APRN Time Limit to Pass an ANCC Certification Examination

Beginning January 1, 2026, ANCC will implement a policy change to APRN certification eligibility. Candidates must pass their examination within five (5) years of the conferral date of their applicable APRN degree or post-graduate certificate program.

Clarification: The five-year timeframe is assessed at the time of application submission, not at the time of testing. Applicants are eligible to apply and test if no more than five (5) years have passed between their degree (or post-graduate certificate) conferral date and the date their certification application is submitted. This policy applies only to initial and retest applications for certification. It does not affect certification renewal requirements. Applicants whose degree conferral date will be more than five years old by the time of application submission will not be able to apply.