ACNPC-AG (Adult-Gero) - Acute Care NP

  • Cost $265-$375
  • Renews every 5 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC-AG) is an entry-level certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for graduate-level acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs). The accreditation allows ACNPs to provide continuous advanced nursing care to acutely ill adult-gerontology patients experiencing episodic or terminal illness or exacerbation of a chronic illness.

Course Format

Exam Format

The ACNPC-AG exam is a 3.5-hour computer-based test with 175 multiple-choice questions. The exam consists of 150 scored questions, and the remaining 25 gather statistical data. Overall, 80% of items test clinical judgment relating to the nursing care of the adult-gerontology patient and 20% relate to non-clinical judgment knowledge across the life span.

The ACNPC-AG test plan includes the following domains:

Clinical Judgment (80%)

  • Cardiovascular (5%)

  • Respiratory (11%)

  • Endocrine (5%)

  • Hematology, immunology, and oncology (6%)

  • Gastrointestinal (3%)

  • Renal and genitourinary (5%)

  • Integumentary (1%)

  • Musculoskeletal (3%)

  • Neurology (8%)

  • Psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive health (3%)

  • Factors affecting health statuses, such as risk assessment, prevention and wellness (5%)

  • Multisystem (14%)

Professional Caring and Ethical Practice (20%)

  • Advocacy, caring practice, response to diversity, and facilitation of learning

    • Advocacy and moral agency (3%)

    • Caring practices (3%)

    • Response to diversity (3%)

    • Facilitation of learning (1%)

  • Collaboration, systems thinking, and clinical inquiry

    • Collaboration (3%)

    • Systems thinking (3%)

    • Clinical inquiry (3%)

Candidates are also tested on validated competencies, skills and procedures appropriate for APRNs.

Completion Time: Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the ACNPC-AG exam

Cost: $265 for AACN members / $375 for non-members

Testing Options

PSI Testing Centers administer on-site testing. Candidates may also opt for Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) to take the exam on their home computer or another computer, free from distractions.

Rescheduling, Cancellations, and Extensions

A candidate may reschedule or cancel the exam up to 48 hours before the scheduled exam. 

  • Log into the AACN customer dashboard

  • Click Certification to reschedule the exam

  • Click “My Certifications” and “Manage Appointment” 

  • Receive a rescheduling confirmation email with the new date and time

  • Refunds aren’t given for missed appointments

  • $100 applies when requesting an exam extension

In Person

Before the Exam 

  • Report to the PSI Testing Center at scheduled time

    • Candidates aren’t admitted if more than 15 minutes late

  • Complete guided check-in process with proctor

  • Show a current government-issued ID with a photograph and signature

    • Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, state identification, international travel passport or a U.S. Visa

    • Name must match the AACN record

    • No temporary or military identifications accepted

  • Leave forbidden reference materials and personal items in a secured vehicle

  • Follow proctor to assigned computer testing carrell

  • Enter social security number or AACN customer number

  • Follow on-screen instructions for logging in

  • Take a photograph, displayed on-screen throughout testing

Taking the Exam

  • Take the practice exam to get familiar with testing software

    • Time to take practice exam doesn’t count toward actual timed exam

  • Display a timer on-screen by clicking the TIME button on the screen's lower right-hand corner

    • Exam automatically ends when candidates reach the time limit

  • Answer questions that display one at a time

    • Question number appears on lower right-hand corner of screen

  • Click the appropriate answer choice located in the lower-left section of the screen

  • Click the forward arrow in the lower right corner to move to the next question

  • Click on back arrow to return to previous question

  • Leave a question unanswered and return to it later by bookmarking the question

  • Click on the double arrows to advance through all unanswered questions

  • Reaching the end of the exam triggers notification of unanswered questions

  • Return to the unanswered questions if time permits

  • Confirm the end of the exam

During the Exam

  • Candidates may not ask questions about the content

  • Testing center supplies a digital notepad to use as scratch paper

  • All computer screens, questions and printed materials are the property of AACN Certification Corporation and PSI and may not be copied

  • Breaks are considered part of the exam time and not compensated

  • Leaving the testing area unauthorized voids the exam

  • No smoking, eating or drinking during the exam

Online

Before the Exam

  • Log in to the AACN customer dashboard by clicking “Take Exam” or “Launch Exam” 

  • Perform the guided check-in process with a proctor, around 60 minutes 

  • Present a government-issued ID with a photograph and signature. 

    • Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, state identification, international travel passport, or a U.S. Visa

    • Name must match AACN records

    • No temporary or military identifications accepted

  • Submit a captured photo of self and ID, and a scan of the room using webcam

During the Exam

  • No headphones, electronics, cell phones, tablets, notes or reference materials allowed

  • No chewing gum, smoking, food or drinks except for clear-bottled water 

  • No talking, whispering or mouthing 

  • Ensure face remains visible

  • Computer must rest on a desk or table

  • Hands must be placed on or above the workspace area

  • Logging in more than 30 minutes past scheduled exam time prevents access

  • Candidates may not ask questions about the content

  • Digital notepad provided as scratch paper

  • Add comments about a question by clicking the COMMENT button

  • Breaks are considered part of the exam time and not compensated

  • Leaving the testing area unauthorized voids the exam

Taking the Exam

  • Open exam in the secured browser that prevents access to other browsers, screen sharing, recording, copying or pasting and extended/dual monitors

  • Take the practice exam to get familiar with testing software

    • Time to take practice exam doesn’t count toward actual timed exam

  • Display a timer on-screen by clicking the TIME button on the screen's lower right-hand corner

    • Exam automatically ends when candidates reach the time limit

  • Answer questions that display one at a time

    • Question number appears on lower right-hand corner of screen

  • Click the appropriate answer choice located in the lower-left section of the screen

  • Click the forward arrow in the lower right corner to move to the next question

  • Click on back arrow to return to previous question

  • Leave a question unanswered and return to it later by bookmarking the question

  • Click on the double arrows to advance through all unanswered questions

  • Reaching the end of the exam triggers notification of unanswered questions

  • Return to the unanswered questions if time permits

  • Confirm the end of the exam

  • Report technical issues to PSI’s technical support line at 844-267-1017

After the Exam

ACNPC-AG exam results appear on-screen after completion. A detailed report arrives via email within 24 hours. A wall certificate arrives via postal mail approximately 3 to 4 weeks after receiving exam results.

Certification may be verified using the online Certification Verification system the day after the exam. Candidates also may request a letter verifying their certificate.

Candidates may reapply to retest if they fail to report to the exam. If the original application is less than one year old, it may become reactivated by paying a retest fee. They must submit a new application and pay the retest fee If the application is older than one year. Retest fee is $205 for members and $310 for non-members.

Certification

Eligibility

  • Hold a current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered RN or APRN license

  • Notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days of nursing license provisions or conditions

  • Completed a graduation-level advanced practice nursing program accredited by CCNE or ACEN with a concentration in adult-gerontology ACNP that complies with the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs

  • Completed 500 supervised clinical practice hours concentrating in adult-gerontology CNS during a graduate-level nursing educational program

    • A portion of practice hours must relate to the wellness of adult-gerontology patients

  • Submit official and final transcripts of all graduate-level coursework indicating the degree and date conferred

Application Process

  • Submit an online application or paper application with all required documentation

    • Online application process immediately but paper applications may take 2 to 4 weeks for processing

  • Receive a receipt of the application notification email

  • Wait for a certification specialist to review the application and complete an evaluation

    • May take 1 to 4 weeks

  • Receive a confirmation email approving the application and all required documentation with a link to schedule the exam within the 180-day testing window

  • Determine preferred testing method, either PSI Testing Center or Live Remote Proctoring from a home computer

  • Schedule the exam at an approved testing center by using the link within the confirmation email

  • Schedule the exam through the AACN dashboard by clicking the “Schedule Exam” link

Renewal

The ACNPC-AG certification is valid for five years. AACN sends out renewal notifications four months before the scheduled renewal date. 

