About the GS-C

The Gerontological Specialist – Certified (GS-C) is an APRN specialty certification offered by the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC). It recognizes APRNs who demonstrate expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults across care settings.

Why Get Certified?

Certification offers a powerful combination of professional credibility, career mobility, and practical skill development. Certified professionals are often more competitive in the job market, receive higher wages, and experience expanded job opportunities. Certification strengthens patient trust, supports safer and more effective care, and provides a structured pathway for ongoing education. Together, these advantages make certification a strategic investment for anyone pursuing a long-term career in health care.

GS-C Cycle of Certification

The GS-C exam is carefully developed to ensure it accurately measures the knowledge and skills essential for gerontological nursing specialists. This page outlines the rigorous process behind the exam, including test design, item writing, review, and validation. Learn how GNCC works with subject matter experts to maintain high standards, fairness, and reliability in every examination.

View Cycle of Certification

GS-C Annual Reports

This page provides access to the Gerontological Specialist Certification (GS-C) yearly reports, offering a comprehensive overview of exam trends, pass rates, and other key data. These reports are designed to inform candidates, educators, and stakeholders about the GS-C exam, supporting transparency and ongoing improvement in gerontological nursing certification. Explore past and current reports to gain insight into the performance and outcomes of the GS-C examination.

View 2024 GS-C Annual Report

Certification & Recertification Eligibility Rationales

This resource explains the reasoning behind the eligibility requirements for both certification and recertification. Understanding these rationales can help you prepare effectively and maintain your professional credentials in gerontological nursing.

View Full Rationales

Board of Commissioners

Susan (Sue) Mullaney
President
Susan (Sue) Mullaney DNP, CNP, GNP-BC, GS-C, FAAN, FAANP
Owner/Consultant, SeniorCare Executive Services
Boston, MA
Christina Holub
President-Elect
Christina Holub MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, GS-C
Coordinator, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Geriatric Surgery Verification Program
Allentown, PA
Jennifer Serafin
Secretary
Jennifer Serafin MSN, GNP-BC
Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center
San Francisco, CA
Justin Waryold
Treasurer
Justin Waryold DNP, RN, ANP-C, ACNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, CGNC, FAANP
Upstate Medical University, College of Nursing (Academic) and Partners in Primary Care (Clinical)
Patchogue, New York
Myla Magno
Commissioner
Myla Magno DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, GS-C
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Houston, TX
Melissa Boucher
Public Member
Melissa Boucher
Strategic Consulting Solutions
Newton, MA
Marianne Shaughnessy
Consultant
Marianne Shaughnessy PhD, AGPCNP-BC, GS-C
Middle River, MD

GNCC National Office Staff

Erin Macartney
Executive Director
Erin Macartney
GAPNA National Office
Magnolia, NJ
Sarah-Louise Primavera
Certification Services Manager
Sarah-Louise Primavera
GAPNA National Office
Turnersville, NJ