Objective The aim of this study was to develop an evaluation index system for core competence of Master of Nursing Specialist in Anesthesia based on the educational objectives of advanced practice nurse in China. Methods Initial indexes were generated through the literature review and semi-structured interviews. 2 rounds of expert consultations and analytic hierarchy process were conducted to establish the evaluation index for core competence of Master of Nursing Specialist in Anesthesia. Results A total of 23 experts were included in the study,the response rates of 2 rounds were both 100%,and the authority coefficients of the experts were 0.898 and 0.884. The Kendall’s coefficients of concordance for the 2 rounds of consultations were 0.146~0.235 and 0.153~0.243. Finally,the evaluation index system for core competence of Master of Nursing Specialist in Anesthesia was formed,which consists of 6 first-level indexes,23 second-level indexes and 101 third-level indexes. Conclusion The evaluation index system for core competence of Master of Nursing Specialist in Anesthesia is reasonable, scientific and reliable,which can provide a theoretical reference for the education and personal development of Master of Nursing Specialist in Anesthesia in China.