Certification: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (AGCNS-BC)

The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) 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 AGCNS. 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: AGCNS-BC (Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board). This credential is valid for 5 years. You can continue to use this credential by maintaining your license to practice and meeting renewal requirements in place at the time of your certification renewal. The AGCNS certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
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).