Ancc adult psychiatric np exam

zenman · Jun 8, 2012

I just memorized the ANCC review book and the online questions.

Ellen NP, MSN, NP · Jun 9, 2012

I took a Barkley course (on CD) and did the practice test on the ANCC website and passed easily.

PsychiatricNP · Jun 9, 2012

I recently took the ANCC Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP exam and passed on the first attempt. I used the Barkley Review material (book and CDs) and also used the ANCC practice questions that can be purchased online from ANCC ($99 for 150 practice test questions). I found these two resources to be good. Above all else, I found that my previous nursing experience in psychiatry and mental health was most useful to me when taking the exam.

ralph41 · Jun 9, 2012

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts... Yes, I agree with you and did just that, unfortunately I don't know but 90% of my questions were related to case management and or Social work community outreach stuff... That's why it through me off. There were also a bunch of therapy type questions. Not much on meds, or actual clinical NP stuff, that's why it was a shock to me! I think that there are several versions of the test. Thanks again!

ralph41 · Jun 9, 2012

I appreciate your response... did exactly the same thing, but the exam through me on a loop and now found myself being a social worker and community person versus what Barkley and the ANCC review taught... I was even reaching a point to think that the exam taken was meant for a clinical social worker. Thank you

harmonizer · Jun 21, 2012

ralph41, I recently passed the exam and did see quite a number of medication questions so you still need to know it. But you are right! There is a big chuck psychotherapy and ethic questions.

Like Zenman said, ANCC manful book and 150 ANCC questions are all you need. The 150 ANCC questions will help you know what areas you need to focus on.

williamd · Jun 24, 2012

I used the Mometrix flashcards. They were very helpfull, as well as the test-taking tips that were included. The test was changed recently, and I don't think all the review materials have caught up yet. More therapy, less nursing theory. My past practical experience help me out with the social-work type questions.

SWEETSHY41 · Jul 5, 2012

hi,
i just joined allnurses.com. i took the psychiatric adult np exam with ancc... didn't pass the first time. i took the barkleys review course and it didn't help at all! i reviewed the course religiously and looked over it 3 times and guess what? 90% of the exam was on something totally different nothing related to what barkley reviewed...very dissapointed! i also took the ancc review course and it didn't help much either. so my question to my colleagues out there, is there any review out there that really gives realistic test question examples that can help one pass the boards? your help is greatly appreciated.

i just took the pmhnp exam and did not pass either. i am very disappointed in myself because i made a 344 and needed a 350 to pass. i bought the 150 ancc questions but i did not use barkley review. i just signed up for the ancc telephone study group to start in august and i bought just purchased the flashcards. i am going to retake the exam in september. i pray i pass this time. i have a job waiting for me. it is very embarrassing to tell them i can not work because i failed the exam.

what really bothers me is that i studied the ancc review book and i had some questions on the exam that i did not find in the review book. i am going to start studying again to retake the test in september.

joyceg · Oct 21, 2012

I took the test in 2011 missed by 23 points. Bought the 150 ancc practice exam and the ancc book and we studied this material myself and my school mate. Her job is in psychiatry herself....she was floored how the questions were not what she expected at all....nothing like the ANCC practice exam.....topics from the ANCC book may be a few ...but the wording of the questions were not like the material that we studied. She mentioned mostly therapy and the questions sounded like the ones that I had in 2011. A colleague who had been a social worker then went for the NP in Psychiatry made the comment that the test was common sense to her....I could not see that. Now looking at these postings I can see why it was easier for someone with a social work background. Luckily for my colleague who just took the test she passed. I will be taking it soon and my background is acute med-surgery, I am very worried. Especially since I feel loss now and do not know what to really study now.

NPAlby · Oct 27, 2012

I took the test in 2010 and it was ridiculous. It had nothing to do with what I studied or my practice. Just take the test over again as soon as you can. None of the review books helped.

ralph41 · Nov 4, 2012

RNalby,

Yes, embarrasing to say... Going on my 4th attempt with the Psychiatric NP exam. Is there anyone out there that had this experience? I mean, I don't think I'm stupid enough to not pass the exam. Although, not passing it 3 times has made me wonder! I have called the ANCC for help and they weren't helpful either. I got the run-around and they said there is nothing more they can do. I told them that there isn't enough material on psychiatric reviews out there and they agreed!... and the other thing that gets me is how in the world can they only offer these exams 3 times during a calendar year. If they're getting the money, why should they care? how many times one takes this fricken exam! These questions are tricky and threw me off. They provide you with 2-3 possible answers and I know you have to pick the best one. I really am at my wits end. Is there a test taking strategy course I can take? the questions are way different than the ANCC practice questions. There have been some similarities but for the most part they are written differently. Thank you!