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ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (AGACNP-BC)
600 questions
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About this exam
The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (AGACNP-BC) is a national board certification exam for registered nurses who have completed graduate-level preparation as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners. It assesses readiness to provide advanced care to acutely and critically ill adults and older adults in acute-care settings. It is a professional certification exam, not an admissions test for nurse practitioner school. Eligibility depends on ANCC requirements, including an active RN license and qualifying graduate education and clinical preparation; check the current ANCC handbook for details.
The exam covers clinical assessment, diagnosis, clinical reasoning, treatment planning, implementation, and evaluation, alongside professional responsibilities. Key study areas include advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology and prescribing, and diagnostic testing in acute care. ANCC exam information has described a computer-based format with 175 questions, including unscored pretest items, and a 3.5-hour testing period. Because exam details and content outlines can change, candidates preparing for 2027–2028 should confirm the current ANCC test content outline and candidate handbook.
How to prepare for the AGACNP-BC exam
- Use the current ANCC test content outline to organize a study plan, then review advanced assessment, adult-gerontology acute-care pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic testing.
- Practice applying clinical reasoning to acute and complex cases: interpret findings, prioritize likely diagnoses, select appropriate tests, and evaluate treatment risks and responses.
- Build timed study sessions with mixed-topic questions, review the rationale for every answer, and use the current ANCC handbook to confirm exam policies and eligibility requirements.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the ANCC AGACNP-BC exam?
The exam is for registered nurses who meet ANCC eligibility requirements for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certification. Requirements include an active RN license and qualifying graduate-level education and clinical preparation. Review the current ANCC candidate handbook for the full criteria.
How many questions are on the AGACNP-BC exam, and how long is it?
ANCC exam information has described a computer-based exam with 175 questions, including unscored pretest items, and a 3.5-hour testing period. Confirm the current format in the ANCC handbook before your test date, since exam information may be updated.
What subjects should I study for the AGACNP-BC exam?
Review the current ANCC test content outline, with particular attention to clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, pharmacology, diagnostic testing, and evaluation of care for acutely ill adults and older adults. Also prepare for professional-role content and practice applying knowledge to complex clinical scenarios.