ANCC vs. AANP Discussion
Upon graduation, I have decided to pursue the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national certification exam. My decision towards this matter is most influenced by the AANP’s focused approach to issues of clinical competency, which directly resonates with the skills required for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) (AANPCB, 2019). Unlike the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam, which incorporates non-clinical areas such as health policy, research, and theory, the AANP exam strongly emphasizes clinical content. That makes it very ideal because I can major in patient-centred clinical knowledge, which I find more relevant to my professional aspirations and daily practice as a nurse practitioner: ANCC vs. AANP Discussion.
Notably, another consideration in my decision-making process is cost. The fee for the AANP examination is quite reasonable, with a fee of $315, and the discounted fee for members of AANP is $240 (AANP, 2024). The lower cost nurtures my budget while it affords me an opportunity for a highly recognized certification acknowledged in healthcare settings throughout the United States. By comparison, the ANCC exam is a little more costly, but while the ANCC credential has its merit, I think the clinical focus of AANP will better position me within the field of FNP and, above all, in serving my patients.
In addition, the proctoring and location options through AANP are very convenient. This means I can take the examination from a familiar location, my home, instead of going out and about, which may accrue more expenses and stress for new testing centers. That level of convenience cannot be overstated when transitioning from academic life into certification.
I plan to take the AANP exam a month after graduation. This time frame will allow me to compile knowledge from didactic courses and clinical rotations, go through focused review sessions, and prepare well without feeling burned out. With these considerations, I am sure the AANP exam aligns best with my professional goals.
References
AANP. (2024). American association of nurse practitioners. American Association of Nurse Practitioners; AANP Website. https://www.aanp.org/
AANPCB. (2019). Family nurse practitioner (FNP)- AANPCB. Aanpcert.org. https://www.aanpcert.org/certs/fnp
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Question 
Discussion Prompt
- In 200 words, please discuss which national certification exam (ANCC vs AANP) you plan to take and why? Please consider costs including member discounts, proctoring options, locations, and exam content. Discuss factors that influenced your decision. Discuss your ideal time to take the exam.
ANCC vs. AANP Discussion
Expectations
- Length: A minimum of 200 words, not including references
- Citations: One citation directly from ANCC or AANP