Nursing Certifications

PMHNP-BC · ANCC

PMHNP is the fastest-growing credential in nursing, fueled by a nationwide mental-health workforce shortage. The boards are passable with the right plan. Here's the exam, a realistic study timeline, and the prep that actually moves the needle.

FNP · AANP or ANCC

FNP is the largest NP credential in the country, and you get to choose your exam: AANP or ANCC. This guide breaks down the difference, the exam format, and a study plan built around the question banks that actually move your score.

AGPCNP-BC · AANP or ANCC

AGPCNP is the adult-focused cousin of the FNP: primary care for adults and older adults, minus peds and OB. Two exam routes, a familiar prep path, and a fast-aging population driving demand. Here's how to pass.

AGACNP · AACN or ANCC

AGACNP is a high-acuity NP credential with two exam routes and surprisingly little clear guidance online, which makes the 'which exam, how do I study' questions easy to win once someone lays them out. Here's the breakdown.

NNP-BC · NCC

The NCC NNP-BC exam is the gate between a neonatal nurse practitioner program and practice in the NICU as an NNP. It is a 175-question, three-hour exam focused on the neonate from resuscitation through follow-up. Here is the exam, a realistic plan, and how recertification works.

CPNP-PC · PNCB

The CPNP-PC is the credential for primary care pediatric nurse practitioners: well-child care, development, and chronic-condition management for kids. One board (PNCB), a retired ANCC alternative, and an annual recert model that surprises people. Here is how to pass and stay certified.

CRNA · NBCRNA

The NCE is the last gate between a nurse anesthesia program and practice as a CRNA, the highest-paid APRN role. It is an adaptive exam built on the basic sciences and clinical anesthesia, and a passing-standard increase takes effect July 1, 2026. Here is the exam, a realistic plan, and what recertification looks like.

CNM · AMCB

The AMCB exam is the gate between a nurse-midwifery program and practice as a CNM. It is a 175-question, four-hour exam across the full scope of midwifery care. Here is the exam, a realistic study plan, the fee, and how recertification works.

CNS · AACN & ANCC

The CNS credential landscape changed, and which exam you take depends on your population and certifying body. AACN offers the ACCNS exams and ANCC still offers the Adult-Gerontology CNS exam, while several older ANCC CNS certs are now renewal-only. Here is what is actually takeable, the format, and how to prepare.

CCRN · AACN

CCRN is the gold-standard credential for ICU nurses, and with a first-time pass rate around 72%, a sizable group needs a real plan, not just a textbook. Here's the exam, the high-yield domains, and the prep that actually works.

PCCN · AACN

PCCN is the AACN credential for progressive-care and step-down nurses: same Synergy Model and study ecosystem as CCRN, scoped to the patients you actually care for. It's a clean, achievable certification with a familiar prep path.

CEN · BCEN

The CEN has one of the lower pass rates on the board (overall results often land near 50% once retakes are counted) which means walking in 'experienced but unprepared' is a common, expensive mistake. Here's how to actually pass the first time.

CMSRN · MSNCB

Med-surg is the largest nursing specialty, and CMSRN is the credential that proves you have mastered it. The exam is passable with a focused plan. Here is the format, an efficient study timeline, and the prep that actually moves the needle.

OCN · ONCC

OCN is the foundational credential for adult oncology nursing, and demand keeps climbing as cancer care moves outpatient. The exam rewards a focused, question-bank-driven plan. Here is the format, a realistic timeline, and the prep that works.

CNOR · CCI

CNOR is the only accredited certification for perioperative registered nurses, the credential that marks an experienced OR nurse. The exam is broad but passable with a focused plan. Here is the format, a realistic timeline, and how recertification works.

CPN · PNCB

CPN is the most recognized credential for pediatric registered nurses, and the exam rewards a focused, question-bank-driven plan. Here is the format, a realistic timeline, the prep that works, and the one thing that surprises people: recertification is annual.

RNC-OB · NCC

RNC-OB is the credential that marks an experienced labor-and-delivery and inpatient OB nurse. The pass rate dropped sharply in 2025, so a focused, current plan matters more than ever. Here is the exam, a realistic timeline, and the prep that works.

RNC-NIC · NCC

RNC-NIC is the credential that marks an experienced NICU nurse. It is a core certification for staff RNs, distinct from the advanced-practice NNP. Here is the exam, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

RNC-LRN · NCC

RNC-LRN certifies the RN who cares for stable and convalescing newborns, in the well-baby nursery, mother-baby, and Level I to II settings. It is the low-risk counterpart to RNC-NIC. Here is the exam, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

RNC-MNN · NCC

RNC-MNN certifies the mother-baby and postpartum RN, the nurse caring for the recovering mother and her healthy newborn together. It is the couplet-care counterpart to RNC-OB. Here is the exam, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

TCRN · BCEN

TCRN is the recognized credential for trauma nurses across the continuum, from resuscitation to rehabilitation. The exam is broad but passable with a focused plan. Here is the format, a realistic timeline, and the prep that works.

CPEN · BCEN

CPEN is the foundational specialty certification for nurses who care for children in emergency settings. The exam is focused but demanding. Here is the format, a realistic study plan, and the prep that works.

CCM · CCMC

CCM is the most widely recognized case-management credential, and nurses are its largest group. The exam is broad, spanning the whole care continuum. Here is the format, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and the prep that works.

CHPN · HPCC

CHPN is the recognized credential for registered nurses in hospice and palliative care, a fast-growing field as the population ages. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

CRRN · RNCB

CRRN is the generalist credential for rehabilitation nurses, the experts who help patients regain function after injury or illness. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

CDCES · CBDCE

CDCES, formerly the CDE, is the recognized credential for diabetes care and education specialists, and nurses are a major eligible group. Here is the exam, who qualifies (it is multi-disciplinary with a specific hours rule), a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

SCRN · ABNN

SCRN is the credential for stroke nurses across the continuum, from hyperacute treatment to recovery. Stroke programs increasingly expect it. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

CFRN · BCEN

CFRN is the credential for flight and transport nurses, who deliver critical care in the air. It is a demanding exam for a demanding role. Here is the format, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

CPAN · ABPANC

CPAN is the credential for PACU and Phase I post-anesthesia nurses who recover patients in their most vulnerable hours. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

NI-BC · ANCC

NI-BC is the recognized credential for nursing informatics, one of nursing's fastest-growing off-the-bedside paths. Note the name: ANCC renamed it from RN-BC to NI-BC. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how renewal works.

NE-BC · ANCC

NE-BC is the credential for nurse managers and executives who run units, departments, and programs. It validates the leadership competencies, not the bedside ones. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how renewal works.

NPD-BC · ANCC

NPD-BC is the credential for nurse educators and staff-development specialists who build the competence of other nurses. ANCC retired the old RN-BC letters for this specialty. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how renewal works.

CWOCN · WOCNCB

CWOCN is the gold-standard tri-specialty credential for wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. It is unusual: you earn it by passing three exams, and most candidates first complete an accredited education program. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and how to prepare.

LNCC · ALNCCB

LNCC is the only accredited certification for legal nurse consultants, the experts who help attorneys understand medical records and care. It certifies experience, not entry. Here is the exam, who qualifies, a realistic study plan, and how recertification works.

CRNI · INCC

The CRNI is the only specialty certification for infusion nurses, and the exam rewards a plan built straight from INCC's three-domain content outline. Here is the format, the 1,600-hour eligibility rule, and the prep that works.