demonstrate your grasp of specialized knowledge and your commitment to their field. As a result, each certification has the potential to increase your credibility, improve your hireability, and demonstrate your overall competence to employers and other medical professionals.

ANCC or AANP: How to choose the right certification for you 

Both organizations offer credentials that are well-recognized by employers, so the right certification for you likely depends on your own personal career goals and resources. Here’s what you should consider when choosing an NP certification: 

1. Pick the certification that matches your specialization. 

The first step to picking the right nurse practitioner program for you is to identify the specialization that you’re pursuing and match it with the appropriate certification. As noted earlier, the ANCC provides four certification specializations: Adult-Gerontology ACUTE Care NP, Adult-Gerontology PRIMARY Care NP, Family NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP.

The AANP also offers four certifications for NPs: Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Emergency NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Because three of the four specializations overlap in terms of specialization, consider reviewing the topics each covers, as well as the preparation materials available for each, and the recertification costs.

2. Consider the one that matches your style and skill set. 

If you’re pursuing a certification as a family NP or adult gerontology NP, then you should consider the exam that best matches your style and skill set. For example, you might consider that the ANCC exams cover more questions than the AANP exams, but also provide half an hour more to complete the test. Depending on your test-taking habits, you might prefer a test that has fewer questions and less time or one that has more questions and more time. 

You might also consider diving into the specifics of each test and comparing the subjects and types of questions covered, their respective pass rates, and whether there are any study guides available that match your learning style. If one has more questions about an area in which you feel strong, then you might consider that test over the other. 

3. Factor in your available resources. 

Price is an important factor to anyone considering a certification exam. The prices for each exam vary considerably depending on whether you are a member of a particular professional association, so make sure to compare the price you might pay for each certification and whether it sways you toward one test or another. 

Build test-taking skills with our free resources 

If you’re considering certification, subscribe to our YouTube channel to learn more test-taking strategies and study skills. You can also explore our free digital resources to guide you.

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