Requirements to Keep Your Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

Family nurse practitioners are highly-trained, advanced practice nurses who provide primary care for their patients. They provide preventative care, diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic medical conditions. The majority of family nurse practitioners complete a master’s degree program; however, post-graduate and doctorate programs are available. No matter the degree choice, all family nurse practitioners must maintain certain license and certification requirements to practice in this field.

National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses - NCLEX-RN

All family nurse practitioners are first certified registered nurses. Passing the NCLEX-RN proves proficiency in the field of nursing and its theories. You must complete training as a registered nurse and obtain clinical experience before entering a family nurse practitioner program.

American Nurses Credentialing Center -ANCC

• The ANCC awards family nurse practitioners the credentials of Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified, FNP-BC through a computer generated certification test. This certification is awarded to candidates that demonstrate competency in skills and knowledge. Certain eligibility requirements must be met before apply for certification.


• The FNP-BC candidate must hold an active U.S. RN license and hold a master’s or higher degree from an accredited family nurse practitioner program. The program must be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, NLNAC, or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE. The candidate must complete at least 500 clinical hours of supervised clinical training.


• Once the FNP-BC certification is awarded, it is valid for 5 years. Renewal of the certificate requires completing an application and providing documentation of professional development requirements. Professional development includes attending continuing education seminars or courses, and logging a designated number of hours practicing as a family nurse practitioner.