Certificants should access their AACN account by following the below pathway:

  • Log in to the AACN account with the associated email or AACN customer number

  • Locate the AACN customer number on the most recent renewal notice

    • Initial password is candidate’s last name

  • Change the password after logging in or click “Forgot Password”

  • Verify and update account information to ensure the correct mailing address to receive the certificate

  • Verify and update the email address to receive renewal confirmations

Certificants who renew online receive their new ACNPC-AG certificate within 2 to 4 weeks.

Renewal Requirements

  • Maintain a current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered RN or APRN license

  • Notify AACN Certification Corporation within 30 days of nursing license provisions or conditions

Renewal Options

ACNPC-AG certification renewal includes one of three options.

  1. 1,000 practice hours and 150 CE credits

  2. 1,000 practice hours, 25 pharmacology CE credits and passing the ACNPC-AG exam

  3. 150 CE credits and passing the ACNPC-AG exam

Cost

  • Practice Hours and CE Points: $250 for AACN members and $340 for non-members

  • Practice Hours, Exam and Pharma CE: $205 for AACN members and $310 for non-members

  • CE Points and Renewal: $205 for AACN members and $310 for non-members

Continuing Education

Certification renewal requires varying continuing education contact hours based on the route taken to renew.

Other Resources

  • ACNPC-AG Exam Handbook includes comprehensive information about the application process, exam information and resources to help study for the exam 

  • AACN ACNPC-AG Certification Practice Exam and Questions

    • 30-day Basic Subscription includes 150 multiple-choice question banks

    • Cost: $25 for AACN members or $30 for non-members 

    • 30-day Premium Subscription includes180 multiple-choice question banks and a seven-day free trial for 30 practice questions

    • Cost: $65 for AACN members or $75 for non-members

  • AACN offers an Adult ACNPC-AG Certification Review Course

    • Rewards 15.5 hours of CERPs Category A

    • Cost: $159 for AACN members or $199 for non-members 

    • Receive 50% discount for purchasing the review course when submitting the CCRN-K (Adult) certification exam application

  • Candidates can purchase textbooks, resources and practice exams through the AACN store

Related Certifications

  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (Wellness Through Acute Care) certification (ACCNS-AG) certification is an entry-level certification from AACN for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) with an RN or APRN license

  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification (Wellness through Acute Care) (ACCNS-P) certification is an entry-level certification from AACN for graduate-level clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) with an RN or APRN license

Other related certifications include the GAPNA APRN Gerontological Specialist Certification (GS-C).

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Frequently asked questions

Does the ACNPC-AG certification exam have accreditation?

Yes, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits the ACNPC-AG exam.

Do nursing state boards accept the ACNPC-AG exam?

Yes, the Consensus Model-based ACNPC-AG exam complies with the NCSBN Criteria for APRN Certification Exams, so it’s accepted for APRN licensure or designation in all 50 states.

Where can I obtain a copy of the ACNPC-AG test plan?

You should review the ACNPC-AG Exam Handbook for detailed information about the ACNPC-AG test plan.

How many questions are on the ACNPC-AG exam?

The ACNPC-AG exam includes 175 multiple-choice items, but only 150 are scored. The AACN uses the other 25 questions to gather statistical data on item performance for future exams.

Is the ACNPC-AG exam hard?

All professional healthcare certifications can be difficult without appropriate study and preparation. Of the 992 candidates who took the ACNPC-AG exam in 2021, 83.1% passed the first time but 176 failed the exam.

What other certifications does AACN offer besides the ACNPC-AG?

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) also offers the following:

  • CNS Wellness through Acute Care Adult-Gero (ACCNS-AG)

  • CNS Wellness through Acute Care Pediatric (ACCNS-P)

  • CNS Wellness through Acute Care Neonatal (ACCNS-N)

What organization offers the ACNPC-AG?

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers the ACNPC-AG.