AGACNP-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ

America’s population is aging fast — by 2030, nearly 20% of the country will be over 65, compared to just 5% a hundred years ago. Our healthcare system needs trained professionals to address the unique needs of older adults. Will you answer the call?

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (AGACNP-BC) is an entry-level specialized credential awarded to nurse practitioners (NPs) who have completed advanced training in adult and geriatric care and passed the certification exam. This credential ensures that acute care NPs are prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of adult and geriatric patients as they step into advanced practice roles.

If you’re considering AGACNP certification, you’re in the right place. This article will break down what this certification is, outline the steps to get it, and share effective study tips.

AGACNP-BC Certification: Snapshot

• Eligibility: You need a current RN license; an AGACNP-focused master’s, doctorate, or post-graduate certificate; and proof of completion for 3 graduate-level APRN core courses.
• Preparation: Read the test content outline, review the reference list, answer sample questions, use readiness tests, and go through the role delineation study.
• Application process: Set up an online account, complete the exam application form, submit all the required documents, and once approved, schedule your exam through Prometric.
• Exam: Your test will have 175 questions, and you’ll have 3.5 hours to answer them.
• Cost: The exam fee is $395.
• Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.

AGACNP-BC Meaning

The AGACNP-BC credential is awarded to NPs who have completed advanced training in adult and geriatric acute care and passed the specialized certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a globally recognized leader in nursing certifications.

Want to know what’s on the exam? It covers three content domains, all tailored to the special needs of elderly individuals.

Curious about where these professionals can work? They can be found in any facility that cares for adult and geriatric patients:

• Acute care hospitals
• Assisted living facilities
• Home health agencies
• Hospices
• Long-term care facilities
• Neurorestorative care clinics
• Nursing homes
• Palliative care centers
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Urgent care centers

AGACNP-BC Requirements

Curious about what it takes to add these prestigious letters to your name? Here are the steps you’ll take on your certification journey:

1. Become a Nurse

Start by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program, which builds a strong foundation in patient care, health sciences, and clinical skills. With your degree in hand, your next big step is to pass the NCLEX-RN and submit your application for an RN license with your state’s nursing board.

2. Gain Nursing Experience

Many NP programs expect you to bring at least a year of clinical experience to the table, giving you a chance to sharpen your clinical skills. For those interested in adult and geriatric acute care, these specialties offer a strong starting point to develop essential skills:

• Emergency room
• Critical care
• ICU nursing
• Progressive care
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Neurology care
• Orthopedic units

To make sure you’re on the right track, check with your chosen NP program for any specific experience requirements, so you can select a job setting that aligns with your career goals.

3. Apply to Graduate Program

After you’ve built up your experience, the next step is applying to a graduate program in your chosen specialty. You’ll need to decide between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and go through the application process.

Although each program has its own curriculum, here’s a quick look at what to expect once you’re accepted

• An MSN program typically takes about 2 years and includes at least 500 direct clinical hours.
• A DNP programtypically takes about 2 to 4 years to complete and includes at least 1,000 clinical hours.

4. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements

Here’s a rundown of the requirements you’ll need to meet for eligibility:

• Hold an active RN license in the United States, a U.S. territory, or the equivalent in another country.
• Complete an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner master’s, doctorate, or post-graduate certificate program with a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours.
• Take three graduate-level APRN core courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.
• Ensure your program’s curriculum includes content in health promotion/maintenance, differential diagnosis, and disease management, covering both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions.

5. Prepare for the Exam

Next up, it’s time to dive into your study materials. Here’s a list of resources to help you get ready for your exam:

• Test content outline: Get familiar with the topics covered so you know exactly where to focus.
• Reference list: Explore recommended books and articles to deepen your understanding of key concepts.
• Readiness tests: Test your skills with practice exams designed to simulate the real experience.
• Sample test questions: Review sample questions to understand the format and types of questions you’ll encounter.
• Role delineation study: Study the key responsibilities and expectations for your role, helping you prepare for practical applications.
• General testing and renewal handbook: Familiarize yourself with the exam process.
• ANCC study tips: Use insider tips to sharpen your study skills.

6. Apply for the Exam

You’ll need to create an online account with the ANCC and submit an application for your certification type. Be sure to include all required documentation, such as proof of your RN license and educational transcripts. After you complete this process, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT), which will allow you to schedule your exam.

7. Pay the Exam Fee

To finalize your application, you’ll need to pay the exam fee. Here’s how the fees are structured:

• Nonmembers fee: $395
• American Nurses Association (ANA) members fee: $295
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) members fee: $340
• AANP student members fee: $290
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) members fee: $340

8. Pass the Exam

Wondering what the exam will be like? Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when it’s your turn to take the test:

• Your exam will last 3.5 hours.
• You’ll need to answer 175 questions (150 scored and 25 unscored).
• You’ll need to score at least 350 to pass, with a maximum score of 500.

9. Maintain the Certification

Once you’re certified, your credential is valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to complete 75 hours of continuing education along with professional development requirements and submit the renewal application. The renewal fee for nonmembers is $375.

What Is AGACNP-BC Salary?

A typical salary for an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner in the U.S. is about $109,000 per year. Just keep in mind that your pay can differ based on your education, years of experience, and work setting. Additionally, geographic location plays a big role in determining your salary too.

If you want to maximize your earnings, consider sending your NP resume to healthcare facilities in these five top-paying states for NPs:

• California
• Nevada
• Washington
• New Jersey
• Oregon

FAQs: AGACNP-BC Certification

What does the AGACNP-BC medical abbreviation stand for?

The AGACNP-BC stands for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. It’s a specialized credential for NPs providing acute care to adult and geriatric patients.

AGACNP-BC vs. ACNPC-AG: What’s the difference?

Both certifications are designed for nurse practitioners specializing in acute care for adult and geriatric patients. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification – Adult Gerontology (ACNPC-AG) is awarded by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), while AGACNP certification is awarded by the ANCC.

How do I verify my credentials?

Simply visit the ANCC credential verification portal, click on Verify Certification, and input all the required information, such as your name and certification type. The first verification within each renewal cycle is free, but additional verifications may incur a $40 fee.

How hard is the exam?

While the perception of difficulty can vary across people, the pass rate for the exam is 83%, showing that a majority of candidates successfully earn their certification. Solid preparation can greatly enhance your chances of passing.

What do I do if I fail the exam?

If you don’t pass the ANCC certification exam, don’t worry — there’s a plan in place for you to retest. You can apply to retest after 60 days. Just remember, you can’t take the exam more than three times in any 12-month period. Also, be sure to wait at least five days after your exam before submitting your retest application online.

Related Certifications

Interested in expanding your certification portfolio? Consider these useful credentials:

• Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
• Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
• Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN)
• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
• Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
• Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
• HIV Specialist (AAHIVS)
• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Discover Your Next Nursing Role

Are you ready for a career change? Whether you’re an AGACNP-BC–certified nurse or aspiring to be one, IntelyCare can connect you with personalized nursing job opportunities tailored to your skills and career goals. Take the first step toward an exciting new chapter.