ANCC Certification Application Information
IMPORTANT TIME FRAME UPDATE
IMPORTANT NOTICE Starting January 1, 2026, ANCC will implement a policy change to the certification eligibility for APRN applicants. Candidates for ANCC APRN certification must pass their examination within five (5) years of degree conferral from their applicable APRN degree or post-graduate certification program.
Please be advised that this policy solely applies to initial and retest applications for certification and has no bearing on the requirements for certification renewal. Applicants who have tested unsuccessfully in the past and have not earned certification, those who are licensed in a state that does not yet require certification, or those whose degree conferral date fall within a timeframe to be affected by this policy should consider testing prior to implementation.