What to expect on your AGNP certification exam
NPCB develops and administers competency-based certification examinations designed to support the continued advancement of nurse practitioner practice and patient care.
Competency-based
The exam is designed to assess essential competencies required for entry-level Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners.
150 questions
The test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions evaluating readiness for advanced nursing practice.
Here’s the Breakdown
| Domain I | Number of scored items: | % items |
|---|---|---|
| 01 – Assess | 37 | 28% |
| 02 – Diagnose | 34 | 25% |
| 03 – Plan | 34 | 25% |
| 04 – Evaluate | 30 | 22% |
| Total | 135 | 100% |
| Domain II – Patient Age* | Number of scored items: | % items: |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent | 3 | 2% |
| Young Adult | 18 | 13% |
| Adult | 28 | 28% |
| Older Adult | 54 | 40% |
| Elderly | 22 | 17% |
| Total | 135 | 100% |
Age Parameters are not defined for any population. AANPCB uses growth and development for constructing the certification exams.
Effective through December 31, 2026. See AGNP Candidate Handbook for 2027 update.
Knowledge Areas
Health Assessment
- Health history
- Mental health assessment
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic and therapeutic tests
- Therapeutic communication
- Signs and symptoms
- Functional assessment
- Cultural competence/sensitivity
Pathophysiology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Comorbidities
Therapeutics
- Pharmacologic therapies
- Non-pharmacologic therapies
- Integrative therapies
Evidence-informed Practice
- Clinical decision-making
- Crisis management
- Differential diagnosis
- Health promotion, harm reduction, and disease prevention
- Patient and family education and counselling
- Principles of epidemiology, population health, and social determinants of health
- Disaster preparedness / public health emergency response
- Procedures
- Transitions of care (transfer, end-of-life care, etc.)
- Care of diverse populations
- Healthcare finance, economics, and policy
- Interprofessional practice
- Legal and ethical issues
Get Started
The AGNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of adolescent to older adult population.