AGACNP-BC
ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP-BC)
Certifies nurse practitioners in acute and critical care of adult and geriatric patients.
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AGACNP-BC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP-BC) |
| Governing Body | ANCC |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 350 (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $395 non-member / $295 ANA member |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ANCC official website ↗ |
AGACNP-BC Content Areas and Domains
Domain areas are sourced from the ANCC content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ I. Core Competencies (36 questions, 24%)
- ✓ II. Clinical Practice (65 questions, 43%)
- ✓ III. Professional Role (49 questions, 33%)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the AGACNP-BC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the AGACNP-BC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real AGACNP-BC format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
AGACNP-BC Frequently Asked Questions
What does AGACNP-BC stand for?
AGACNP-BC stands for ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP-BC). It is administered by ANCC.
Who administers the AGACNP-BC?
The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP-BC) is administered by ANCC. For official information, visit the ANCC website.
How many questions is the AGACNP-BC?
The AGACNP-BC consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the AGACNP-BC?
The passing score for the AGACNP-BC is 350 (scaled), as set by ANCC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the AGACNP-BC exam cost?
The AGACNP-BC exam fee is $395 non-member / $295 ANA member. This fee is set by ANCC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the AGACNP-BC are scored?
150 scored + 25 pretest (unscored). Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the AGACNP-BC scored?
Scaled score of 350 or higher on a scale with a maximum of 500. Criterion-referenced; minimum passing score set by SME panel using the Modified Angoff Method. ANCC does not publish a percent-correct equivalent. Always confirm the current standard with ANCC before testing.
What does the AGACNP-BC cost?
Non-member $395; American Nurses Association member $295; American Association of Nurse Practitioners member $340; AANP student member $290; GAPNA member $340. All prices include a $140 non-refundable administrative fee. Fees are set by ANCC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current AGACNP-BC exam blueprint?
Test Content Outline effective March 17, 2025. Secondary classifications applied where relevant: Body Systems, Drug Agents, Age Group (Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult, Older Adult, Frail Elderly) - these are not weighted content domains. 2025 pass rate published by ANCC: 80%.
How hard is the ANCC AGACNP-BC exam?
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner board certification is considered one of the more challenging ANCC specialty exams, covering critical care, complex acute presentations, and advanced pathophysiology across the adult and geriatric lifespan. Candidates with strong ICU or acute care clinical experience perform significantly better than those from lower-acuity backgrounds.
What are the AGACNP-BC eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license and have completed an accredited AGACNP master's, post-master's, or DNP program with the required acute care clinical hours. The program must specifically prepare candidates for the acute care nurse practitioner role. No post-graduation work hours are required to sit for initial certification.
How long should I study for the ANCC AGACNP-BC?
Most candidates study 8–14 weeks. The ANCC AGACNP-BC examination content outline guides study priorities: advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, acute care management (sepsis, ARDS, ACS, stroke, trauma), and clinical systems. APEA and Fitzgerald Health Education are commonly used for AGACNP review.
What does AGACNP-BC certification qualify me to do?
AGACNP-BC certifies NPs to manage acutely and critically ill adult and geriatric patients in hospital and ICU settings. AGACNP scope includes procedures (central lines, intubation, bronchoscopy) under collaborative agreements, complex medication management, and acute care decision-making. AGACNPs commonly work in hospitalist, intensivist, and emergency NP roles.
How does AGACNP-BC compare to AGPCNP-BC?
AGACNP-BC is for acute and critical care settings (inpatient, ICU, ED), while AGPCNP-BC (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care) is for outpatient primary care. The scopes are distinct and non-interchangeable in most states. Candidates must choose the appropriate credential based on their training program and intended practice setting.
How long is ANCC AGACNP-BC certification valid?
ANCC specialty certifications are valid for 5 years. Renewal requires 75 CE hours (including pharmacology), RN licensure, and 500 hours of NP clinical practice during the certification period. ANCC offers both renewal by CE/practice or renewal by re-examination.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP-BC), a Nursing & Nursing School certification, administered by ANCC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ANCC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ANCC official website ↗ .