So, What’s the AGNP Exam Like?

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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AGNP® Certification: ANCC vs. AANPCB Exam Guide

(With excerpts from Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Fourth Edition, by Maria T. Codina Leik MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, AGPCNP-BC)

The first step in earning your AGNP® certification is deciding which exam to take: ANCC or AANPCB. Both are valid, nationally recognized certifications, but they differ in format, focus, and testing style. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one for you.

The Format

In 2016, both organizations introduced new question types, with more variety on the ANCC exam. While both exams still rely heavily on multiple-choice questions, here’s how they compare:

Question Format ANCC AANPCB
Single-best-answer multiple choice (4 options) Yes Yes
Drag and drop (e.g., order of interventions) Yes No
Multiple correct answers (select all that apply) Yes Yes
Hot spot (image with quadrant selection) Yes No

Both exams may include figures, EKG strips, and radiographic images.
Unlike the NCLEX-RN®, these are computer-based tests (CBTs), not adaptive exams.

👉 Review the official blueprints and reference lists carefully:

The Questions and Time

Exam Total Questions Testing Time
ANCC: AGPCNP Exam 200 total (175 scored, 25 unscored) 4 hours
AANPCB: AGNP Exam 150 total (135 scored, 15 unscored) 3 hours

  • You’ll have about 60 seconds per question.

  • Never leave questions blank—unanswered items are scored as incorrect. Even a guess gives you a 25% chance of being right.

The Computer Tutorial

Both exams start with a 10–15 minute computer tutorial (not counted toward your testing time). After the tutorial, the timer begins and does not stop for breaks. If you need a break, notify the staff—just remember the clock keeps running.

See also  So, What's the FNP Exam Like?

Sample Questions

Both organizations provide sample questions:

  • ANCC Free Sample Exam — 25 questions, web-based, unlimited attempts.

  • AANPCB Candidate Handbook — includes free sample questions (no answer key).

These are a great starting point, but you’ll need additional practice. Our AGNP review book and digital prep tools feature over 600 practice questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.

AANP vs. ANCC: Key Differences

  • Content Focus:

    • AANPCB: Primarily clinical (assessment, diagnosis, planning, evaluation).

    • ANCC: Includes clinical content plus non-clinical areas such as leadership, advocacy, professional roles, and independent practice.

  • Question Formats:

    • ANCC includes drag-and-drop, “hot spot,” and multimedia items.

    • AANPCB is largely multiple-choice, with some expanded-option questions.

  • Passing Rates (2017):

    • ANCC: 77%

    • AANPCB: 82%

  • Scoring:

    • ANCC passing score: 350+

    • AANPCB passing score: 500+

  • Retesting:

    • ANCC: Up to 3 times/year (60-day wait between attempts).

    • AANPCB: Up to 2 times/year; must complete 15 CE hours in weak areas before retake.

  • Other Considerations:

    • ANCC offers a mobile app (“MYANCC”) and allows highlighting/strikethrough on test items.

    • Membership discounts apply if you belong to ANA (for ANCC) or AANP (for AANPCB).

Application Details

  • When to Apply: Up to 6 months before graduation (AANPCB allows DNP students to apply up to 12 months early).

  • Processing Time: 4–6 weeks for both, once all documents are received.

  • Expedited Review: ANCC offers a 5-business-day expedited service (extra fee).

👉 Important: ANCC requires a Validation of Education Form signed by your NP program director. Be sure to submit the original, not a copy.

Transcripts & Accommodations

  • Final Transcript: Issued after graduation; must list your degree and NP specialty.

  • Official Transcript: Must remain sealed from the registrar’s office. Order multiple copies to keep extras unopened.

  • Testing Accommodations: Both organizations offer special accommodations with provider documentation.

See also  So, What's the FNP Exam Like?

You Got This!

Start preparing today with:

Resources

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. (2018). FNP & AGNP Certification Candidate Handbook.

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center. Test Content Outlines & Reference Lists.

  • Leik, M.C. (2018). Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Fourth Edition. Springer Publishing.

  • AACN & AANPCB Sample Exam Questions.

👉 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Certification Prep

Springer Publishing Editorial Staff
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