How to register for the FNP exam (NPCB or ANCC)
To sit either FNP exam you need an active RN license, a graduate FNP program (master’s, DNP or post-graduate certificate) from an accredited program, and at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours. You apply online to NPCB or ANCC, often in your final semester, then test within a 120-day window. NPCB charges $315 ($240 for AANP members) and ANCC $395 ($295 for ANA members).
Last checked October 18, 2026 · Sources: NPCB FNP Candidate Handbook (June 2026); ANCC FNP-BC page. ANCC application timing as described by prep guides; confirm with ANCC.
Active RN license; graduate FNP program from an accredited program; 500+ faculty-supervised clinical hours in the FNP role.
Join AANP (for NPCB) or ANA (for ANCC) first if you want the member price.
Create an account with NPCB or ANCC and submit your application, license details and transcripts. ANCC also needs a validation form from your program, as reported.
Once approved, schedule within your 120-day window.
When to apply
- NPCB: its June 2026 handbook says MSN and post-graduate certificate applicants can apply up to 6 months before program completion, and DNP applicants up to 12 months; you can test once all coursework and clinical hours are done, even before your degree is conferred.
- ANCC: guides describe similar early-application windows; check ANCC’s FNP-BC page. ANCC also needs a validation form from your program, as reported.
- Order transcripts early; NPCB needs a final official transcript showing your degree before it releases certification.
Fees
| NPCB FNP | ANCC FNP-BC | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-member | $315 | $395 |
| Member | $240 (AANP or AAENP) | $295 (ANA); $340 (AANP); $290 (AANP student) |
| Retake | $240 / $315 | See ANCC |
From each board’s own pages.
After you apply: NPCB scheduling rules
- Authorization to test: NPCB emails your ATT once your program completion date passes and eligibility is confirmed; check spam folders.
- 120-day window: schedule and test at Prometric within 120 days.
- Missed window or no-show: request an eligibility reset for a fee; NPCB allows one reset per application, and applications over a year old need a new application.
- Cancelling: canceling within 24 hours or not showing up may forfeit fees.
- Withdrawing: a partial refund only if you haven’t scheduled and your window hasn’t expired.
- ID: your ID must exactly match the name in your NPCB account.
Common questions about registering for the FNP exam
When can I apply for the FNP exam?
For NPCB, up to 6 months before MSN or post-graduate certificate completion, or 12 months before DNP completion, according to its handbook; you test once coursework and clinical hours are done.
How many clinical hours do I need?
At least 500 faculty-supervised direct patient care clinical hours, according to NPCB.
How long is the testing window?
120 days for NPCB, according to its handbook.
Do I need to be an AANP member?
No. NPCB says membership in AANP or AAENP isn’t required, though members get $75 off.
See also our FNP exam 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.