Ancc exam/aanp failure

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 6, 2015

Good luck to you retakers. There were many questions that shook my confidence (my first few questions terrified me cause I had NO idea) so I'm not sure how the posters who say the test was easy studied to make it seem easy.

I've always been a good student and over study. But I sure didn't think the exam was EASY. I'm looking forward to seeing my actual score so I can see just how well I did.

I was petrified I'd fail somehow and I hate that some of you guys who put in the same hard work I did are at a standstill for now. I really think some of it is pure luck on if you get a question you know or on something you just skimmed over.

Again, good luck you guys.

allnurses Guide · Jan 6, 2015

I'm not sure how the posters who say the test was easy studied to make it seem easy.

It, honestly, isn't a product of how well and how much you study for the boards. It's a products how how good your program was.

Sent from my iPhone.

ERNurseatheart · Jan 7, 2015

Im in the same boat as I have failed on my first try with AANP, but motivated to pass on my next attempt. God Bless to all of us. We will be FNP's --positive affirmations..

lotus77 · Jan 13, 2015

I passed ANCC - FNP exam! I took it last Friday and I passed. Good luck to all who will be taking their exam. I wish you all the best!

ryguyRN · Jan 13, 2015

lotus77, I will be taking the ANCC as well as the AANP (second attempt). Any advise on ANCC fnp exam, thanks.

lotus77 · Jan 22, 2015

Sorry for the late reply. For the exam: Take note of key words in the question as it influences the answer that you choose. I read the question twice before I looked at the choices, this allowed me to analyze the question and think of a possible answer. Use the sheet of paper handed to you before the exam and write down normal values, mnemonics, treatment guidelines, levels of research. Snippets of information that you've committed to memory, so that when you encounter a question you refer to your list, and it just takes away the anxiety of not being able to remember important information. Trust me, this technique helped me during the exam.

My strategy of studying for the test was rigid. 4 weeks before the exam, I didn't do anything on my days off from work but to study. No distractions at all (no tv, no cellphone, I was in a self imposed seclusion). I had the Fitzgerald review book, but I ordered the Barkley review. I used both, what's nice about it, is that topics not covered in one, was covered by the other. I used Leik review book as well as it has a good section on test taking skills and pharmacology, along with 600+ review questions. APEA (Amelie Hollier) helped too; there's a fee to access her pool of questions. I used her website for Q&A after listening to the CDs. APEA and Barkley has diagnostic readiness tests, and the tests helped me structure my study to focus on ares that I was weak. I must admit, I went overboard on studying this time, but I could not stomach the thought of failing again. I scored 342 the first time, and I wrote that number on a sticky note plastered on my computer. Whenever I felt tired or unfocused, the number would stare me at the face, and remind me that there's work to do. It was a bitter pill to swallow not passing the exam the first time, and I used that experience to push myself to work harder. Prayers and hard work gave me the result that I needed. We all deserve to pass the test. I pray for you and all others preparing for the exam. Remind yourself that YOU are an excellent test taker, and that YOU will pass the exam. Good luck and God bless! :)

ryguyRN · Jan 22, 2015

Yes I have been studying much harder this go-round, having a quiz partner and using the APEA Qbank. I retake the AANP next week and I only failed by one or two questions. There has been some hold up with getting my ATT to schedule for the ANCC.

lotus77 · Jan 22, 2015

Good luck and God bless you. YOU will pass!

1TraumaNurse · Jan 23, 2015

I am currently 6 months in to my FNP program and I am just now getting information on board information. Could someone please tell me the difference between the AANP and the ANCC? If you fail one, do you have to take the other or can you prepare and take the one you failed a second time? How many chances do you get to take the exam? I saw one post where someone failed twice, how many chances do we get? Is there a site I can go to get more information on the exams? I am going out today to get the Fitzgerald, Barkley and Leik reviews and also will get some online Hollier and CD's to listen to. I will also probably do a couple of live reviews, I don't want to fail. I appreciate all of your input and wish you all the best it is frustrating to get this far and fail but the good thing is you have another opportunity. I just want to know the difference between the exams, can someone help?

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2015

Could someone please tell me the difference between the AANP and the ANCC? If you fail one, do you have to take the other or can you prepare and take the one you failed a second time? How many chances do you get to take the exam? I saw one post where someone failed twice, how many chances do we get? Is there a site I can go to get more information on the exams? I am going out today to get the Fitzgerald, Barkley and Leik reviews and also will get some online Hollier and CD's to listen to. I will also probably do a couple of live reviews, I don't want to fail. I appreciate all of your input and wish you all the best it is frustrating to get this far and fail but the good thing is you have another opportunity. I just want to know the difference between the exams, can someone help?

There are two national credentialing bodies for the FNP speciality, the AANP and the ANCC. There is very little difference between the two regarding licensing or employment.

The AANP grants the NP-C credential. The ANCC grants the FNP-BC credential.

The AANP exam if more focused and entirely clinical. The ANCC exam is more broad and covers non-clinical information.

The AANP pass rate is traditionally a slight bit higher than ANCC.

AANP and ANCC have different stipulations on retakes. You can visit their websites for more information as I am not familiar with the exact details of each.

Sent from my iPhone.

1TraumaNurse · Jan 24, 2015

Thanks Boston, I appreciate the input. I will check their sites to get more info, although I don't plan on retaking the exam

ryguyRN · Jan 27, 2015

I am proud to say that I passed the AANP FNP exam today. I was feeling stressed, I developed bronchitis several days prior to the exam but I made it through.