If you’re an NP student nearing graduation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is which certification exam to take: AANP or ANCC. Both are well-respected certifications for nurse practitioners, but they have key differences that can impact your career path.
At SuccessNP, we know how overwhelming this decision can be, so we’re breaking it all down for you! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of which exam aligns best with your goals.
AANP vs. ANCC: The Basics
Both exams certify nurse practitioners to practice independently, but the content, format, and credentialing differ slightly.
| Exam | AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) | ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) |
| Exam Focus | Clinically focused (diagnosis, treatment, clinical decision-making) | Broad focus (clinical + professional topics like leadership, research, policy) |
| Question Format | 150 questions (mostly multiple-choice) | 175 questions (multiple-choice + drag-and-drop, hotspot, and select-all-that-apply) |
| Scoring | Pass/Fail | Scaled score (350-500 needed to pass) |
| Credential Earned | NP-C (Nurse Practitioner-Certified) | APRN-BC (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Board Certified) |
| Cost | $315 (AANP members: $240) | $395 (ANA members: $295, AANP members: $340) |
| Recertification | Every 5 years (100 CE hours + 1,000 clinical hours OR retake exam) | Every 5 years (75 CE hours + 1,000 clinical hours OR retake exam) |
Who Should Take the AANP Exam?
The AANP certification is best for NP students who want a clinically focused exam without non-clinical content like policy or leadership.
✅ Ideal for those who:
- Prefer straightforward multiple-choice questions
- Want an exam focused on real-world patient care and decision-making
- Are not interested in administration, research, or academia
- Prefer a pass/fail grading system without scaled scoring
❌ Not ideal for those who:
- Want certification that includes leadership, policy, and education topics
- Prefer a test with diverse question formats (drag-and-drop, hotspot, etc.)
💡 Best for: FNPs and AGPCNPs who plan to work in primary care, urgent care, or outpatient settings.
Who Should Take the ANCC Exam?
The ANCC certification is great for NP students who want a well-rounded exam that includes professional practice topics like policy, leadership, and research.
✅ Ideal for those who:
- Are comfortable with a variety of question types (not just multiple-choice)
- Want certification recognized in academic, research, and leadership roles
- May work in hospital systems, academia, or leadership positions
- Prefer a scaled scoring system (rather than pass/fail)
❌ Not ideal for those who:
- Want a purely clinical exam
- Struggle with non-traditional question formats
💡 Best for: NPs considering careers in hospital administration, education, research, or policy work.
Which Exam is More Widely Accepted?
Both certifications are widely accepted across the U.S., but some hospital systems and magnet-designated hospitals prefer the ANCC certification due to its emphasis on leadership and research.
If you plan to work exclusively in primary care, urgent care, or outpatient practice, the AANP is widely accepted and often preferred for its strong clinical focus.
How to Decide: Ask Yourself These Questions
Still debating? Ask yourself:
🔹 Do I want to focus purely on clinical practice? → Choose AANP
🔹 Do I want the option to work in academia, research, or administration? → Choose ANCC
🔹 Do I struggle with alternative question formats like drag-and-drop? → Choose AANP
🔹 Do I prefer an exam with diverse question types? → Choose ANCC
🔹 Do I want a pass/fail grading system? → Choose AANP
Final Thoughts: Which Certification Will Help You Succeed?
The good news is that both AANP and ANCC certifications are highly respected and will qualify you to practice as an NP. It ultimately comes down to your career goals, test-taking style, and preferred content focus.
💡 Bonus Tip: No matter which exam you choose, preparation is key! Our SuccessNP Clinical Study Guides provide all the must-know topics, test-taking strategies, and real-world case studies to help you pass with confidence.
👉 Check out our study guides today! 🚀
📌 Which exam are you leaning towards? Drop a comment below and let us know!