In order to achieve certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), it will first be necessary to graduate from an accredited program with a Master's degree.  Once the master's degree has been earned, it is necessary to apply to take the exam for certification.

Applying for this certification requires that official transcripts be sent to the American Nurse's Credentialing Center (ANCC), along with a "Validation of Education" form, application to take the credentialing test, and the testing fee.  Once the ANCC receives these documents, an authorization to test is issued and the applicant will have 90 days to take their certification exam.  If the candidate successfully passes the exam, the certification begins on the day that the exam was passed.

The certification is renewed every five years.  Applicants can begin the renewal process up to one year before the renewal is required.  Maintaining the certification requires tracking and recording all professional development activities.

I am interested in both of these certifications and find myself having trouble narrowing down which specialty is best suited for me and my goals.  I am intrigued in learning about the care of acutely ill clients and their management, but I also feel there is a great need for primary care providers in my community.  I feel the need for primary care providers will only increase as the population ages and the full effects of "Obamacare" are realized.