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The FNP-C is valid for five years, and you recertify through continuing education and practice hours
— or by re-examination. Here’s what AANPCB requires.
How long is the FNP-C valid?
Five years from the date you certify.
How do you renew?
The standard pathway combines continuing education and clinical practice over the five-year cycle:
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Continuing education | 100 advanced-practice CE contact hours (incl. 25 in advanced pharmacology) |
| Clinical practice | 1,000 practice hours in the role/population focus |
| Cycle | 5 years |
| Recert fee | $120 member / $195 non-member (by CE + hours) |
You may also recertify by passing the FNP exam again instead of the CE-and-practice route.
Unlock 1,500+ FNP-C practice questions across 10 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
Frequently asked questions
How long is the FNP-C valid?
The FNP-C is valid for five years.
How do you renew the FNP-C?
Through 100 advanced-practice CE contact hours (including 25 in advanced pharmacology) plus 1,000 clinical practice hours over the five-year cycle, for $120 (member) or $195 (non-member) — or by passing the FNP exam again.
Do you have to retake the FNP exam to renew?
No. The standard route is continuing education plus practice hours. Re-examination is an optional alternative pathway.
Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).