American Nurses Credentialing Center

Certified nursing excellence
The American Nurses Association established the ANA Certification Program in 1973 to provide tangible recognition of professional achievement in a defined functional or clinical area of nursing. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) became its own corporation, a subsidiary of ANA in 1991. More than 150,000 nurses throughout the U.S. and its territories in 40 specialty and advanced practice areas of nursing carry ANCC certification. While the role for nurses continues to evolve, ANCC has responded positively by the re-conceptualization of certification and Open Door 2000, a program that enables all qualified registered nurses, regardless of their educational preparation to become certified in any of five specialty areas: Gerontology, Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Perinatal and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.


ANCC is the largest and most prestigious nursing credentialing organization in the United States and has a long tradition of providing programs that establish respect for nurses and the profession. ANCC certifications are highly regarded across the nation by federal, state and local agencies. We produce quality exams that are psychometrically sound and legally defensible, and the integrity of our exams is a top priority. The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), both well recognized throughout the certification health care credentialing community, accredit most of ANCC's exams and processes.

ANNC mission statement
*Certifies healthcare providers;
*Accredits educational providers, approvers, and programs;
*Recognizes excellence in nursing and healthcare services;
*Educates the public, and collaborates with organizations to advance the understanding of credentialing services;
*Supports credentialing through research, education, and consultative services

ANCC Certification - Commonly Asked Questions

When/how do I renew my certification?
*ANCC certification lasts for five years.
*Candidates for certification renewal must meet the professional development requirements.
*Candidates for certification renewal must show evidence of practice (1,000 hours) or retest.

Why certify?
*It builds confidence in your professional ability.
*It demonstrates meeting national standards.
*It validates your nursing knowledge.
*It shows dedication to nursing as a profession.