Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®)
Are you ready to enhance your professional credibility and enjoy the feeling of personal accomplishment that comes from being certified? If you meet the criteria listed below, take the test for an advanced oncology certified nurse and become recognized for your specialty knowledge and advanced practice role in oncology nursing.
Test Fees
| Non-member | $420 |
| ONS/APHON Member | $300 |
Determining if you are eligible
Pathway 1
- Active License
A current, active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the US, its territories or Canada. - Graduate Degree
Graduate degree from accredited NP program with concentration in oncology. - 500 Hours of Practice
500 hours supervised clinical practice as an adult oncology nurse practitioner obtained within and/or following the graduate program within the past five years. - One Graduate Level Course
One graduate level oncology course of at least 2 credits or 30 hours oncology continuing education within the past five years.
Pathway 2
- Active License
Current, active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the US, its territories or Canada. - Graduate Degree
Graduate degree from accredited nurse practitioner program with concentration in adult (primary or acute), family (across lifespan), gerontology, or women’s health. - 1000 Hours of Practice
1000 hours practice as an adult oncology nurse practitioner obtained within and/or following the graduate program within the past five years. - One Graduate Level Course
One graduate level oncology course of at least 2 credits or 30 hours oncology continuing education within the past five years.
About the Exam
The certification test is a three-hour, 165 multiple-choice test is based on the AOCNP® Test Content Outline (Test Blueprint). The Test Content Outline is based on the results of a role delineation study of advanced oncology nursing practice completed in 2019.
The AOCNP® Test Content Outline includes five major subject areas, each with a percentage assigned to it. Many nurses who have passed the test tell us the Test Content Outline was essential in helping them know what areas to study. Remember, only generic drug names are used on ONCC tests. Once you pass the test, your certification is valid for four years.
Note: If you’re eligible to test, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within 2 weeks of applying. This ATT will open an almost-immediate 90-day testing window. You must take the test within that 90-day window.
Test Application Instructions
When you apply to test, ONCC will ask for a few pieces of information including your nursing license number, supervisor’s name and phone number, and CE documentation.
Beginning in January 2025, you’ll be asked for the last four digits of your social security number and your National Council of State Boards of Nursing, or NSCBN, ID number. ONCC will use the last four digits of your social security number and your NCSNB ID to confirm your licensure. Your social security digits will not be stored in our system.
To obtain your NSCBN ID:
- Go to https://nursys.com
- Use the QuickConfirm Option and click on Look Up License
- Agree to Disclaimers and Terms and Conditions
- Search for your NCSBN ID by License Number (preferred) or by Name
- Follow the instructions on screen
- Verify the information returned is you; the NCSBN ID appears on screen
- Make a note of this number so you can enter it during the application process.
How To Apply
Step 1: Gather the information/documentation you need to complete your application (listed above).
Step 2: Click “Apply Now” in the upper right-hand corner of the ONCC website. Log into your ONCC account or create an account if you do not already have one with us. If you wish to test outside the US, its territories, or Canada you must submit a paper application available here.
Step 3: Once logged in, select “Apply” for the certification you would like to test for.
Step 4: Provide all required information, documentation, and fees. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all materials are received. ONCC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for online payment. ONCC’s online registration system is a secure site. Your credit card payment information will be transmitted via an encrypted format.
Step 5: ONCC will send you an email confirmation that your application has been received. This only confirms your application has been received; it does not confirm you are eligible to test.
Step 6: Watch for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email, sent by no-reply@psiexams.com. You will receive your ATT within four weeks of application. If you do not receive your ATT within four weeks of applying to test, contact ONCC at oncc@oncc.org.
Related Resources
Check out these resources to help you prepare for the AOCNP® exam.
DoubleTake Option
Don’t let test anxiety hold you back from taking a certification test. ONCC DoubleTake provides a retake option if you don’t pass the test on the first attempt – without paying the full test fee again.