Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC) is a specialized credential awarded to registered nurses who have completed advanced training and passed an exam, proving their expertise in ambulatory care nursing. With the AMB-BC credential, you’re a trusted professional in providing high-quality care in outpatient settings.
If you are an ambulatory care nurse, certification can open doors to new opportunities for career growth. This article will tell you everything you need to know about earning your AMB-BC credential.
What Is Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification?
AMB-BC is a professional credential that validates a registered nurse’s expertise in the field of ambulatory care. To earn it, you need to pass an exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which covers a range of topics, including the following:
- Assessment and evaluation
- Planning and implementation
- Professional role
- Education
These topics cover multiple highly specific knowledge areas and hands-on skills. A few examples include:
- Triage (e.g., in-person, virtual, telehealth)
- Clinical data interpretation (e.g., medical documentation and chart review)
- Care coordination (e.g., patient resources, population management)
- Clinical tasks (e.g., procedures, point of care testing, wound care)
- Professional communication (e.g., therapeutic communication, building trust, conflict resolution)
- Leadership (e.g., risk management, process improvement)
- Safety and security (e.g., incident reporting, disaster training, safety rounds, root cause analysis)
Who Benefits From the AMB-BC Credential?
Wondering who needs this certification? It can be highly beneficial for nurses working in primary care, chronic disease management, outpatient, and diagnostic care settings, such as:
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Cardiology clinics
- Dialysis clinics
- Endoscopy clinics
- Infusion care
- Interventional radiology
- Neurorestorative care centers
- Occupational health centers
- Oncology care centers
- Orthopedic rehabilitation centers
Steps to Get AMB-BC-Certified
Here’s a straightforward guide to earn your AMB-BC credential, from meeting ambulatory care nursing certification requirements to passing the exam.
1. Meet Eligibility Criteria
Are you eligible to test? To sit for the AMB-BC exam, you’ll need to have these achievements under your belt:
- A current and unrestricted RN license
- 2 years of full-time experience as a registered nurse
- 2,000 hours of clinical practice in ambulatory care nursing within the past 3 years
- 30 hours of continuing education in ambulatory care nursing within the past 3 years
2. Start Preparing for the Exam
Wondering how to study for ambulatory care nursing certification? The ANCC provides plenty of study resources to help you focus your efforts:
- Test content outline
- Reference list
- ANB-BC readiness test
- Ambulatory care nursing certification test questions
- Role delineation study
Additionally, familiarize yourself with the exam format. While these guidelines aren’t specific to the AMB-BC credential, they can help you understand ANCC testing policies in general:
The American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) provides extra study materials you can purchase after registering. Here’s what they offer:
- The Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Care Nursing, 4th edition
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Review Questions, 5th edition
- The Scope and Standards of Practice for Professional Ambulatory Care Nursing
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification Review Course
- Certification Review Course Handbook
3. Submit Your Application
Next, go to the ANCC certification page, choose your credential, and complete the registration process to get started. Then, fill out the application, provide all the requested documents, and pay the exam fee.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an authorization to test notice. You’ll have 120 days to schedule your exam at a Prometric test center or remotely. Schedule as soon as possible to get the time and date you want.
4. Pass the AMB-BC Exam
On exam day, you’ll need a valid ID to enter the Prometric testing area, and you’ll be asked to go through a metal detection inspection. Here’s a quick overview of the exam:
- You’ll have 3 hours to complete your exam.
- You’ll have to answer 150 questions (125 scored and 25 pretest items).
- You’ll need to answer 70% of questions correctly to pass, with a minimum score of 350 out of 500.
