FNP pass rates: NPCB and ANCC first-time results by year
Last checked October 18, 2026 · Sources: ANCC’s FNP-BC page and 2025 Certification Data; NPCB’s certification statistics and 2025 Annual Report. NPCB yearly FNP rates and ANCC’s 2024 and 2022 figures are as reported by prep providers citing those reports.
FNP pass rates are similar on both boards. In 2025, 82% of first-time ANCC FNP-BC candidates passed, according to ANCC, and 81% of first-time NPCB FNP candidates passed, as reported from NPCB’s statistics. Both were around 83% in 2024. Rates move year to year, so they say more about cohorts than about which exam is easier.
First-time results by year
| Year | NPCB (FNP-C) | ANCC (FNP-BC) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 81% | 82% |
| 2024 | 83% | 83% (7,751 first-time testers) |
| 2023 | 73% | Not covered here |
| 2022 | Not covered here | 74% |
First-time pass rates. ANCC 2025 from ANCC’s FNP-BC page; other figures as reported by prep providers citing each board’s published statistics.
What the numbers mean
Pass rates reflect who tested that year as much as the exam itself. NPCB’s FNP rate swung from 73% in 2023 to 83% in 2024, and both boards’ rates now sit close together. Neither board grades on a curve: NPCB sets its passing standard through standard-setting, and ANCC’s exam is criterion-referenced, so in principle every candidate can pass. ANCC’s new outline from October 30, 2026 may also shift future results; see our 2026 FNP exam changes.
Should pass rates decide your exam?
- Not on their own: a one-point difference in 2025 is within normal yearly variation.
- Format matters more: NPCB is 150 questions in 3 hours; ANCC is 175 in 3.5 hours with a new outline from October 30, 2026.
- Retake rules differ: NPCB allows three attempts per calendar year; ANCC requires 60 days between attempts.
- Check your program’s results: many FNP programs publish their own first-time pass rates against the national average.
Common questions about board results
What is the ANCC FNP pass rate?
82% of first-time candidates passed in 2025, according to ANCC.
What is the AANP (NPCB) FNP pass rate?
81% of first-time candidates passed in 2025, as reported from NPCB’s statistics.
Which FNP exam is easier to pass?
Recent rates are almost the same, so pick by format, content and retake rules rather than pass rate.
When are new pass rates published?
Usually early in the following year; ANCC’s FNP-BC page currently shows its 2025 figure.
See also NPCB vs ANCC and our FNP exam guide. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with NPCB, ANCC or ANA.