About NPCB
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), operating under the brand NPCB, is an independent nonprofit organization that provides national certification programs for nurse practitioners (NPs). Established in the early 1990s by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the organization became separately incorporated in 1999 to administer certification programs that evaluate the education, knowledge, and clinical competence of nurse practitioners.
What We Do
- NPCB develops and administers competency-based certification examinations and certification renewal programs designed to support the continued advancement of nurse practitioner practice and patient care.
- NPCB is governed by a Board of Commissioners composed primarily of experienced nurse practitioners and public members who oversee certification programs and organizational governance.
Guiding Principles
Nurse practitioners meet the highest standards of excellence and competence to support quality care and optimal health outcomes.
Provide excellence in testing and certification for nurse practitioners.
NPCB operates as an ethical and professional organization guided by the principles of Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Responsiveness.
NP-C® Credential
NP-C® is the credential awarded to nurse practitioners who meet the eligibility requirements and successfully pass a national certification examination administered by NPCB.
The credential NP-C® (Nurse Practitioner-Certified) is a registered trademark owned by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, Inc.
Certification is time-limited and must be maintained through an established certification renewal process designed to ensure continued professional competence.
Recognition and Accreditation
NPCB certification programs are recognized by:
- All U.S. state boards of nursing
- Nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico
- Federal programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration
- Private health insurance providers
These recognitions support the use of NPCB certification as a national standard for nurse practitioner competence.
All active NPCB certifications programs are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting organizations that evaluate certification programs for quality, reliability, and validity.
These include the Accreditation Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Leadership and Governance
NPCB is governed by a Board of Commissioners responsible for oversight of certification programs,
policies, and organizational operations.
2026 Board of Commissioners
