GERO-BC Exam - Gerontological Nursing Certification
About the GERO-BC Exam
The Gerontological Nursing (GERO-BC) certification exam, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), is a credential for registered nurses specializing in the care of older adults. It recognizes nurses’ expertise in addressing the complex physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs of aging patients, with a focus on evidence-based practice and critical thinking. Achieving this certification validates advanced competency in gerontological nursing and demonstrates a commitment to enhancing health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Description | A comprehensive certification exam for registered nurses specializing in gerontological nursing. |
Credential Earned | Gerontological Nursing (GERO-BC) Certification. |
Eligibility Requirements | Active RN license with at least two years of full-time practice as a registered nurse, a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice, and 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within the last three years. |
Completion Time | Approximately 3 hours. |
Subjects Covered | Assessment and diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation, and professional foundation. |
Number of Questions | 150 multiple-choice questions, including 125 scored items and 25 unscored pretest questions. |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, computer-based examination. |
Exam Proctoring | Administered at Prometric test centers. |
Recertification Details | Recertification is required every five years and includes proof of ongoing professional development. |
Pass/Fail Rates | Pass rates vary annually, with an average of approximately 70%. |
Difficulty Level | Challenging. |
Study Material | BoardCerts GERO-BC Exam Prep. |
BoardCerts GERO-BC Question Bank
BoardCerts provides a comprehensive GERO-BC Question Bank designed to help you succeed on the Gerontological Nursing certification exam. With over 1,000 practice questions and several timed predictor exams, our content closely follows the GERO-BC exam blueprint. The content is thoughtfully reviewed by experienced gerontological nurses and GERO-BC-certified experts to ensure accuracy and relevance. Detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers give you a strong foundation for confident and effective exam preparation.
Content Outline of GERO-BC Exam
The GERO-BC exam tests nurses across three core areas:
Assessment and Diagnosis (31%) – Evaluating older adults, identifying age-related changes, managing medications, and recognizing high-risk factors.
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (34%) – Applying evidence-based interventions, ensuring safety, coordinating care, and managing medications appropriately.
Professional Foundation (35%) – Health promotion, disease prevention, legal and ethical practice, diversity and inclusion, and technology-enabled care.
For more detailed blueprint outline, please review the GERO-OB exam blueprint, which can be found here.
Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution
GERO-BC Exam Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Gerontological Nursing (GERO-BC) exam, a registered nurse must have a current, active RN license and a minimum of 2,000 hours of specialty experience in gerontological nursing within the last 3 years. They must also have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing within the last 3 years
GERO-BC Exam Application Process
- Online Application: Access the application portal on the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) website.
- Application Submission: Complete the online application by providing the required personal and professional information. Ensure all eligibility requirements for GERO-BC are met before submission.
- Scheduling the Exam: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive Authorization to Test Notice, after which you will have 120 days to schedule your exam. You can take the exam at a designated Prometric testing center at your preferred location.
- Preparation: Use the BoardCerts GERO-BC Question Bank to prepare effectively. Our question bank aligns closely with the GERO-BC exam blueprint and mirrors the difficulty of the actual exam, providing a comprehensive resource to build confidence and readiness.
GERO-BC Exam Dates and Costs
The Gerontological Nursing (GERO-BC) exam is available year-round, allowing candidates to apply at any time without specific application windows. Once your application is approved, you will have a 120-day window to schedule and take the exam.
For the most current information on exam fees and scheduling options, please refer to the ANCC official website.
GERO-BC Exam Format
- Number of Questions: The Gerontological Nursing (GERO-BC) certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 125 are scored, and 25 are unscored pretest questions used for future test development.
- Exam Response Options: Each question offers four response options (A, B, C, D).
- Testing Options: The exam is available at designated Prometric test centers.
- Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
GERO-BC Exam Pass/Fail Rates
Difficulty Level: This ANCC certification is considered challenging, with annual pass rates averaging at around 70% over recent years.
Passing Score: The exam utilizes a criterion-referenced scoring system, meaning the passing score is based on predetermined criteria rather than a set percentage. The candidate must achieve a passing score of 350, out of a maximum score of 500.
Exam Statistics: Detailed statistics, including annual pass rates and the number of candidates tested, are available on the ANCC's Exam Statistics webpage.
Score Reporting: Candidates will be able to review their status at the Prometric Test Center. Official results, including the score report, are typically accessible within 24-48 hours after completing the exam.
GERO-BC Exam Proctoring
The GERO-BC certification exam is administered by the ANCC in collaboration with Prometric. Candidates can choose a Prometric Testing Center at their preferred location to take the exam.
GERO-BC Exam Preparation and Resources
At BoardCerts, our practice questions are carefully aligned with the GERO-BC exam blueprint to ensure relevance and comprehensive coverage of the content you’ll encounter on the test. The question bank is developed in coordination with the blueprint and incorporates the authoritative resources that form the foundation of the official exam. This approach provides an effective and thorough preparation experience.
Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the GERO-BC exam blueprint, which can be found here.
Review Course: Consider enrolling in a review course, such as those offered by the ANCC, to build a strong foundation in exam content.
Question Bank: Use a comprehensive resource like the BoardCerts GERO-BC Question Bank, aligned with the exam blueprint and reviewed by experienced gerontological nurses. Our question bank offers extensive practice, including predictor exams, to help you assess readiness and build confidence for exam day.
GERO-BC Certification Renewal
The GERO-BC certification is valid for five years. To maintain your certification, you must complete the following steps:
- Continuing Competency Assessment: At the beginning of your maintenance cycle, complete the assessment to identify areas for professional growth and development.
- Continuing Education (CE) Hours: Complete the mandatory 75 continuing education contact hours.
- Professional Development Activities: Complete at least one of the eight certification renewal professional development categories.
- Maintenance Application: Submit your maintenance application online through the ANCC website before your due date. Ensure all CE activities are documented and align with your education plan.
For detailed information on the renewal process and requirements, visit the ANCC’s official website.
GERO-BC Exam Practice Questions
Practicing sample questions is an essential part of GERO-BC exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. The BoardCerts GERO-BC Question Bank provides high-quality, exam-focused practice questions aligned with the GERO-BC exam blueprint, ensuring you are confident and well-prepared on test day.
- Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are crafted to reflect the level of application and difficulty found on the GERO-BC exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
