Urgent Announcement
The Advanced Public Health Nursing Certification Exam (formerly the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health Certification Exam), now has a new name, expanded eligibility options, two options for credentials, and the ease of computer-based testing.

• Name Change: ANCC Commission on Certification changed the name of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health certification exam to the Advanced Public Health Nursing certification exam. This name change lead to the development of this exam's newly expanded eligibility options.

• Expanded Eligibility: There are now three eligibility options for this exam that encompass a variety of graduate educations programs in public/community health. A current, active RN license is required for all three options.

• Two Credentials: The standard credential awarded upon passing this examination is now APHN-BC (Advanced Public Health Nurse - Board Certified). Those who have competed a formal clinical nurse specialist graduate program in public and/or community health can request the PHCNS-BC credential. (Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist - Board Certified.) that contains separate courses in advanced physical/health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and a minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours.

• Computer-Based Testing: This exam is now a computer-based test. This means you can apply all year and test during a 90-day window at a time and location convenient to you. Applications for this certification will be accepted at any time. Your testing results will be available immediately after completing the exam at the testing center. The first Advanced Public Health Nursing computer-based exams will be administered in May 2009.

Credentials Awarded

The standard credential awarded for passing this examination is APHN-BC (Advanced Public Health Nurse - Board Certified).

For Eligibility option A only, applicants have the option of requesting t he PHCNS-BC credential (Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist - Board Certified).

Eligibility Criteria
Do you qualify to sit for this exam?

Initial Certification Application
This application is a typeable PDF. Applicants have the option of saving the application to their own computer, typing in all of the required information, then printing the application, signing where appropriate, and mailing it. Alternately, all applications may be printed out and then filled in by hand in blue or black ink before mailing.

This exam is a converting to a computer-based test. This means you can apply all year and test during a 90-day window at a time and location convenient to you. Applications for this certification will be accepted at any time.

Renewal Application
Certifications must be renewed every 5 years. Renewal applications are due at least 3 months before your certification expiration date.

Pricing valid for 2008-2010 only—additional fees for special services may apply. See application for details.

Accreditation
This ANCC certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification.

Review Resources

Test Content Outline
Use this free study aid to see the subject areas that are covered by the exam.

Test Reference List
Use this free study aid to see the list of references used to build the exam.

Sample Test Questions & Answers
To help candidates prepare for the certification exams, ANCC provides FREE short, interactive online sample tests. The sample questions are similar to those on the exams, but do not represent the full range of content or levels of difficulty.

Test Taking Strategies
Has it been a while since you took a test? This refresher course addresses test-taking tricks and tips.