Why there are two
Both organizations are national certifying bodies for nurse practitioners and both certify family nurse practitioners. They have separate exams and separate credentials, and a nurse practitioner may hold one or both.
What Arizona expects
A.R.S. § 32-1601 requires nurse practitioners certified after July 1, 2004 to hold national certification as a nurse practitioner from a national certifying body that is recognized by the Board. Confirm which certifying bodies the Board currently recognizes on azbn.gov.
At Beso Provider Hub
Naomi Fayzulayev holds both the FNP-BC and the FNP-C. You can read more on her about page.
A credential tells you what exam was passed. The state license is what permits practice. Look up any Arizona nurse practitioner through the Board of Nursing.
Which one should an employer or patient care about?
Both are national certifications for family nurse practitioners, and Arizona recognizes national certification as part of NP licensure. The certifying bodies differ in exam and renewal. Some NPs hold both. The relevant question for most purposes is whether the certification is current.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one credential is higher rank than the other.
- Listing a credential that has lapsed.
- Confusing the certification with the state license.
Frequently asked
Is one credential better than the other?
Both are national certifications that meet nurse practitioner certification requirements. Choice often reflects exam preference and career path rather than a difference in authority to practice.
Do I need national certification to practice as an NP in Arizona?
Under the state definition, nurse practitioners certified after July 1, 2004 must hold national certification from a recognized body, in addition to Board certification.
Educational information only, not legal or clinical advice. Rules and Board positions change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant Arizona licensing board and an Arizona healthcare attorney.