Do DNP and DNAP Graduates Take the Same CRNA Certification Exam?
Yes. Eligible graduates of accredited entry-to-practice DNP and DNAP nurse anesthesia programs take the same National Certification Examination (NCE). What matters is the program you completed and whether you meet the NBCRNA’s eligibility requirements. The letters after the degree name don’t change which exam you take.
Sachi, CRNA
CRNA
In This Article (4 sections)
If you’re deciding where to apply, start a shortlist in the CRNA School Database. The free preview lets you save up to three programs. Our seven-day trial adds the planning tools and lessons. If you’re comparing the degrees more broadly, see our DNP vs. DNAP guide.
How can you tell whether a program leads to the CRNA exam?
Start with the exact track name on the school’s site. DNP means Doctor of Nursing Practice; DNAP means Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. A DNP might be an entry-to-practice nurse anesthesia track or a degree in another nursing specialty. A DNAP can be an entry program or a completion program for CRNAs who already practice.
Here are two entry program examples and one type of program you might come across while searching:
| What the page describes | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Duke’s Nurse Anesthesia DNP | A COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program for RNs preparing to become CRNAs. |
| National University’s DNAP | A COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program that awards a different degree title. |
| A post-professional or completion doctorate for CRNAs | Check the admissions page. If it requires you to already be a CRNA, it’s for further education after initial certification. |
We suggest checking these three things before you pay an application fee:
- Who can apply? Look for a track that prepares eligible RNs to enter nurse anesthesia practice. Check whether the program instead requires a current CRNA credential.
- What exactly is accredited? Match the program and pathway to the Council on Accreditation’s directory. Confirm the specific nurse anesthesia program, even if the university has other accredited nursing degrees.
- What happens after graduation? Find the school’s explanation of initial certification and read the current NCE handbook. The NBCRNA determines individual exam eligibility.
What should you ask if the school lists more than one doctorate?
Email the program before you apply to the wrong track:
I’m an ICU RN applying for initial CRNA certification. Is [exact track name] your COA-accredited entry-to-practice program for my intended cohort? After I complete it, what does the program submit to NBCRNA for my NCE application?
Save the school’s response with the track name and entry year. If you find two programs that lead to initial certification, use our clinical training comparison guide to ask about the cases, teaching and supervision you’ll get. Our podcast on choosing a CRNA school also gives you questions to ask beyond the degree title. Use current school pages for the details.
Our Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t have to guess which program prepares you for the certification exam. Confirm the track first. Then spend your time comparing the training you’d receive and what it would take for you to attend.
Build your CRNA school shortlist
Save the programs you’re considering in the CRNA School Database. The seven-day trial adds tools and lessons to help you compare them and plan your applications.
