You Just Passed Your FNP Boards. Here's What to Do in the First 30 Days.

Board Prep · 7 min read · June 19, 2026

First: Celebrate

You just accomplished something genuinely hard. Take a moment — or a week — to feel that. Tell the people who supported you. You earned this.

Then, when you're ready, here's your practical roadmap.

Week 1: Credentialing Paperwork

Update Your Credentials

• Add your certification to your resume, LinkedIn, and any professional profiles
• Order new business cards and update your email signature
• Update your state nursing board profile (some states require notification of new certifications)

Apply for Your State NP License (if not already done)

Requirements vary by state. Most require:

• Proof of board certification
• Current RN license in good standing
• Completed application + fee
• Background check

Processing time: 2–8 weeks depending on state. Apply immediately.

Apply for DEA Registration

Required to prescribe controlled substances. Apply at dea.gov.

• Fee: $888 for 3-year registration
• Requires state NP license (or proof of pending)
• Processing: 2–4 weeks

Apply for Your NPI Number

RNs do not have an NPI — this is a brand new application you'll need to complete as an NP. Apply for free at nppes.cms.hhs.gov. You'll need your board certification and state NP license. Processing is typically instant to a few days. Your NPI is required for billing and prescribing, so apply as soon as you have your state NP license in hand.

Week 2: Insurance and Credentialing

Malpractice Insurance

Do not practice without it. Options:

• Occurrence-based: Covers incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. More expensive, but better long-term protection.
• Claims-made: Covers claims filed during the policy period. Requires "tail coverage" when you leave a job. Cheaper upfront.

Recommended carriers: HPSO, NSO, CM&F Group. Rates for NPs: typically $1,000–$2,500/year.

Hospital/Practice Credentialing

If joining a hospital system or large practice, credentialing can take 60–120 days. Start this process immediately — you cannot bill independently until it's complete.

Documents typically required: Board certification, state license, DEA, NPI, malpractice insurance, CV, references, training verification.

Week 3: Set Up Your Practice Infrastructure

Prescribing

• Confirm your state's prescribing authority (full practice authority vs. collaborative agreement required)
• Set up your e-prescribing account (DrFirst, Surescripts, or through your EHR)
• Register with your state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) — required in most states

Billing

• Understand your billing situation: Are you billing under your own NPI or incident-to a physician?
• If billing independently: Enroll in Medicare (PECOS) and Medicaid
• Learn the basics of E&M coding (99213, 99214, 99215) — this directly affects your income

Week 4: Continuing Education Planning

Your certification requires continuing education for renewal:

• AANP: 100 CE hours every 5 years (at lea...