Exam Comparison
PMHNP-C vs PMHNP-BC
Comparing the AANPCB Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification and the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification (PMHNP-BC). Both fall under Nursing & Nursing School. Both are covered by the Nursing Specialty Exam Prep app.
The Bottom Line
ANCC’s PMHNP-BC is the long-established psychiatric NP certification; AANPCB’s PMHNP-C is the newer alternative. Both certify the same practice authority. ANCC remains the safer default while the AANPCB credential builds recognition history, but verify your state board and target employers accept AANPCB before choosing it.
PMHNP-C vs PMHNP-BC: At a Glance
| Detail | PMHNP-C | PMHNP-BC |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | AANPCB Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification | ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification (PMHNP-BC) |
| Governing Body | AANPCB | ANCC |
| Number of Questions | , | , |
| Time Limit | , | , |
| Passing Score | , | , |
| Exam Fee | , | , |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App | Nursing Specialty Exam Prep Soon | Nursing Specialty Exam Prep Soon |
Content Areas Compared
PMHNP-C Domains
- Neurobiological Basis of Mental Disorders
- Assessment and Diagnosis (DSM-5)
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Interventions
- Special Populations and Legal/Ethical Issues
PMHNP-BC Domains
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Psychopharmacology
- Individual and Group Psychotherapy
- Consultation-Liaison
- Professional Issues and Ethics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PMHNP-C and PMHNP-BC?
Both certify psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners after an accredited PMHNP program. The ANCC exam (PMHNP-BC) has been the standard for decades and follows ANCC’s blueprint style, which includes professional-role and non-clinical content alongside psychiatric diagnosis and psychopharmacology. The AANPCB exam (PMHNP-C) is a newer offering with AANPCB’s characteristically clinical orientation. Certification-level recognition is now broad for both, but institutional familiarity still favors ANCC.
Can I take both the PMHNP-C and the PMHNP-BC?
No practical reason, identical scope, duplicate costs. As with the FNP exams, the realistic dual-body scenario is retaking with the other certifier after an unsuccessful attempt.
Which should I take first, PMHNP-C or PMHNP-BC?
You sit one exam. Default to ANCC if you want maximum friction-free recognition across state boards, hospital credentialing committees, and the VA. Consider AANPCB if you strongly prefer clinically weighted blueprints and have confirmed acceptance with your state board, that check takes ten minutes and removes the only real risk.
Does C3RT cover both the PMHNP-C and the PMHNP-BC?
C3RT is building apps for both the PMHNP-C and the PMHNP-BC. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The AANPCB Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification (PMHNP-C) is administered by AANPCB. The ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certification (PMHNP-BC) (PMHNP-BC) is administered by ANCC. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.