5. Maintain the Certification
Your AMB-BC certification is valid for five years. To renew, you’ll need 75 continuing education hours from an approved provider and at least one of the following:
- Continuing education hours: 75 specialty-specific continuing education hours, in addition to the 75 mandatory ones
- Academic credits: 5 semester credits or 6 quarter credits of academic courses in your specialty
- Presentations: One or more presentations totaling 5 clock hours in your specialty
- EBP/QI project: A completed project demonstrating the use of a problem-solving approach
- Publication: Published articles in a journal or book chapter, or published content related to your specialty
- Research: A research project, dissertation, thesis, or doctoral project related to your specialty
- Preceptor hours: A minimum of 120 hours as a preceptor for students in an academic program related to your specialty, or providing clinical supervision to clinicians
- Professional service: Two or more consecutive years of volunteer service
- Practice hours: A minimum of 1,000 practice hours in your specialty.
- Test or portfolio: Sit for and pass the current test
Whichever route you choose, all information needs to be submitted to your online account. You can submit a renewal application up to one year prior to your certification’s expiration date.
AMB-BC Certification Cost
Wondering how much it costs to obtain an ambulatory care certification? Nursing professionals should be prepared to pay the following fees:
Initial Certification:
- Non-members: $395
- ANA members: $295
- AAACN members: $295
Renewals:
- Non-members: $350
- ANA members: $250
- AAACN members: $295
Looking for free ambulatory care nursing certification? Some employers cover the cost of certification for their nursing staff, so consider asking your manager if this is an option.
FAQ: Ambulatory Care Nursing Credential
How hard is the AMB-BC exam?
The Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification pass rate is 77%. While the exam does require effort and preparation, many candidates are successful. With consistent study and understanding of key concepts, it’s an achievable goal for many nurses.
What happens if I fail the AMB-BC exam?
If you don’t pass the AMB-BC exam, no worries! You can apply to retest just five days after your exam and retake it after 60 days. Keep in mind that you get three tries in a 12-month period. Here are some tips to help you succeed next time:
- Study your score report. It will include diagnostic information for each content area of the test. Review it carefully and focus your study on the areas where you need to improve.
- Use SMART goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — to guide your study plan. Try setting daily and weekly targets for finishing a certain number of modules.
- Create your own practice tests. Build your own practice quizzes to focus on the content you find hardest. Platforms like Quizlet and FlexiQuiz can help with that.
- Set up a virtual study group on platforms like Study Together. You’ll be able to collaborate with others pursuing similar certifications.
How do I verify my AMB-BC credential?
Your certification can be verified by contacting ANCC. The first verification for individuals is free, but each additional one costs $40. Organizations will need to pay $50 for verification. Processing takes about seven business days.
What are the benefits of AMB-BC certification?
First of all, your RN resume will shine. This certification proves that you’re equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in ambulatory care, making you a standout candidate in the job market. Here are some extra benefits it offers:
- Upgrades your knowledge. Themedical field is always evolving, and AMB-BC certification helps you evolve with it.
- Increases salary potential. Certification increases your chances of getting an internal promotion or being hired for a higher-paying nursing role.
- Helps to earn a promotion. Certification may help you step into a leadership role, such as a nurse educator or clinical manager.
- Opens up networking opportunities. Certification programs often connect you with other healthcare professionals, helping you build valuable relationships and advance your career.
- Improved patient care. It can help you provide first-class patient care, ensuring safety and boosting patient satisfaction.
How much does an ambulatory care nurse make?
The average salary for RNs working in outpatient care centers is $102,640 per year. Your paycheck can differ based on your education, experience, and location. Here are some states where you can expect to earn more:
Check out the latest outpatient nursing jobs in your area to see what you could be earning.
What are some AMB-BC exam study tips?
ANCC suggests these study tips to help you prepare for the exam:
- Study plan: Start planning about 6 months ahead. This might include self-studying, joining a study group, taking review courses, or reading relevant textbooks and articles.
- Content outline: Study the exam content carefully, including the number of questions in each knowledge area.
- Sample questions: Practice with ANCC sample questions. You can review them as often as you like, and it’s free.
- References: Review the list of recommended texts for additional preparation. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a useful guide.
What are the related certifications?
Ambulatory care can look many different ways. Consider supplementing your AMB-BC credential with other specialty-specific certifications and courses, such as:
- Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
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