NPD-BC Eligibility Questions

Do you hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States, or a legally recognized professional equivalent in another country?

• No, I do not currently hold an RN license
• Yes, but my license is currently inactive or expired
• Yes, I hold a current, active, and unencumbered license
• Yes, but my license is subject to formal disciplinary action

Do you hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing?

• No, I hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• No, I hold a Diploma in nursing
• I have a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field (e.g., Psychology or Biology)
• Yes, I hold a BSN, MSN, or Doctoral degree in nursing

Have you practiced the equivalent of at least 2 years full-time as a registered nurse?

• Yes, I have at least 24 months of full-time RN experience
• No, I have only worked part-time for 1 year
• No, I am a new graduate with less than 2 years of experience
• No, but I have 5 years of experience as an LPN/LVN

How many hours of clinical practice in nursing professional development (NPD) have you completed within the last 3 years?

• Less than 1,000 hours
• Between 1,000 and 1,999 hours
• 2,000 hours or more
• 2,000 hours, but they were completed more than 3 years ago

How many hours of continuing education in nursing professional development have you completed within the last 3 years?

• 30 hours or more
• 20-29 hours
• 1-19 hours
• None

NPD-BC FAQs

What is the Passing Percentage of NPD-BC?

To pass the NPD-BC exam, candidates require at least 350 on a scaled score, with a maximum score of 500.

What is the Pass Rate of NPD-BC?

The pass rates for the NPD-BC exam vary yearly, averaging at around 72% in the recent years.

What is the Application & Exam Process of NPD-BC?

Candidates can apply for the NPD-BC exam online through the official ANCC website, on a rolling basis. Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates will have 120-days to schedule for in-person testing at Prometric test centers.