NPCB vs ANCC: the two FNP certification exams compared
Last checked October 18, 2026 · Sources: NPCB FNP Candidate Handbook (June 2026) and FNP exam page; ANCC FNP-BC page, 2026 outline, 2022 outline and retest policy. Items marked reported come from prep providers.
NPCB vs ANCC is the main choice for new family nurse practitioners. NPCB’s FNP exam (formerly the AANPCB’s, earning FNP-C) has 150 questions in three hours for $315, or $240 for AANP members. ANCC’s FNP-BC has 175 questions in 3.5 hours for $395, or $295 for ANA members. First-time pass rates in 2025 were 81% (reported) and 82%.
Side by side
| NPCB (AANPCB) FNP | ANCC FNP-BC | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 (135 scored, 15 pretest) | 175 (150 scored, 25 pretest) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Fee, non-member | $315 | $395 |
| Fee, member | $240 (AANP or AAENP) | $295 (ANA); $340 (AANP); $290 (AANP student) |
| Retake fee | $240 member / $315 non-member | See ANCC |
| Testing window | 120 days; one eligibility reset | 120 days; apply year-round |
| Passing score | Standard-setting, not a percentage; 500 on 200-800 (reported; not in the June 2026 handbook) | 350 on a scale to 500 (reported) |
| Retakes | Up to 3 per calendar year | After 60 days; up to 3 in any 12 months |
| 2025 pass rate | 81% first-time (reported) | 82% (ANCC) |
| Credential | FNP-C (NP-C mark) | FNP-BC |
From each board’s own pages and handbook unless marked reported, checked October 18, 2026.
What the NPCB exam covers
| Domain | Items | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Assess | 43 | 32% |
| Diagnose | 36 | 26.5% |
| Plan | 36 | 26.5% |
| Evaluate | 20 | 15% |
From NPCB’s FNP exam page and June 2026 handbook (135 scored items). The exam page shows Diagnose and Plan as 26.5%; the handbook rounds them to 27%.
NPCB also spreads questions by patient age: 30% older adult, 26% middle adult, 22% young adult, 9% adolescent, and the rest across children and infants, according to its handbook.
What the ANCC exam covers
| Domain | Through Oct 18, 2026 | From Oct 30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | 29 (19%) | 26 (17%) |
| Diagnosis | 26 (17%) | 25 (17%) |
| Planning | 29 (19%) | 29 (19%) |
| Implementation | 43 (29%) | 50 (33%) |
| Evaluation | 23 (15%) | 20 (13%) |
From ANCC’s 2022 and 2026 FNP-BC test content outlines (150 scored items). New-outline Implementation and Evaluation figures as reported by prep providers citing the full outline.
See our 2026 FNP exam changes page for what the new ANCC outline means for your study plan.
Things to know
- Join first to save. NPCB takes $75 off for AANP and AAENP members; ANCC’s ANA member price is $100 below its non-member fee.
- Membership isn’t required to certify with NPCB, its handbook says.
- ANCC five-year rule. A guide says that from January 1, 2026, ANCC requires candidates to pass within five years of finishing their FNP program; check ANCC.
- Both are recognized by state boards of nursing; NPCB says its certification is recognized by all of them.
- Score reports differ: NPCB gives a preliminary pass or fail at the test center; ANCC’s failing score reports include diagnostics for each content area.
Which should you take?
Both lead to national FNP certification used for licensure. NPCB’s exam is shorter and cheaper, and guides describe it as tightly clinical. ANCC’s is longer and, from October 30, 2026, puts a third of its scored questions on Implementation. If you want a 60-day gap to restudy, ANCC’s retake rule builds one in; NPCB lets you reapply as soon as your official score arrives. Check your state board and employer for any preference.
Common questions about NPCB vs ANCC
Which should I take?
Both lead to certification used for licensure. NPCB’s exam is shorter and cheaper; ANCC’s is longer with a new outline from October 30, 2026. Check your state board and employer for any preference.
Which FNP exam is easier?
The 2025 first-time pass rates were close: 81% for NPCB (as reported) and 82% for ANCC.
What is the passing score?
NPCB’s June 2026 handbook says only that the passing score is set by standard-setting and isn’t a percentage; prep providers report 500 on a 200 to 800 scale. ANCC’s is reported as 350.
How many times can I retake?
NPCB allows up to three FNP attempts per calendar year. ANCC requires 60 days between attempts and allows three in any 12 months.
See also our NCLEX guide. 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.