FNP certification exams explained: NPCB vs ANCC, fees, pass rates and steps
Last checked October 18, 2026 · Sources: NPCB FNP Candidate Handbook (June 2026) and exam page; ANCC FNP-BC page, 2026 Test Content Outline and retest policy; NPCB 2025 pass rate as reported from its statistics page.
FNP certification exams come from two national boards. NPCB (the AANPCB, which now does business as the Nurse Practitioners Certification Board) gives a 150-question, 3-hour exam for $315 that earns FNP-C. ANCC gives a 175-question, 3.5-hour exam for $395 that earns FNP-BC. First-time pass rates in 2025 were 81% and 82%. ANCC moves to a new outline on October 30, 2026.
The two FNP exams at a glance
| NPCB (FNP-C) | ANCC (FNP-BC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 (135 scored, 15 pretest) | 175 (150 scored, 25 pretest) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Fee | $315; $240 for AANP members | $395; $295 ANA members; $340 AANP members |
| Passing standard | Standard-setting; not reported as a percentage | Scaled score of 350, per prep providers |
| Content | Assess 32%, Diagnose 27%, Plan 27%, Evaluate 15% | Five domains; Implementation 33% from Oct 30, 2026 |
| Retakes | Up to 3 per calendar year | After 60 days; up to 3 in any 12 months |
| Testing | Prometric; 120-day window | Prometric |
| Certification | 5 years (NP-C) | 5 years (FNP-BC) |
From NPCB’s June 2026 handbook and exam page and ANCC’s FNP-BC page, outline and retest policy, checked October 18, 2026.
Both credentials lead to national FNP certification. Our NPCB vs ANCC guide goes deeper, and our 2026 exam changes page covers ANCC’s new outline, the NPCB name and the three-retake rule.
How to get FNP certified
Complete an accredited FNP program with advanced assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology and at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours, as NPCB requires.
Pick NPCB (FNP-C) or ANCC (FNP-BC). Many choose by format: NPCB is all multiple choice and clinically focused; ANCC is longer.
NPCB accepts applications up to 6 months before MSN completion or 12 months before DNP completion; you test once coursework and clinical hours are done.
Test at Prometric within your window: NPCB gives 120 days.
Both boards certify for 5 years; renew through continuing education and practice, or by re-examination.
Everything on FNP certification
Formats, fees, domains and pass rates side by side.
→ANCC's new outline, NPCB, three retakes.
→Fees, prep and example budgets.
→First-time results by year for both boards.
→Eligibility, applying and fees for both boards.
→A 10-week schedule built on your board's weights.
→Prometric rules, results and retakes.
→Renewing FNP-C and FNP-BC every five years.
→Both boards' pages and free material.
→Fitzgerald, APEA and UWorld.
→Three head-to-head comparisons.
→From free questions to a $179 QBank and $449 course.
→Price cuts, guarantees and member exam fees.
→Reddit, Quora and outdated claims.
→Study strategy and tips
- Study to your board’s blueprint: NPCB weights Assess at 32%; ANCC’s new outline weights Implementation at 33%.
- Mind the age mix on NPCB: its blueprint puts 30% of questions on older adults and 26% on middle adults.
- If you’re taking ANCC after October 30, 2026, use materials built for the new outline.
- Use the official practice exams NPCB offers, which follow its blueprint.
Where FNP candidates talk
FNP students and new NPs share board tips on Reddit and Quora. Many posts predate 2026’s changes, such as the NPCB name, three retakes a year, and ANCC’s new outline, so check rules against the boards. Our FNP community guide lists what to watch for. Weighing related exams? See our guides to the PA exam (PANCE) and NCLEX.
Common questions about FNP certification exams
Do I need both exams?
No. You need one of the two national exams, NPCB’s FNP exam (FNP-C) or ANCC’s FNP-BC.
What are the FNP pass rates?
81% for NPCB’s FNP exam and 82% for ANCC’s FNP-BC among first-time takers in 2025.
How much is the FNP exam?
$315 for NPCB ($240 for AANP members) and $395 for ANCC ($295 for ANA members).
Is NPCB the same as AANPCB?
Yes. The AANPCB now does business as the Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (NPCB); the exam and NP-C credential are unchanged.
We first checked these sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 18, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with NPCB, ANCC or ANA.