Certification How do I choose By Roberta L

Certification… How do I choose ? ? By Roberta L Cook CNP Updated by Gail Beriswill, MSN, CNP, CCRN

Introduction ØThe purpose of certification is to provide a valid and reliable program for the entry-level nurse practitioner to recognize their education, knowledge and professional expertise. ØCertification is the process by which a nongovernmental agency or an association grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications.

Two Certification Options • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) • American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

ANCC ØANCC incorporated in 1991 as a subsidiary of the American Nurses’s Association. It is the largest nursing credentialing organization in the world. ØANCC’s professional certification services provide national and international recognition for nurses who have proven themselves through education, experience, testing and professional conduct. ØANCC offers over 25 examinations including advanced practice specialties for nurse practitioners and nurse specialists.

AANC Certifications • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP • Family NP • Pediatric Primary Care NP • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

AANP • American Academy of NP’s was formed in 1985 to provide NPs with a unified way to network and advocate for NP issues. It was the first national organization created for nurse practitioners of all specialties. • January 2013 American Academy of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) and American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) merged together to form American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) which is now the largest full-service national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners.

AANP • AANP is the largest and only full-service national professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties. • AANP represents the interests of the more than 248, 000 NPs currently practicing in the U. S. and continually advocates at local, state, and federal levels for the recognition of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, and personalized healthcare. • 90, 000+ members of AANP

AANP Certifications • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP • Family NP

Requirements for Application • Official transcripts with conferral date from masters, doctorate or postgraduate accredited program • Official transcripts in a sealed, original envelope or electronically directly from the school • Must have a current RN license • Must have minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours • Fees

Application Process…ANCC • Apply online; expedited application available; paper application available for a fee • Within 4 -6 weeks, receive a receipt of application in the mail • Within 10 weeks, will receive an eligibility notice or a letter requesting additional information • You will have 90 days to schedule your test; can have a one time only extention • Schedule appointment on line (Prometric testing centers)

Application Process…AANP • Apply online or on paper for an additional fee; no expedited application due to their timely processing (2 -4 weeks). • The application must be submitted with the appropriate documentation to the Certification Program for review; applicants are notified weekly by email if additional information is needed. • Once approved you will receive ATT (Approval to Test) and can schedule for the computer base test online in a 120 day window. • A notice of application acceptance will be sent to the applicant. Candidates found ineligible will be refunded the registration fee less a $60 processing fee.

Credentials…ANCC • • • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP – AGACNP-BC Adult-Gereontology Primary Care NP – AGPCNP-BC Family NP – FNP-BC Pediatric Primary Care NP – PPCNP-BC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – PMHNP-BC

Credentials…AANP • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP – NP-C or AGNP-C • Family NP – NP-C or FNP-C

Cost of Initial NP Certification ANCC AANP Member $340 $240 Non-Member $395 $315

Timeline AANP ANCC 120 day window to 90 day window to test

DAY of the EXAM • What you need to bring: • Two valid forms of ID, one must have your photo and both must have your signature. • DO NOT BRING: • -books, calculators, cell phones, PDA’s, food, drink, water or notes!! • Both the AANP and the ANCC will give you results of PASS or FAIL the day of the exam.

Examination Details AANP 150 questions (15 pretest- do not count) ANCC 175 questions (25 pretest- do not count) 3 hours to complete Score to pass 500/800 Score to pass 350/500 Notification of PASS/FAIL at time of exam

Test Domains AANP Assessment ANCC Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice Diagnosis Professional Role Plan Health Care Policy and Delivery Health Assessment Evaluation Clinical Management

RECERTIFICATION AANP • Must be done every 5 years either by sitting for the exam or clinical practice and continuing education. • Clinical practice-need 1000 hours documented as a NP in your specialized practice • Continuing education for 100 contact hours relevant to NP specialty by accredited/approved agency.

RECERTIFICATION AANP • Minimum of 25 of the 100 hours must be in advance practice pharmacotherapeutics • Option – Serve as a preceptor; can earn up to 25 hours based upon hours of direct clinical supervision • Option – Complete graduate level clinical coursework; 1 academic course = 15 contact hours Complete renewal application at least 8 weeks prior to expiration.

Renewal Requirements ANCC • Candidates must meet the following criteria: • 1 -Hold a current active registered nurse license in the US or its territories • 2 -Meet the professional development requirements for your specialty. There are 5 categories. You must fulfill two of these categories or double one of the categories.

Categories • Category 1 -Continuing education hours (mandatory) 1. Complete 75 contact hours of continuing nursing education (or 150 continuing nursing educations hours if you are doubling this category. ) All must complete at least 75 hours; 25 of which must include pharmacology. • Category 2 -Academic credits 1. Complete either 5 semester hours of 6 quarter hours of academic courses in your certification specialty.

ANCC Recertification con’t • Category 3 -Presentations 1. Present 5 different topics related to your certification specialty. Presentations that are required of your employer are disqualified.

ANCC Recertification con’t • Category 4 -Publication or research, Evidenc Based Pracitce or Quality Improvement Project 1. Publication-Publish an article in a peer reviewed journal or a book chapter or develop education materials. 2. Research-serve as the primary investigator in an URB-approved research project related to your certification specialty.

ANCC Recertification con’t • Category 5 - Preceptorship • Complete a minimum of 120 hours of direct clinical supervision to nursing students in your certification specialty. • Category 6 – Professional Service • Time volunteered on medical mission trips • Category 7 – Practice Hours • 1, 000 hours within 5 years preceding the date on renewal application

ANCC Recertification con’t • Category 8 – Assessment • Pass the assessment (exam or portfolio), if available

RETEST AANP • May apply for retesting after obtaining 15 hours of continuing education. ANCC • May apply to retest in a minimum of 60 days but no longer than 2 years. There is a one time reduced fee for retesting.

Cost of NP Certification Renewal ANCC AANP Member $280 $170 Non-Member $350 $245

WEBSITES • AANP-American Association of Nurse Practitioners: www. aanpcertification. org • ANCC-American Nurses Credentialing Center: www. nursecredentialing. org