FNP-BC Vs. FNP-C: Learn The Difference | NurseJournal.org (2024)

FAQs

FNP-BC Vs. FNP-C: Learn The Difference | NurseJournal.org? ›

The FNP-C exam includes concepts such as cultural competence, mental health, therapeutic communication, crisis management, and integrative therapies, among others. The FNP-BC exam includes 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions vs. the FNP-C's 135 scored and 15 unscored questions.

Perhaps most importantly, the certification exams have different scopes. The FNP-C is meant for FNPs who plan to go into clinical practice. The FNP-BC is aimed at nurse practitioners who want to make an impact on the profession as a teacher or policymaker (although they are still licensed to practice).

A major difference between the two certification exams that students talk about is that the ANCC includes questions related to the professional role on their exams, whereas the AANP is almost completely clinically focused. But the truth is, you need to be prepared for those nonclinical questions for all exams.

For registered nurses (RNs) who have already earned their RN license and are looking to advance their career to become an FNP, there are two avenues for certification: the FNP-C, offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), or the FNP-BC, offered by the American Nurses ...

The AANP is rumored to be the easier of the two exams, specifically for those seeking their FNP certification since it has a 5% higher pass rate than that of the ANCC FNP exam. Using the pass rate as a basis for difficulty then you can reasonably say that the AANP exam is easier than the ANCC.

Both certifications allow nursing graduates to provide clinical care to patients. However, nursing professionals who complete the FNP-BC often choose careers in academics. They may work in research or as a professor teaching nursing students. Those who choose to complete the FNP-C usually work in clinical practice.

While it can be tempting to want care from someone with the title “Doctor”, nurse practitioners are equally skilled and knowledgeable in their field. Nurse practitioners are typically not as booked as doctors, and can fit patients in sooner, providing relief without long delays or wait times.

The pass rates are not very different; for 2021, the AANP pass rate was 84% (for FNP), and the pass rate for the ANCC was 87% (for FNP). The cost is similar; as of this writing, the AANP test is $315, and the ANCC test is $395, and both organizations offer a discount to their members.

Becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner isn't easy, and yes, both the AANP and ANCC certification exams are challenging — very challenging. They will take a great deal of analytical thought, clinical judgment, and preparation.

Physician assistants train using the medical model, similar to physicians, which means they focus on the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease that the patient has. Nurse practitioners train on the nursing model, which means they focus on the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient with the disease.

Is FNP higher than NP? ›

An NP degree in another field generally involves more specialization than an FNP degree. Whereas FNPs are viewed as generalists, other types of NPs have a more narrow focus.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Adderall? Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance. Depending on an NP's prescriptive authority, they may be able to prescribe it.

FNP-BC Certification. Generally speaking, the FNP-C credential is best for FNPs who plan on working directly with patients, as it tends to be less expensive and more thorough in its clinical knowledge assessment. The FNP-BC exam is slightly longer (150 vs. 135 questions) and more costly than its FNP-C counterpart.

Neither profession ranks “higher” than the other. Both NPs and PAs work in the healthcare field but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.

Conclusion. Choosing between the AANP and ANCC certifications is more than just picking an exam. It's about aligning your career goals, professional aspirations, and the areas of nursing you're most passionate about. Both certifications have their merits, and neither is inherently better than the other.