Your Guide To Applying for the AANP FNP Exam

You’re nearing the end of your program and have started thinking about signing up for your board exam – congratulations! It’s a long road to get here. Registering for your exam means you’re one step closer to graduating and truly being done studying. Today, we’re going to go through step by step starting with applying for the AANP FNP exam all the way through the end of the process where you receive official results. At the end of the post, you’ll see some frequently asked questions and links to additional resources so make sure to check those out as well.

Applying for the AANP FNP Exam

Step 1 – Sign up for a student membership and create your account

Where: AANP Student Membership

Cost: $55/year for a student membership

Tips: You can also create an account without a membership, but especially if you’re a student, it makes more sense financially to purchase a student membership so you get the $75 discount on the exam cost (you can always cancel your membership later). Make sure to use your legal name here because the name provided will be used on your certificate which you’ll need for your first job and credentialing

Step 2 – Sign up and pay for exam

Where: On the certification page, click “apply” and sign into your account

Cost: $240 for AANP members and $315 for non-members

Tips: The application may take up to 15 minutes to complete. Make sure to have a copy of your RN license and unofficial transcripts ready to upload. On your application, you’ll designate which State Boards of Nursing you want your results sent to once you take and pass your exam.

Step 3 – Send official transcripts by mail or email

Where: Transcripts@aanpcert.org or by mail at: AANPCB, Capital Station, LBJ Building, P.O. Box 12926, Austin, TX 78711-2926

Tips: You can upload an unofficial transcript if you’re applying for the exam prior to graduating. You’ll be able to register and take the exam with unofficial transcripts. Make sure once you graduate that you send an official transcript which is required for AANP to release your score. Your official transcript can be sent in an original sealed envelope directly from your school or by email from the Registrar’s Office.

Step 4 – Receive email from AANP with Approval to Test

When: on your program completion date (as identified during the application process)

Tip: this basically means that your account information was sent to PSI and you’ll shortly be receiving another email with information on scheduling your exam

Step 5 – Receive Authorization to Test email from PSI

When: you should receive this email within 24-48 hours of receiving the Approval to Test email from AANP (I received it the same day, within a few hours of my approval to test email from AANP).

Tips: This email will provide you information on how to schedule your exam, your candidate ID, and an authorization of your 120 day testing window.

Step 6 – Create PSI account and sign up for test date

Where: use the link in the Authorization to Test email from PSI to create your account and choose your test date

Tips: After signing up for a test date, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the testing center location and other details. You can reschedule your exam if needed up to 2 days before the test date.

Step 7 – Confirm test date and location on the PSI website 1-2 days before

Where: sign into your account at PSI and select “view all my activities”

Tips: make sure to review the Candidate Information Bulletin prior to your exam to understand what to expect at the testing center

Step 8 – Take and pass your exam

You got this!

See this post for ideas on how to organize your studying.

Step 9 – Receive preliminary results on a print out at test center

Tip: this will give you a preliminary pass or no pass result – congratulations you’re done, it’s such a good feeling!

Step 10 – View Official Results on AANP website

Where: sign into your AANP account and view results under “My Certifications”

Tips: Your official results (pass or no pass) will be available on your AANP account within 1 week of testing (usually within 1-3 days). Results will be sent to the State Boards of Nursing you designated on your application within 1 day of your score being released.

Step 11 – Receive certificate and score in mail

When: this typically takes about 3 weeks from the time your score is released.

Tip: In the mail, you will receive a letter with your numerical score and a certificate. Keep track of the certificate as you’ll need it for credentialing.

Step 12 – Add NP-C to your credentials – you did it!

FAQ – Applying for the aanp fnp exam

How early can you apply for the exam?

Per the AANP FNP Candidate Handbook, if you are a MSN or graduate-certificate student you can apply 6 months before graduation.
DNP students can apply 1 year before graduation.
I’d recommend creating your account, paying for the exam, and sending your unofficial transcripts at least 1 month before graduation. This should give AANP plenty of time to process your application so that you can take the exam as soon as you’re ready after graduation.

Can you take the exam before graduating?

Yes, as long as you have completed all didactic hours and clinical practice hours for your program. You may need a letter from your program director.
Most students will not be eligible to take it until after graduation though.

For more information:

Read the AANP FNP Candidate Handbook

View the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin

Make sure to check out other recent posts and visit the resource page:

Resources