Which organization offers the national certification exam for APRNs?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is responsible for offering the national certification exams for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The ANCC provides specialized certification for various advanced practice roles, including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. By establishing rigorous testing standards and developing examinations that reflect the complexities of advanced practice, the ANCC ensures that certified APRNs possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care.

In this context, other organizations, while important in the nursing field, focus on different aspects. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing primarily regulates nursing practice and oversees licensing but does not provide certification exams. The American Nurses Association advocates for the interests of nurses, enhancing the profession through policy engagement rather than direct certification. The National League for Nursing is focused on nursing education and does not provide national certification for APRNs. Thus, the ANCC uniquely fulfills this critical role in the certification of advanced practice nurses.