Certification
The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization in the United States.
ANCC's Certification Program validates nurses' skills, knowledge, and abilities. ANCC board certification empowers nurses within their professional sphere of activity and contributes to better patient outcome.
More than a quarter million nurses have been certified by ANCC since 1990. More than 75,000 advanced practice nurses are currently certified by ANCC.
At ANCC, we are passionate about helping you on your journey to nursing excellence.
What Are the Benefits of ANCC Certification to Professional Nurses?
ANCC certification validates your nursing knowledge and builds confidence.
- ANCC-certified nurses must meet strong professional development requirements.
- Nurse Managers believe that certification validates specialized knowledge, indicates a level of clinical competence, and enhances professional credibility. (American Board of Nursing Specialties Value of Certification Survey March 2005)
- Certification has been linked to fewer medical errors and increased job satisfaction and confidence. (American Association of Critical Care Nurses 2002)
ANCC certification provides career opportunities and salary increases.
- Nurses that are certified in a specialty area earn an average of $9,200 more than nurses who aren't certified. (Nursing2006's Salary Survey)
- Certification opens doors to higher-paying positions. (Nursing 2005's Salary Survey)
- 90% of nurse managers preferred hiring certified nurses over non-certified nurses. (The American Board of Nursing Specialties 2002)
ANCC certification shows you meet national standards.
- ANCC certifications are recognized and accepted by all state boards of nursing and by the U.S. military.
- CMS and the majority of third-party reimbursers accept ANCC certification.
- ANCC produces quality exams that are psychometrically sound and legally defensible.
- ANCC exams are accredited by two national organizations: the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
ANCC certification is the best measure of your ability to practice.
- Our exams have longevity—some certifications have been given for 30 years.
- ANCC's role delineation studies and test development process lead to fair and accurate questions on current practice activities.
- ANCC's combined pass rate on all exams for 2006 was 76.6%.
- ANCC certification shows that you have made continuing professional development a priority and an integral part of maintaining your ongoing competence to practice—providing evidence to the public and the profession of the strength of your nursing abilities.