The Best Study Materials for NBCHPN's Certification Exams

cmfrt_care_rn · Nov 21, 2013

I took the test and passed in June this year. I used the study guide and practice test book offered by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. I self-studied for about 3 months as time permitted. I also have the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing and think it is a wonderful reference. Before the test I did the practice exam offered by the board to get an idea how I would do. With just those materials and a few years of end-of-life care experience, I passed. I thought that it was extremely helpful to have experience, like they recommend, because you can remember real life cases and the meds used for them. That being said, I am a great test taker and I still thought it was a tough test! If you want it, go for it! I think having the certification says a lot about your dedication to the specialty. Not many have it in my experience (the certification, that is!).

TammyG · Nov 21, 2013

I also studied with the study guide and core curriculum. I thought that was sufficient preparation. I have a lot of experience in oncology and I definitely thought that helped, since there were a lot of symptoms questions that related to oncology.

areensee · Nov 25, 2013

Thanks for the reassurance. I have ordered the Core Curriculum, the study guide and the competencies guide. I wouldn't even try this exam if I didn't have a few years of experience in hospice. Hopefully the combination of experience and studying these materials will be enough. Has anyone tried the flashcards that are out there?

renascent · Jan 31, 2014

I used the flashcards by Mometrix the last time I took the test in 2010. I thought they were very helpful in giving me information that could be applied to the test questions. The cards don't necessarily give you the answers, but they give you the information to be able to discern the answers.