FNP-BC vs. FNP-C: Learn the Difference Between These Nurse Practitioner Certifications
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Updated on July 14, 2025
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Are you wondering if you want an FNP-C vs. FNP-BC certification? Explore our guide to learn the difference and make the best career choice for you.
Key Takeaways
Family nurse practitioners (FNP) must choose between FNP-C and FNP-BC certification in order to practice.
FNP-C is geared for FNPs interested in direct patient care; FNP-BC includes a leadership and academic focus.
FNP-C is cheaper, while FNP-BC offers broader renewal paths.
Every new family nurse practitioner (FNP) must earn certification to legally practice. However, new FNPs may feel confused about whether to pursue a board-certified (FNP-BC) or certified (FNP-C) credential.
This guide defines, compares, and contrasts FNP-BC and FNP-C certifications. Use our research to choose a pathway that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
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Understanding Certifications in Healthcare
Each licensed clinician practicing medicine must graduate from an accredited program and pass one or more exams to demonstrate competency in specific areas. A large majority of states also require clinical certification in order to obtain licensure.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) specializing in family medicine are called FNPs. FNPs are required to take one of two certification exams:
Both exams measure entry-level competency after FNP program completion and are offered by highly respected organizations. Their differences are slight but important to understand, as each credential can prepare you for different career paths.
What Is FNP-C Certification?
The FNP-C evaluates test-takers on medical care for children, families, adults, and older adults. The exam covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, and evidence-based practice. It also includes additional content on prenatal and newborn care.
What Is FNP-BC Certification?
The FNP-BC is a certification offered to FNPs that focuses on medical care across the lifespan but includes additional content for FNPs interested in non-clinical roles. The exam covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, evidence-based practice, business management, and nursing leadership.
FNP-C vs. FNP-BC Certification
Generally speaking, the FNP-C credential is best for FNPs who plan to work primarily at the bedside, as it tends to be less expensive and more thorough in its clinical knowledge assessment.
The FNP-BC exam is slightly longer (150 vs. 135 questions) and more costly than its FNP-C counterpart. Experts recommend this credential for FNPs who plan to work in academia or nurse leadership instead of, or in addition to, clinical care.
The following section clarifies exam competencies, eligibility requirements, costs, and more for FNP-BC and FNP-C certifications.
The FNP-C exam consists of 135 questions covering the following competencies:
Assessment: 43 (32%)
Diagnosis: 36 (26.5%)
Planning: 36 (26.5%)
Evaluation: 20 (15%)
Age groups covered in the exam include: prenatal, newborn, infant, child, early adolescent, later adolescent, young adult, middle adult, and older adults.
The FNP-BC exam consists of 150 questions covering the following competencies:
Assessment: 29 (19%)
Diagnosis: 26 (17%)
Planning: 29 (19%)
Implementation: 43 (29%)
Evaluation: 23 (15%)
The exam covers all major body systems, with less emphasis on immunological and hematopoietic systems. Patient age groups covered in the exam include infants, school-age children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults.
The following subjects may appear on the exams:
Anatomy
Physiology
Pathophysiology
Comorbidities
Pharmacologic therapies
Non-pharmacologic therapies
Integrative therapies
Polypharmacy
Pain management
Cultural competence/sensitivity
Diagnostic and therapeutic tests
Functional assessment
Health history
Mental health assessment
Physical examination across the lifespan
Signs and symptoms
Therapeutic communication
Clinical decision-making
Crisis management
Differential diagnosis
Other notable differences between the two exams:
The FNP-C exam includes prenatal and newborn care, along with other subsets of adolescent and adult patients.
The FNP-C exam includes concepts such as cultural competence, mental health, therapeutic communication, crisis management, and integrative therapies, among others.
The FNP-BC exam includes 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest questions vs. the FNP-C’s 135 scored and 15 unscored questions. Pretest questions determine if they will be included in the exam in the future. The candidate cannot identify the pretest questions, and responses do not affect the candidate’s test score.
Completion of an accredited FNP or DNP program; candidates who have completed coursework and clinical hours can sit for the exam
Completion of APRN core courses (advanced physical assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology)
Completion of content related to health promotion and/or health maintenance
Completion of content related to differential diagnosis and disease management, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions
As of 2025, the cost of the FNP-C certification exam through the AANPCB is $240 for AANP members and $315 for non-members.
The FNP-BC certification exam through the AANC costs $295 for members of the American Nurses Association and $395 for non-members. AANP members pay $340, and AANP student members pay $290.
Requirements for AANPCB’s FNP-C certification maintenance and renewal:
Current AANPCB board certification
Current, active licensure
Minimum 1,000 practice hours
100 continuing education or CE hours (including 25 hours of pharmacology)
NPs may choose to recertify by examination
Requirements for ANCC FNP-BC maintenance and renewal:
Current, active license
Current ANCC board certification
Completion of 75 CE hours (including 25 hours of pharmacology)
FNPs can fulfill renewal requirements through academic credits, CE activities, professional presentations, and volunteer service, among other possibilities.
In both cases, there is extra work if an FNP chooses to recertify after their credentials expire. The AANP’s FNP-BC offers alternative options for qualifying for recertification. Both offer the option of recertifying by exam.
Choosing Between FNP-C and FNP-BC Certification
Employers find merit in both certifications as long as an FNP is licensed, certified, and in good standing. The primary point from an employment standpoint is that you are certified.
Still, there are differences between them. When choosing an FNP-BC or FNP-C certification, there are a few differences to consider.
FNPs with either certification can treat patients, but the FNP-C credential includes more clinical information and is often favored by those seeking to practice direct patient care as clinicians.
The FNP-C certification also includes key issues such as diversity and cultural competence, polypharmacy, communication, integrative therapies, and functional assessment.
The FNP-BC certification may appeal to FNPs who are more likely to pursue opportunities in academia or leadership, though they will also be prepared for direct patient care. According to Payscale data from July 2025, the average annual salary for FNPs is $107,373. Nursing instructors took home an annual average salary of $70,658, while nursing professors earned $69,797.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs can expect 46% job growth nationwide between 2023-2033 — many times greater than the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
The designation FNP-C means “certified family nurse practitioner.” The American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) offers this credential.
Yes, FNP-C and FNP-BC practitioners can prescribe medication. In reduced and restricted practice states, their prescriptions must be supervised by physicians. In full practice states, they can prescribe medications without supervision.
Both credentials refer to NPs, but not all NPs earn those credentials. Both FNP-C and FNP-BC credentials are unique to family nurse practitioners. NPs who focus on other populations, like psych or women’s health, earn credentials unique to their specialties.
An FNP-BC is an NP with the same scope of practice as an FNP-C. The key difference is this certification prepares the NP for non-clinical roles, like a nursing instructor or researcher.