NP Credentialing Process: Steps After Graduation
So you're about to graduate from your Nurse Practitioner program — congratulations! But where do you go from here? The NP credentialing process can feel overwhelming.
After I graduated, all I wanted was an easy-to-follow tutorial to streamline the process. The specifics vary by state, but the general steps are the same. Follow these to move quickly and efficiently toward obtaining your license and practicing as an NP.
Step 1: Apply for Certification
To apply for state licensure, you must first prove your competence by passing a certification exam through either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Create an account and apply for the certification exam in your specialty. Certification is not cheap:
The AANP costs $315 for initial certification, or $240 ($75 discount) for AANP members. The ANCC costs $395 for non-members, with discounts for AANP members ($340), AANP student members ($290), and ANA members ($270). You'll need access to your previous class schedules, the names and addresses of your clinical sites, and contact information for your preceptors.
Step 2: Send Verification Information
Whether you apply through the AANP or ANCC, you must verify your student or graduate status. You must send an official transcript showing graduation from an accredited NP program to the certifying body, usually through your university's online portal (often with fast email delivery for a small fee).
Not Graduated Yet?
If your conferral date hasn't passed, you may still apply by sending a transcript of your work-to-date — this lets you sit for the exam. But you'll need to send another official transcript after your conferral date to prove you graduated.
ANCC Email: aprnvalidation@ana.org · ANCC Mail: ANCC PO Box 8785, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8785
AANP Certification: Certification@aanpcert.org · AANP Transcripts: Transcripts@aanpcert.org · AANP Mail: AANPCB, P.O. Box 12926, Austin, TX 78711
You'll get weekly emails updating you on required documents. Average processing time is 3–6 weeks. For ANCC, the Expedited Review Procedure can shorten this to 5 business days for an additional $200.
Step 3: Take the Exam
Once everything is processed and you're deemed eligible, the AANP or ANCC sends an Authorization/Eligibility to Test email with instructions for scheduling. You'll test at a center similar to where you took the NCLEX-RN. You must bring 2 forms of ID (one a photo ID; the other can be a signed debit/credit card) and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
After submitting your answers, you'll take a quick survey, then exit and receive printed information with your preliminary results — hopefully saying "you passed!"
Step 4: Wait for Official Certification
After the exam, wait for official results. These arrive by mail and update on the certification websites — this typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once you have official certification, you can begin your state Board of Nursing (BON) application for licensure.
Step 5: Apply for Licensure with the State BON
This is the most variable step from state to state. Google "_______ BON nurse practitioner license" to find your state's BON section. You may download a PDF application or request one by secure email. Fill it out with Adobe Reader or by hand, and ensure every section is correct — errors can delay your licensure.
- Passport-style photo
- Completed application
- Copy of birth certificate or US passport (proof of citizenship)
- Fingerprints or release to collect previous fingerprints (background check)
- Check for fingerprint release ~$20
- Application fee ~$100
You must also send verification of passing your certification exam — done through the AANP or ANCC website by clicking "verify." Verification to your state BON is free.
Pharmacology & Notary
Pharmacology requirements differ per state. One pharmacology class usually suffices; if it was within other coursework, you may need an integrative pharmacology form. If it's been over 5 years, you may need pharmacology CEUs. Some states (e.g., New Jersey) require everyone to take CEUs toward prescribing controlled substances (6 credits for NJ). Your BON may require the application to be signed before a notary — look for a Notary Affidavit. Submit online if available (faster), or send everything in a secure, trackable envelope.
Step 6: Wait for State Licensure
This is invariably the longest step. Depending on your BON's efficiency, the general wait time is 8–12 weeks. Be proactive: if your state offers online verification, check that your application is pending. If it's been 8 weeks, call for an update. Once you receive state licensure, you can apply for your DEA, NPI, and (in many states) a secondary controlled substance license.
Step 7: Apply for Your DEA License
Apply for your DEA license on the DEA Diversion site. This costs $731 and processing takes 4–6 weeks. Under Form 224, click "Mid Level Provider," then "Begin," fill out the required information, and pay by card. Though expensive, it covers you for 3 years within your state, and your future employer may reimburse you.
Step 8: Apply for Your Secondary Controlled Substance License
Many states (e.g., New Jersey) require a secondary controlled substance license — often called a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) registration. This is required by just under half of states. You may need to wait for your DEA license before applying. Find it on your state BON website or Google "_________ BON CDS application." Cost is usually low ~$20 and processing is generally 2–4 weeks.
Step 9: Apply for Your NPI
The NPI, or National Provider Identifier, is a 10-digit number identifying you to Medicare and Medicaid Services. Apply online at NPPES: create an account, sign in, and click "Apply for an NPI for myself." As long as the application is correct, you'll receive your NPI within 10 days, and it's free. You can apply for your NPI as a nurse and update it once you obtain your NP license.
