AGPCNP-BC
Credential type: certification examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
The Adult‑Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (AGPCNP‑BC) exam is offered by the ANCC. It covers five clinical domains, consists of 175 multiple‑choice questions, and lasts 210 minutes. Candidates pay $520 unless they are ANA members, in which case the fee is $395. Successful candidates earn a credential valid for five years and must complete renewal requirements.
Nurse practitioners who provide primary care to adult and older adult patients, especially those with at least one year of clinical experience in assessment, diagnosis, care planning, and health promotion, should consider this certification to validate their expertise.
Create a study schedule that allocates time to each of the five domains, review the ANCC exam guide, and complete practice questions that mirror the linear format. Focus on high‑yield topics, use evidence‑based resources, and simulate the 210‑minute timing to build stamina. Join a study group or review course if you benefit from peer discussion.
Assessment and Diagnosis evaluates how practitioners collect detailed health information, analyze physical and psychosocial findings, and develop precise diagnostic conclusions for adult‑gerontology individuals in diverse primary care, acute, and community environments.
Plans of Care focuses on creating evidence‑based, patient‑centered care plans that address acute and chronic conditions, incorporate preventive measures, align with patient goals and preferences, and consider cultural, socioeconomic, and health‑literacy factors.
Evaluation assesses the practitioner’s ability to monitor patient progress, adjust interventions, and measure outcomes, using validated assessment tools, proper documentation, and interdisciplinary communication to ensure optimal health status and quality of life for adult‑gerontology populations.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention evaluates knowledge of screening guidelines, lifestyle counseling, immunizations, and risk‑reduction strategies, while also emphasizing community resources, health‑education techniques, and evidence‑based recommendations for chronic disease management tailored to adult and older adult populations.
Special Populations addresses care considerations for diverse groups such as individuals with chronic illnesses, cultural variations, differing socioeconomic backgrounds, end‑of‑life needs, mental health concerns, and technology‑enabled interventions within adult‑gerontology practice.
Arrive early, bring a valid ID and your registration confirmation, and allow extra time for check‑in. The exam is linear, so answer each question before moving on. Manage your time to complete all 175 items within the 210‑minute window.
The AGPCNP‑BC exam contains 175 multiple‑choice questions presented in a single, linear sequence. You must answer all items within the 210‑minute exam window, as the format does not allow returning to previous questions.
A scaled score of 350 on the 200‑to‑500 scoring range is required to pass the AGPCNP‑BC exam, as specified in the ANCC scoring rubric, meaning candidates must achieve at least the minimum threshold for certification.
The exam duration is 210 minutes, providing just over three hours for candidates to answer all 175 multiple‑choice questions in a linear format, with no ability to return to earlier items once answered.
Certification remains valid for five years, after which renewal is mandatory. To retain the credential, candidates must meet ANCC renewal requirements, including completing required continuing education hours and documenting practice activities.
Verified 2026-09-02
This editorial content was compiled by extracting verified facts from ANCC official guides, aligning them with the exam domains, and drafting concise guidance based on those source documents.