AANP and ANCC exam review and tips suggestions

Students NP Students

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I'm planning to take my AANP and the ANCC exam within a few weeks, any test taking tips? What review did you use? Did you pass? How long did you study for the exam? Did you purchase any online test questions?

Sha-Sha RN

108 Posts

Specializes in Neuroscience, Cardiac Nursing.

Just a quick question - what specialty family, adult, etc and why are you taking both cert exams?

Liwanag30

10 Posts

I'm taking family. I applied for the AANP first, and I realize that more facilities are in favor of ANCC. By the time I realized that, I already paid for the AANP exam. I'm aware they are recognized within all states, but it was too late to get my money back.

Sha-Sha RN

108 Posts

Specializes in Neuroscience, Cardiac Nursing.

Oh ok. I took the Adult Gero ANCC exam 2 weeks ago and passed on the first try. I used Fitzgerald online review which I like because I was able to view each video up to 4 times and go at my own pace. I started using the review course back in April to prep for my final exam and accessed it again 1 week before my board exam, focusing on the areas I had issues with. I also had access to Barkley CDs and I went thru Maria Leik's review book from cover to cover and did all 629 questions. I also used Kellerman's necessary np review book which is mainly for FNP review but I found a lot of questions in it that we're different from other material I saw, lots of good legal, research and ethical question that are in the ANCC test. I gave myself 6 weeks when I registered for my test. I did 50-100 questions daily 6 weeks leading up to my exam and used index cards to write down info I got wrong in my practice questions. I also did 1 diagnostic readiness test from Barkley 6 weeks before my test to see the areas I needed to focus on more.

Liwanag30

10 Posts

Thank you for your advice. I've started doing practice questions. Any thoughts on APEA test bank questions vs Exam Edge?

Sha-Sha RN

108 Posts

Specializes in Neuroscience, Cardiac Nursing.

Some of my classmates who took ( and passed) the AANP exam swear by APEA exams and said it was very helpful in their study plans. I used the exam edge questions and I thought they were OK, a lot of acute care questions were mixed in with the primary care questions.

Liwanag30

10 Posts

Thanks for the tip. I guess I'll do the APEA test bank as well. :yes:

allnurses Guide

BostonFNP, APRN

2 Articles; 5,581 Posts

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I took both exams and maintain both certifications. It's not much work and may protect you in the event of the unforeseen.

pcelley

5 Posts

I am certified psych/mental health nurse and found the study materials available through ANCC more than adequate

saracarver3

3 Posts

I say why do both?...they are both nationally recognized. The only difference I have seen down here in Florida is that only one hospital organization - though it is a biggie (Mayo) lists in their job requirements that the ARNP should be AANC certified, yet I know from colleagues that they hire AANP certified practitioners as well.

I did the APEA test bank, a couple random study books, quizzing with a friend, and the Barkley and associates review course in Tampa....I love the Barkley course and truly feel like if that was the only thing I had done that I would have passed no problems.

The biggest thing is to given yourself 2-4 weeks to study prior to taking test(s).

Good luck! Sara

ryguyRN

141 Posts

I think you mean ANCC, the AANC is different. I will be doing the Barkley live course in November prior to graduation and looking forward to it. I am also doing the online portion right now and it is very good.

Liwanag30

10 Posts

Online portion of ?

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