AANP vs. ANCC: Which NP Exam Should You Take?
Real Talk from a Certified Nurse Practitioner
By Wes Clayton, MSN, FNP-BC
Founder of Next-NP: The Affordable, All-in-One NP Board Review
If you're preparing to become a certified Nurse Practitioner, one of the first big decisions you'll face is choosing between the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) and ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) certification exams. Both are nationally recognized, but they come with key differences that could impact your future.
So which one is right for you? Let’s break it down:
What They Have in Common:
Both certify Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNP).
Both are accepted for licensure in all 50 states.
Both are respected by employers, though preferences may vary by region.
AANP: What to Know
Focus: 100% clinical.
Format: Multiple choice questions only.
Audience: Many test-takers find this exam ideal if they prefer straightforward, patient-care scenarios.
Scoring: Pass/Fail result only (no numerical score).
✅ Best for: Nurses who are more comfortable with real-world clinical questions and prefer not to be tested on policy, ethics, or research.
ANCC: What to Know
Focus: Clinical + non-clinical topics (policy, ethics, research, etc.).
Format: Multiple choice and other formats (like drag-and-drop, hot spot, etc.).
Audience: Ideal for those who are academically strong and interested in a well-rounded test.
Scoring: Provides a scaled numerical score.
✅ Best for: Nurses who want a more diverse exam experience and may work in roles that require a broader understanding of health policy and leadership.
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider your strengths, future goals, and preferred exam style. If you're looking for a more straightforward, clinically focused exam, AANP might be your best bet. If you want a comprehensive exam that touches on leadership and evidence-based practice, ANCC could be right for you.
Still unsure? Many nurses choose based on:
What their school recommends
State or employer preferences
Test format comfort
Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with either—but choosing the one that aligns best with your learning style and career goals can make your experience smoother.
Need help prepping? Check out Next-NP for comprehensive, board-specific review materials designed to help you pass the first time—no matter which exam you choose.