PMHNP Certification. Clinical-Only. Faster Processing.

Mental health care needs more qualified nurse practitioners, and NPCB is ready to certify yours. Clinical-only exam, consistently faster approvals, lower fees, and dual-accredited credential recognized in all 50 states.
Apply Now Download the PMHNP Certification Roadmap
Get the Free PMHNP 
Certification Roadmap
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA
icon-Jul-28-2026-01-29-50-9075-AM

Clinical-Only Exam

100% Clinical Knowledge
No theory. No research. No admin content.
icon-2

Faster to Certified

3 Business Days

Faster than the national average.

icon-3

Lower Cost

From $240 (AANP Member)
Save without sacrificing credibility.
Sit aliquam tempus cursus et magna a in tellus. Lectus congue quam mus suspendisse vestibulum. Blandit in justo egestas elementum nibh at amur.
image
Dana Whitfield
Credentials
State

Why NPCB for Your PMHNP-C

icon-1
The Exam You Actually Prepared For
  • 150 questions, 135 scored, 3-hour exam
  • 82% first-time pass rate
  • 100% clinical
  • Covers assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation across the full psychiatric mental health lifespan, from infant through older adult
  • Administered at Prometric testing centers nationwide
icon-4
Recognized Everywhere You Want to Practice
  • All 50 U.S. state boards of nursing
  • Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration
  • Private health insurers
  • Nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico
  • Dual-accredited: ABSNC and NCCA
icon-5
Built by NPs, for NPs
  • Founded by and aligned with AANP, the largest NP professional association in the U.S.
  • A certified PMHNP board member contributes to exam development, ensuring content reflects real psychiatric mental health NP practice
  • The only major certification body led by certified NPs
The PMHNP-C covers scientific foundations, pharmacology, psychotherapies, and evidence-based care practices across the full psychiatric mental health lifespan. Just the clinical knowledge you've built, and the credential that proves it.

Comparing Your Options? 
Here's What to Know

Both certifications are nationally recognized. This table exists to help you make an informed decision, not to tell you what to choose.
Other national boards
Exam Content

Clinical knowledge only

Clinical + theory + research methodology

AANP Member Fee

$240

$340

Non-Member Fee

$315

$395

Renewal Fee (AANP member)

$120 every 5 years

$295 every 5 years

Processing Speed
Consistently faster, current times posted at aanpcert.org/announcements

Varies

Accreditation

ABSNC + NCCA

ANCC accreditation

Organization Affiliation

Founded by and aligned with AANP

Part of ANA

Recognition

All 50 states, Medicare, Medicaid, VA

All 50 states, Medicare, Medicaid, VA

Ready to Apply? Here's How It Works.

1.
Check your eligibility
2.
Create your profile at aanpcert.org
3.
Select the PMHNP-C certification exam, upload your documents, and submit payment
4.
NPCB reviews your application, processed in the order received
5.
Once your program completion date is reached and eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
6.
Schedule your exam through Prometric. You have a 120-day testing window.
You may apply up to 6 months before program completion (MSN/postgraduate) or 12 months before (DNP). You do not have to wait until graduation day.
Apply Now

Most asked questions

Can I apply before I graduate?

Yes. MSN and postgraduate certificate students can apply up to 6 months before program completion. DNP students can apply up to 12 months before. You'll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) once your program completion date is reached and your eligibility is confirmed.

What is on the PMHNP-C exam?

The PMHNP-C exam is clinical-only. It has 150 multiple-choice questions: 135 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours. It tests psychiatric mental health practice across the lifespan, from infant and child through older adult. Knowledge areas include psychopharmacology, psychotherapies, assessment and diagnosis using the DSM, and care practices such as risk assessment and crisis management. The full blueprint is in the PMHNP Candidate Handbook.

Is the PMHNP-C recognized in every state?

Yes. The PMHNP-C is recognized by all U.S. state boards of nursing and by nurse regulators in Canada and Puerto Rico. It's accepted by Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and private insurers. NPCB programs are accredited by ABSNC and NCCA.

How long does it take to get approved?

Complete applications are currently processed in about 3 business days, with current times posted at aanpcert.org. Processing starts once all required documents and payment are in. Your ATT is issued when your program completion date is reached. You then have 120 days to schedule and take your exam with Prometric.

Where do I take the exam?

At a Prometric testing center. After you receive your ATT, schedule through your NPCB account at aanpcert.org using the instructions in your ATT email.

How does NPCB compare to other certification boards for PMHNP?

NPCB fees are lower for both initial certification and renewal. AANP members pay $240 to certify and $120 to renew every 5 years. Non-members pay $315 and $195. The exam is 100% clinical, and complete applications are currently processed in about 3 business days. NPCB was founded by and remains affiliated with AANP, the largest professional association for nurse practitioners.

Check Your Eligibility Before You Apply

To sit for the NPCB PMHNP-C exam, you must meet all of the following:

  • Completed or currently enrolled in an accredited graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral NP program with a Psychiatric Mental Health specialty focus
  • Completed the three APRN core courses: advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology
  • 500+ faculty-supervised direct patient care clinical hours in the psychiatric mental health specialty
  • Current, active RN licensure in a U.S. state or territory
  • Unofficial transcript submitted with application; official transcript required for certification release
Timing: Apply up to 6 months before MSN/postgraduate program completion, or up to 12 months before DNP completion. The application requires payment to submit; eligibility is reviewed after submission.
Apply Now
Recognized by all 50 state boards of nursing, Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Administration, and private insurers nationwide.