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Exam Overview
Exam Name and Administering Body
The Gerontological Nursing Certification exam leads to the Gerontological Nurse – Board Certified (GERO-BC™) credential awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the credentialing arm of the American Nurses Association. ANCC certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
The credential validates entry-level, specialty clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses who care for older adults in hospitals, long-term care, home health, primary care and community settings.
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the exam, ANCC requires that you:
- Hold a current, active RN license in a U.S. state or territory (or the legally recognized equivalent in another country)
- Have practiced the equivalent of 2 years full-time as a registered nurse
- Have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological nursing within the last 3 years
- Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within the last 3 years
Exam Pattern and Format
| Exam Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based test at a Prometric testing center, offered year-round |
| Total questions | 150 |
| Scored questions | 125 |
| Unscored pretest questions | 25 (mixed in and not identifiable) |
| Question type | Multiple choice |
| Time limit | 3 hours |
| Testing window | 120 days from eligibility approval |
| Results | Pass/fail; a failing report shows performance by content area |
Exam Content Structure
The current ANCC Test Content Outline divides the 125 scored questions into three domains. This guide's three content sections follow the same order.
| Domain | Scored Items | Share | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Assessment and Diagnosis | 39 | 31% | Physical and psychosocial assessment tools, social determinants of health, pharmacotherapy, age-related changes, risk factors |
| II. Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation | 42 | 34% | Evidence-based interventions, contraindications, medication needs and Beers Criteria, safety, therapeutic environment, care coordination |
| III. Professional Foundation | 44 | 35% | Theoretical frameworks, prevention, health promotion, adult learning, DEI and social justice, legal and ethical issues, regulation and quality, technology |
Scoring and Retakes
- Results are reported as pass or fail, based only on the 125 scored questions
- There is no penalty for incorrect answers
- If you do not pass, your report includes diagnostic information for each content area
- You may retest 60 calendar days after your last test date, and no more than three times in any 12-month period
Fees and Renewal
ANCC charges a reduced exam fee to ANA members (and a separate rate to GAPNA members), and every fee includes a non-refundable administrative fee. Certification is valid for 5 years and is renewed by keeping your RN license active and meeting the professional-development requirements in effect at renewal. Always confirm current fees and policies on the ANCC website before applying.
Applying and Scheduling
Why the Certification Matters
- Demonstrates specialized expertise in the care of older adults
- Strengthens professional credibility with patients, families and employers
- Supports clinical ladder advancement and Magnet® organizational goals
- Signals a commitment to evidence-based, person-centered gerontological care
This study guide is organized around the current test content outline so you can prepare with focus and clarity.
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