American Board of Comprehensive Care
Certification for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DNP certification necessary?
DNP certification will assure patients and the public that a nurse has achieved a standardized and advanced level of clinical competency. DNP certification indicates advancement beyond the master's level certification.
What are certification eligibility requirements?
National certification as an advanced practice nurse
Graduate of a DNP program
Does the degree or certification change regulatory authority for APNs?
Regulation historically follows advancements in practice. By developing a reliable certification, which is accepted by the public, regulatory authority for DNP scope of practice will likely expand.
Why should DNP graduates take an exam designed for physicians?
The DNP certification is voluntary and requires national certification by one of the existing well-established and strong NP specialty certification examinations. These exams are testing current NP competency with psychometric soundness and legal defensibility. To be eligible for the DNP exam, the candidate must be licensed as a registered nurse and an APN, hold current national certification in an APN specialty and have a DNP degree. The content of the exam is focused on evidence based clinical care. Clinical evidence is applied to practice by many direct care providers; its application is not limited to the medical discipline. The exam is not intended to test graduates from the diverse DNP models of education, but rather to test clinical competency in comprehensive care for the graduate whose doctoral education is focused on direct clinical care. It should be viewed as an option for APNs with the DNP degree who are interested in adding this credential to their accomplishments. The test is not meant to and will not change regulatory authority in any way.
USMLE FAQ's regarding computer test delivery information, practice materials, and scores.
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