To distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults, the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) offers an APRN specialty certification in gerontology – the Gerontological Specialist - Certified (GS-C).
Follow these steps on your GS-C journey:
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1: Determine your eligibility.
You must meet all eligibility requirements prior to your application for the GS-C exam. This includes licensure, professional practice hours, and professional development.
Licensure Requirements
The applicant must:
- hold a full and unrestricted RN license in the United States or its territories.
- meet state requirements to perform as an APRN
- hold current national certification in the APRN role.
Professional Practice Hours
The applicant must complete 2500 professional practice hours as an APRN working with older adults within the last 5 years. These hours can be fulfilled through direct practice hours, alternative hours of equivalence, or a combination of the two.
If alternative practice hours are submitted, a CV highlighting the stated activities must be included in your application.
View the Accepted Alternative HoursContinuing Education
The applicant must complete a total of fifty (50) gerontology-specific* NCPD contact hours within the last 3 years. For initial GS-C certification by examination, continuing education contact hours include online or on-campus coursework, attending conferences, lectures, etc., where the applicant is the learner. Alternatively, precepting hours, writing entries or articles for publications, giving presentations or lectures, etc., are considered professional contact hours, which can be used for recertification only, not for initial certification by examination.
Continuing education hours must be accredited by a provider or approver of continuing nursing education, or medical education, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a state board of nursing, nursing association, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
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2: Prepare for the Exam and Application
The certification examination consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Four hours are allotted to complete the examination. The current passing score approved by the GNCC Board for the GS-C exam is 73%.
GAPNA offers multiple resources to assist with your exam preparation, including a study guide, practical resource guide, and exam review course with NCPD contact hours.
Exam Blueprint
| Area | Proficiency | % of Test |
|---|---|---|
| I | Performs comprehensive assessment of the complex older adult. | 20% |
| II | Performs appropriate screening, diagnostic testing, treatment and planning of care for the complex older adult. | 20% |
| III | Prescribes medications, including consideration of risks and benefits of pharmacotherapy, for the complex older adult. | 20% |
| IV | Uses a system-based approach to design and implement educational strategies to optimize health outcomes. | 14% |
| V | Anticipates and manages transitions of care between sites and providers, including transition to palliative or hospice care. | 20% |
| VI | Uses a systems-based approach to anticipate and deploy resources to optimize outcomes for older adult populations. | 6% |
Publications
Use of these publications as study resources does not imply that use will guarantee passing on the certification examination.
Preparation Guide
The preparation guide is a free, downloadable resource designed to help focus your attention on areas of particular emphasis as determined by practice analyses and is not meant to be all-inclusive.
APRN GNCC Preparation Guide - 1st EditionStudy Guide
The APRN Gerontological Specialist Certification Study Guide, 2nd Edition is your roadmap to success for the GS-C exam.
What’s inside?
- A detailed Exam Blueprint to guide your study plan.
- Case study articles from Geriatric Nursing that align with the 12 Nursing Proficiencies.
- Suggested Reading Materials to deepen your understanding of geriatric care.
- Sample Questions and Rationales to boost your confidence and sharpen your test-taking skills.
Why use this study guide?
It’s the perfect starting point for advanced practice providers looking to distinguish themselves as experts in managing the complex healthcare needs of older adults.
This book can be purchased individually or packaged with the Practical Guide.
APRN Gerontological Specialist Certification Study Guide - 2nd EditionPractical Guide
A Practical Guide for the Gerontological Specialist is your ultimate resource for preparing for the APRN Gerontological Specialist Certification (GS-C) Exam.
What makes this book your best study companion?
- Covers all key topics, including Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Chronic & Acute Conditions, Polypharmacy, Geropsychiatry, and more.
- Features GS-C Notes in every chapter – exam pearls to help you focus on what matters the most.
- Created by an FNP who knows what it takes to pass the GS-C exam.
Why earn your GS-C certification?
Showcase your expertise and commitment to managing the complex healthcare needs of older adults. This exam distinguishes advanced practice providers who lead in geriatric care—and this book is your key to success!
This book can be purchased individually or packaged with the Study Guide.
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3: Complete Your Exam Application
Mail or fax your completed exam application along with appropriate fees to the GNCC National Office. Be sure to sign and date your application. The application review committee will review and process your application.
Upon approval of your application, you will receive an examination permit by email, including a link to an online scheduling portal to schedule the exam date at a computer-based testing center of your choice. The testing center will send a follow-up email confirming the exam location, date, and time selected.
If your application is incomplete, you will be contacted to provide missing information and subject to applicable fees. If requested information is not provided within the specified timeframe, the application process will cease and a refund less the administrative fee will be issued.
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4: Take the Exam
You will not be admitted to the examination without an examination permit and proper ID. Substitution of an applicant cannot be made and no such request will be honored. The examination permit will remain active for a period of 90 days (from the date of issue). You must test within the 90-day window printed on the permit. If you do not test by the end of the 90-day window, both the examination permit and exam application will expire. You must then submit a new application and fee for the exam before being allowed to test.
You should arrive at the testing location on your examination permit at the report time listed. Bring your valid government-issued photo ID and the examination permit. The name on your ID must match the name on your exam permit. You need only bring your examination permit and your ID. Pencils and all other testing materials are provided. No drinks or food are permitted in the testing area. Cell phones and all other electronic devices are not permitted.
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5: Get Recognized
Congratulations to those individuals who have become certified by passing the GS-C exam! Show off your credentials, review the directory of your certified peers, and learn how to maintain your GS-C throughout your career.
Academic degrees are listed first because they are earned, are considered permanent. Nurse Practitioners are licensed by the State Boards of Nursing. National certifications are usually voluntary. When you become certified by GNCC, you should use the credentials GS-C to indicate your certification.