Certification: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (PMHNP-BC)

The ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) board certification examination is a competency-based examination that provides a valid and reliable assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of the PMHNP. This certification aligns with the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. Once you complete eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you are awarded the credential: PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified). This credential is valid for 5 years. You can continue to use this credential by maintaining your license to practice and meeting the renewal requirements in place at the time of your certification renewal. The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification accredits this ANCC certification.
More information about this certification

More than two years of education or training after high school required?
Yes
More than two years of work experience required?
No
Oral or Written Exam Required?
Yes
Renewal Required?
Every 5 Year(s)
Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
Yes
Renew through Re-Examination?
No
Renew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)?
Yes
Does applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)?
No

Online Exam; Third Party Exam Center

Specialty

The certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation. For example, Oncology Nurse and Pediatric Nurse are specialties within the nursing field, so Certified Oncology Nurse and Certified Pediatric Nurse would be classified as specialty certifications.

  • This certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
  • This certification is related to military occupational specialties.