FNP CERT EXAM

carachel2 · Mar 23, 2010

I took the ANCC test last month. It wasn't hard in the sense that it was really in depth and clinically challenging but in my opinion it was hard because the questions are just phrased weird, etc. While you are studying, remind yourself that the test is aimed at clinical ENTRY level knowledge. If you start trying to review all of the weird and rare diseases, then stop yourself and get back on track.

I studied about 3-4 hours per day for about 3-4 weeks leading up to the test. I took the Fitzgerald course and used the book from class PLUS the FNP review book by Leik. The Leik had several "key concepts" that said "on the ANCC exam, there WILL be a test question on X and X" and I found that to be overwhelmingly true. I found the two books complement each other really well...what Fitzgerald didn't cover, Leik did and vice versa.

As the ANCC website says, spend some time on your roles, legal and professional issues. There were quite a few questions so bizarrely worded that there is just no way you could really study for them but if you are familiar with the concepts you can pick through the questions.

Good luck!

JALEXSHOE · Mar 23, 2010

I took the AANP exam about a week ago. At least 4 of the people I went to school with have taken it in the last 2 weeks and found it very doable. Some of my peers, thought it was easy, and one of them thought it was challenging. For me, I thought the test was rather more difficult, and in depth than what I initially had been informed it would be. I thought there were quite a few more than entry level questions on it. To say this, is not a bad thing, but I really had to think on some of the questions, as they were not always cut and dry. A lot of the questions seemed to have 2 answers, and it was not always easy to discern which was the right one. I really did feel it could of went either way. It seemed to be based on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I did pass by preliminary results (thank you Jesus), but I would like to state that it behooves one to become prepared to such a thing. I also used Fitzgeralds review and found it helpful. I think if you prepare and review you will be just fine. Good luck!

kellynp · Mar 24, 2010

Thanks so much for the reply. I took the exam Dec.16th and did not pass (AANP). The questions were weird. It is very bizarre b'c from what people are saying their test content does not vary like the ANCC does? Any feedack would help, I have to pass, I signed up AGAIN!!!! thanks :crying2: :confused:

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Mar 24, 2010

I agree with carachel. I took the ANCC exam back in November and until I received my results after the computer shut off, I had no idea if I passed or failed - it was that frustrating! I felt the clinical questions they asked weren't bad, but it was all the other stuff - the legal questions, research questions, NP role questions, etc. that threw me for a loop (probably because I focused more on diseases and appropriate treatments).

I truly focused my studying to the month before my exam date, and studied a couple of hours each day up until that date. All I used was the Fitz book and the Leik book (didn't do a review course) - but be careful because I found some info in the Leik book that was wrong (not much, but a few questions gave wrong answers). What I did was read through the sections first and then did the questions after I reviewed the whole book. It seemed to work for me.

Good luck! :)

JALEXSHOE · Mar 24, 2010

Thanks so much for the reply. I took the exam Dec.16th and did not pass (AANP). The questions were weird. It is very bizarre b'c from what people are saying their test content does not vary like the ANCC does? Any feedack would help, I have to pass, I signed up AGAIN!!!! thanks

Without discussing details of the test, yes, my content was on these topics. I also took the exam on this day. Do not feel bad about your results, this test could of easily been failed. I was not sure I passed it, in fact, I did not believe it... I would gladly discuss it with you privately if it helps any, but I do not want to cross any boundaries or get too personal by doing so here.

kellynp · Mar 24, 2010

Hello Again,

Thanks for the response, I have the private message with my account or I can privately email or call you. You let me know what works for you. thanks

Dixiecup · Mar 25, 2010

does anyone know if there are different versions of the test or does everyone get the same one?

JALEXSHOE · Mar 25, 2010

does anyone know if there are different versions of the test or does everyone get the same one?

If my reading comprehension is intact, it states on the web site/internet that people are given different versions of the exam. It is some kind of Angkoff method or something like, which is why the scores are weighted. There are 150 questions, 15 of them being textbank questions, and I believe the passing score is 500/800. I think I actually found the details on the prometric site.

Don't get overly concerned. Both of us might have had a bad test day. My friends who took it, did just fine, with zero complaints. I did pass it. I just thought the questions tougher than what I expected them to be.

ana78ng · Mar 31, 2010

Test also changed content on March 1st. Be sure to review the revised framework on the ANCC site. :twocents:

ERandAestheticFNP · Apr 4, 2010

Hey you, I took the AANP exam yesterday and failed. It was the worse written test I have ever experienced. We need to chat! :) I would love to touch base with you..

Jamie

studentD · Apr 28, 2010

I am getting ready to take my pretest (HESI) before graduating and still have the ANCC test to go. I am scared to death. I am using Fitzgerald review book and CD seminar. I also have a book by Hollier. Has anyone else used Hollier-- I had a friend who recently took the ANCC exam and found the Hollier book to have similar questions. Trouble is I find the Hollier book somewhat difficult and sometimes contradictory.