Where to study

Tests

Driving testsCitizenship testsSchool and university admissionsNursing, medicine and healthEnglish and French testsTeachingMoney, law and insuranceTrades and work certification and licensesPilots, drones, boats and radio

Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaNew Zealand

United States · Certification exam

NP board certification verification and lookup

Employers, credentialing offices and state boards of nursing confirm a nurse practitioner’s (NP’s) board certification with a primary source verification from the board that certified them. For NP board certification verification, order online from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Neither board sends one unless someone asks.

  • FreeAANPCB, sent to a state board of nursing
  • $50Per employer verification, at either board
  • Certification number and last nameWhat you need to order one
Where to study

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How does NP board certification verification work at AANPCB?

AANPCB takes all requests online, under the Verify tab on its site:

  • Verification for state boards of nursing, which you order to be sent to a state board
  • Primary source verification for employers and credentialing organizations
  • An online replacement request, for a new certificate packet
  • Basic information for the general public

A verification shows your certification status, number, population focus and expiration date. AANPCB never shares exam scores or pass or fail results with employers or state boards. An employer needs a release form signed by the NP, and can pay by card or with prepaid vouchers.

AANPCB: verify by employer ↗

Verifying an ANCC certification

ANCC also takes requests through an online account, for people with a status of certified. You order one per purpose, and a separate one for each certification.

If you’re the NP, your first verification of each initial or renewed certification is free, and later ones cost $40. Employers and organizations can open an institutional account and print verifications right after ordering.

ANCC: verify certification ↗

Why a wallet card isn’t enough

Both boards say not to rely on a wallet card or wall certificate, because copies can be altered. ANCC recommends against accepting photocopies, and AANPCB recommends a primary source verification instead.

For a member of the public, AANPCB shows basic certification information under its Verify tab. ANCC asks the public to email its Customer Care Center. An NP’s license is a separate check, with the state board of nursing or Nursys, AANPCB notes.

AANPCB: verification for the public ↗Keeping certification active →
Sources: AANPCB · ANCC and 3 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewStudy optionsFNP-CAcute care (ACNP)Practice questions

The two boards

AANPCB examsANCC examsAANPCB vs ANCC

After you pass

RenewalVerification