PMHNP-BC
Credential type: certification examination · verified on the issuer's site September 19, 2026 issuer page
The PMHNP-BC credential is issued by the ANCC and certifies psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. The 175-question multiple-choice exam covers five domains: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Psychopharmacology, and Evidence-Based Practice. It is a linear-format test administered in a 210-minute session. Candidates must achieve a scaled passing score of 350 on the 200‑500 scale, and the certification remains valid for five years, after which renewal through the ANCC is required.
Licensed nurse practitioners who have completed or are completing a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program and want board certification through the ANCC. It also suits practicing PMHNPs whose certification is due for renewal.
Build a study plan that maps each of the five domains to specific review tasks, such as practicing mental status examination documentation and working through case-based pharmacology questions. Take timed 175-question practice tests to build pacing for the 210-minute session. Review current ANCC practice standards and renewal requirements alongside clinical study.
The Assessment domain covers gathering psychiatric history, performing mental status examinations, and evaluating risk. Candidates should know how to elicit appearance, behavior, motor activity, speech, mood, affect, thought process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and judgment.
The Diagnosis domain focuses on forming differential diagnoses from clinical data, recognizing symptom clusters, and applying diagnostic criteria. It includes identifying when altered mental status reflects medical rather than primary psychiatric causes.
The Treatment Planning domain addresses building care plans that combine psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and interprofessional coordination. It includes planning for safety, monitoring response, and adjusting interventions effectively across care settings.
The Psychopharmacology domain covers mechanism of action, indication, side effect profiles, and toxicity recognition for psychiatric medications. It includes monitoring extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and severe acute dystonic reactions.
The Evidence-Based Practice domain tests the ability to locate, appraise, and apply current research to psychiatric care decisions. It connects clinical guidelines, outcome data, and patient values to the treatment plan.
Arrive early with required ID and any permitted items. Budget time across 175 questions in a 210-minute linear format, flagging uncertain items to revisit. Read each question carefully before selecting a response.
The PMHNP-BC exam contains 175 questions in a linear multiple-choice format. Candidates answer all items within the allotted testing time without skipping sections or returning to earlier items.
The PMHNP-BC uses a scaled score range of 200 to 500. A scaled score of 350 is required to pass the examination, regardless of which form a candidate receives.
The PMHNP-BC exam allows 210 minutes of testing time. Candidates should pace themselves across 175 questions, leaving room to address flagged items within the linear format.
The PMHNP-BC exam costs $395 for ANA members and $520 for non-members. Pricing is set by the ANCC and applies to each exam attempt at registration.
PMHNP-BC certification is valid for 5 years from the date it is awarded. Renewal is required and is administered through the ANCC before the certification end date.
The PMHNP-BC exam covers five domains: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Psychopharmacology, and Evidence-Based Practice. Each domain contributes to the overall 175-question linear examination and is weighted to assess core clinical competencies used for advanced psychiatric care.
Verified 2026-09-02
This page was built from the verified ANCC facts file and ANCC source documents, with domain summaries mapped to each domain listed in the facts. Numbers, prices, and durations are drawn only from the supplied facts.