ACNP-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (ACNP-BC) certification is a professional credential designed for acute care nurse practitioners who work in settings such as emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and specialty clinics. This certification ensures that a nurse practitioner (NP) has the advanced clinical knowledge and skills to provide high-quality, evidence-based care for critically ill patients.
Currently, this certification is only available for renewal. This guide will walk you through the steps to keep your credential active and maintain your status as an ACNP-BC nurse practitioner.
ACNP-BC Meaning: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You must have a valid RN license, maintain an active ANCC board certification, complete 75 continuing education hours (including 25 in pharmacology), and meet at least 1 of the 8 renewal criteria.
- Application process: Log in to your ANCC account, complete the renewal form, and submit the necessary documents.
- Cost: The renewal fee is $375.
- Renewal: Certification must be renewed every 5 years.
What Is ACNP-BC?
The ACNP-BC medical abbreviation stands for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. It’s a professional credential awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), demonstrating that an NP is qualified to provide competent and safe care in acute care settings.
Wondering where you can work with this certification? It opens up job opportunities in various settings that focus on caring for critically ill patients, including the following:
- Intensive care units (ICUs)
- Critical care units
- Urgent care clinics
- Specialized ICUs, such as CVICUs and STICUs
- Progressive care units
- Emergency departments (EDs)
- Pre-operative and post-anesthesia care units
- Trauma centers
- Outpatient specialty clinics, such as neurology and orthopedic care
- Remote monitoring services in rural or underserved areas
- Research institutions
- Universities and nursing schools
How to Renew ACNP-BC Certification
You’ll need to renew your certification every five years to keep it active. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
1. Meet ACNP-BC Requirements for Renewal
To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the ANCC. Since this certification is no longer open to new applicants, only currently certified nurses can renew. Additional requirements include:
- Maintaining a valid RN license.
- Completing 75 continuing education hours, including 25 in pharmacology.
- Satisfying at least one of the eight renewal pathways.
2. Choose a Renewal Pathway
When it’s time to renew, you’ll have several options, each with its own set of requirements.
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Publication |
|
| Research |
|
| Preceptor hours |
|
| Professional service |
|
| Evidence-based practice (EBP) or quality improvement (QI) project, publication, or research |
|
| Presentations |
|
| Practice hours | Complete 1,000 practice hours in your specialty. |
| Test or portfolio | Since your certification examination is available for renewal only, testing options are unavailable. |
3. Submit Your Application
Next, you’ll need to submit your renewal application. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your ANCC account.
- Complete the renewal application form.
- Upload supporting documents, such as proof of completing continuing education courses or preceptor verification forms.
- Review and submit your application.
Once submitted, you can track your application’s progress through your ANCC account. If additional information is needed, ANCC will reach out to you.
4. Pay the Renewal Fee
The certification renewal fee is $375, but if you’re a member of any of the following organizations, you could qualify for a discount:
- American Nurses Association (ANA): $275
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): $295
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA): $320
Frequently Asked Questions: ACNP-BC Certification
Is the ACNP credential still available for new applicants?
This certification is no longer offered for initial certification. It’s now only available for nurses who already hold the credential and wish to renew it.
What are alternative certifications for ACNPs?
Although this credential is only available for renewal, other certifications offer advanced credentials in similar roles, skills, and specialties. Here are some options to consider:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Adult-Gerontology (ACNPC-AG)
- Acute Clinical Care Nurse Specialist – Adult-Gerontology (ACCNS-AG)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
What is the typical ACNP-BC salary?
An NP in a general medical and surgical hospital in the U.S. typically makes around $135,610 annually. However, your earnings can vary based on factors like your experience, education, and employment type.
The state you work in can also influence your earning potential. Here are a few states where NPs earn higher salaries:
What resources are available for renewal preparation?
The AACN provides helpful resources to set you up for success, including the following:
- Certification renewal requirements handbook
- General testing and renewal handbook
There are additional resources available online. However, make sure to verify their credibility, especially if they’re not ANCC-approved.
What do I do if my certification expires?
If your certification expired less than two years ago, you’re eligible for reactivation. You’ll need to meet the renewal requirements and pay an additional $125 reactivation fee. If your certification has been expired for more than two years, you’ll need to retake the certification exam.
How do I verify my credentials?
Log in to your account and navigate to the verification section, where you can search for your certification status. If you need official documentation, you can request a verification letter through the same platform. You’ll receive one free verification each renewal cycle; additional requests will incur a $40 fee.
Need extra help to navigate the verification? Check out the ANCC video walkthrough for step-by-step guidance.
Related Certifications
Interested in exploring more credentials? Take a look at these certifications that can broaden your skills and opportunities:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (AGACNP-BC)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (WHNP-BC)
Discover Your Next Nursing Role
Now that your ACNP-BC certification is up to date, IntelyCare can connect you with quality nursing jobs tailored to your expertise and career goals. Take the first step into an exciting new chapter today.
