American Board of Comprehensive Care
Certification for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is certification necessary?
Certification will assure patients and the public that a nurse has achieved a standardized and advanced level of clinical competency. The certification indicates advancement beyond the master's level certification.
What are certification eligibility requirements?
Graduate of a DNP program from a school of nursing accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
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 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 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.
Can my eligibility be revoked or my exam results invalidated?
Yes. If your actions violate exam procedures, or if it is discovered that information in your application is false.
You are reminded that, as stated on the application for certification that you signed, you agreed that
"Misstatement of any material fact submitted may be sufficient cause for CACC to bar me from the examination, to invalidate the results of my examination, to withhold certification, to revoke certification, or to take other appropriate action."
tel. 212-305-3254
fax. 212-342-1909
abcc@dnpcert.org