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AGPCNP-BC: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Certification Exam Practice Test

197 questions available

ANCC Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP certification covering health promotion, disease prevention, acute and chronic conditions, geriatric assessment, and primary care across the adult lifespan. Administered by ANCC as a linear format exam. Key domains include Assessment and Diagnosis, Evaluation, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Plans of Care.

Certification exam
175 Exam questions
3 hours 30 minutes Time Limit
Career Opportunities & Salary
Entry – Registered Nurse $52,000 - $79,000
Mid-Career – Certified Registered Nurse $74,000 - $112,000
Senior – Nurse Practitioner $96,000 - $146,000
Registered NurseCertified Registered NurseNurse Practitionergrowing market
Why This Certification Opens Doors

Achieving AGPCNP-BC certification is more than a professional milestone; it is a public attestation of your commitment to the highest standards of patient care. In the real world, this credential assures employers, colleagues, and, most importantly, patients that you possess the validated expertise to manage the complex and often co-occurring health needs of the adult and aging population. It directly impacts your ability to provide safe, effective, and holistic care, from managing diabetes and hypertension in a 40-year-old to addressing polypharmacy and functional decline in an 85-year-old. This certification is frequently required for licensure, privileging, and employment, and it establishes your role as an essential provider in addressing the growing demand for accessible, high-quality primary care.

Exam Blueprint
01Assessment and Diagnosis
02Evaluation
03Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
04Plans of Care
05Special Populations
Exam Details AGPCNP-BC | $520 USD | 3 hours 30 minutes
Exam Code AGPCNP-BC
Vendor ANCC
Exam Cost $520 USD
Passing Score 350
Time Limit 3 hours 30 minutes
Exam questions 175
Question Types Multiple Choice
Retake Policy Must wait 60 days before retaking. Full exam fee required for each retake attempt. Check ANCC website for current retake policies.
Exam Format Linear
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English
Study Resources
ANCC Certification Exam Test Content Outlines
ANCCFree
Free downloadable test content outlines available for each specialty on the certification page
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ANCC Practice Test
ANCCFree
Official practice tests available for purchase through the ANCC store
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the AGPCNP-BC exam?

The ANCC uses a criterion-referenced passing point, not a fixed percentage. Your score is reported on a scale that reflects your performance relative to the established standard for competency. A scaled score of 350 or higher is required to pass. Focus on comprehensive mastery of the content outline rather than a specific number of correct answers.

How long should I study for the exam?

Most candidates benefit from 3-6 months of dedicated, consistent study. The optimal timeframe depends on your familiarity with the content, time since graduation, and current clinical experience. Creating a detailed schedule that covers all domains in the test blueprint is crucial, allowing time for review and practice tests.

Are there specific pharmacology questions?

Yes. Pharmacology is integrated throughout the exam within clinical scenarios. You will be tested on appropriate drug selection, dosing considerations (especially in older adults), monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, patient education, and managing polypharmacy. A strong grasp of pharmacotherapeutics across the adult lifespan is essential.

What is the best resource for studying?

Your primary resource should be the official ANCC Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Review content outline and blueprint. This outlines every topic covered. Supplement this with reputable AGPCNP review textbooks, question banks, and guidelines from authoritative sources like the USPSTF, CDC, and specialty organizations (e.g., ADA, AHA).

What is the exam format and how long does it take?

The computer-based exam consists of 133 scored questions, plus a number of unscored pretest questions, delivered over a total testing time of 3.5 hours. The questions are primarily multiple-choice with four options, presented as unfolding clinical scenarios, single-best-answer items, and drag-and-drop or exhibit-based questions.

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