Credential type: certification examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
Retired exam
ANCC retired ACNS-BC. AGCNS-BC is the named replacement path.
Explore related current path AGCNS-BC: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Board Certification ExaminationThe Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Board Certified (ACNS-BC) exam is a retired credential previously certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This specific credential has been discontinued and replaced by the AGCNS-BC, which serves as the current, active pathway for all practitioners seeking professional certification in this clinical field. Candidates should note that the retired exam consisted of 175 multiple-choice questions and required a passing score of 350 to achieve the credential.
Registered nurses who are currently pursuing clinical nurse specialist credentials should register for the active AGCNS-BC successor examination rather than attempting to pursue this retired credential, as the ACNS-BC is no longer available for new candidates to complete or earn.
Direct all study efforts toward the AGCNS-BC successor examination. While core clinical knowledge transfers directly, ensure you review current ANCC guidelines and material specific to the active successor test rather than attempting to prepare for this retired exam format. Candidates should focus on the updated requirements and the 210 minutes allotted for the current testing process to ensure full readiness for the certification.
This domain focuses on the clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning required for adult-gerontology populations, ensuring that practitioners can accurately evaluate patient health status and interpret complex diagnostic data to inform their clinical decision-making processes effectively.
This section applies research evidence and established best practices to clinical nursing interventions, focusing on how to translate scientific findings into actionable patient care outcomes that improve the overall quality of health services provided to the population.
This domain manages patient transitions across various healthcare settings and coordinates interprofessional healthcare delivery, ensuring that communication remains seamless and that all members of the care team are aligned to support the patient's recovery and long-term health goals.
This area demonstrates clinical leadership and provides expert consultation to nursing staff and diverse healthcare teams, emphasizing the role of the specialist in guiding practice, mentoring colleagues, and fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes high standards of care.
This domain employs systems thinking to manage healthcare outcomes, quality improvement, and safety initiatives, requiring the specialist to analyze organizational processes and implement changes that enhance safety, efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of the healthcare delivery system.
The retired ACNS-BC examination was a linear test that contained exactly 175 multiple-choice questions. Candidates were expected to demonstrate their clinical knowledge across these items to meet the certification standards established by the ANCC at that time.
The passing score for the retired ACNS-BC credential required a minimum scaled score of 350. This score was derived from a total scale ranging from 200 to 500, which was used to determine the competency of the nursing candidates.
Candidates were provided with a total duration of 210 minutes to complete the linear examination. This time limit was designed to allow sufficient opportunity for nurses to answer all questions while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
The verified successor to the retired credential is the AGCNS-BC, which stands for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Board Certification Examination. This exam is currently certified by the ANCC and serves as the primary pathway for certification.
The retired ACNS-BC examination had a non-member price of 520 dollars. This fee structure was established by the ANCC to cover the administrative and testing costs associated with the certification process for all eligible nursing candidates.
Verified 2026-08-30
This overview is compiled using official ANCC certification documentation and policy guidelines regarding retired credentials and their successors to ensure that all information provided is accurate and reflects current professional standards for nursing certification.