Purpose of Recertification

The purpose of certification renewal is to provide a mechanism to assure the public that AANPCB certified nurse practitioners have met current professional standards of knowledge and skills required to maintain their NP certification.

• Certification is time-limited, granted for 5-year periods only, and must be renewed.
• Nurse Practitioners must maintain professional competency based on current information and knowledge affecting their practice.
• Knowledge and skills required for professional and competent NP practice evolve over time.
• Without a process for renewal of certification, a credential’s value may diminish over time.
• Recertification requirements serve to measure and reassure the public of NP continued professional competence.

Renewal of certification is accomplished by either:

• Meeting minimum practice and continuing education requirements established by AANPCB for renewal and maintenance of certification, or
• Sitting for the appropriate AGNP, ENP, FNP, or PMHNP certification examination. Recertification by examination is not an option for ANPs or GNPs.

Conversion of ANP and GNP Dual-certified NPs

Certificants who are certified as both an Adult Nurse Practitioner and a Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner may complete the application process for conversion of the individual credentials to the AGNP credential.