Both certifications last 5 years. Renewal is mostly continuing education plus proof you kept practicing.
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- 1ANCC AGACNP-BC: 75 CE contact hours (25 in pharmacology) plus one of 8 professional development categories, such as 1,000 practice hours or 120 preceptor hours.
- 2AACN ACNPC-AG: 1,000 APRN practice hours plus 150 CE points (75 Category I, 25 pharmacology), or an exam route.
- 3ANCC renewals submitted on or after February 1, 2027 follow a new handbook.
ANCC AGACNP-BC renewal
- 75 continuing education contact hours, with 25 in pharmacology for nurse practitioners. At least 60 of the 75 must be formally approved CE.
- Plus one of 8 professional development categories, completed in full: more CE, academic credits, presentations, evidence-based practice or quality projects and publications, 120 preceptor hours, professional service, 1,000 practice hours, or retaking the exam.
- When: apply up to 1 year before expiration.
- Fee: $375; $275 for ANA members, $295 for AANP members.
AACN ACNPC-AG renewal
Pick one of three options:
| Option | Fee (member / nonmember) |
|---|---|
| Practice hours and CE points | $250 / $340 |
| Practice hours and exam (plus 25 pharmacology CE) | $215 / $320 |
| CE points and exam | $215 / $320 |
- CE points: 150, with at least 75 in Category I and 25 of those in pharmacology.
- Practice: 1,000 hours as an APRN during the 5-year period.
- License: AACN requires a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license, meaning no board discipline or conditions limiting practice.
- When: AACN accepts online renewal up to 4 months before the renewal date and allows no late or retroactive renewal.
Renewal is not the same as licensure or privileges
Certification is national recognition of competence; the state license is the legal authority to practice; the hospital’s privileges are the specific procedures it lets you do. Keeping all three current is a professional-role topic on the boards themselves: see Licensure, Certification, Credentialing & Privileging.
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How many of ANCC’s 75 renewal CE hours must be in pharmacology for an NP?
Sources
- ANCC Certification Renewal Requirements handbook (current)
- ANCC Certification Renewals (2027 handbook notice)
- ANCC AGACNP-BC page (renewal fees), checked November 6, 2026
- AACN ACNPC-AG renewal requirements and fees, checked November 6, 2026
- NurseSavvy AG-ACNP fact sheet: licensure, certification, credentialing and privileging
AGACNP-BC is a credential of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ACNPC-AG is a credential of AACN Certification Corporation. NurseSavvy is not affiliated with or endorsed by ANCC, AACN or any prep company named here.
Common questions
How do you renew AGACNP-BC?
Every 5 years: 75 CE hours (25 in pharmacology) plus one of 8 professional development categories, such as 1,000 practice hours. Fee $375, or $275 for ANA members.
How do you renew ACNPC-AG?
Every 5 years: 1,000 APRN practice hours and 150 CE points (75 Category I, 25 pharmacology), or one of AACN’s exam options.