How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

[beckyfnp]

I've heard Margaret Fitzgeralds stuff is the best but seems like ANCC's stuff would focus more on the test content. I just graduated with my MSN FNP and want to get certified on the first try. Any suggestions?

[loved]

I just passed my ANCC FNP exam about 3 hours ago. It was a long exam. I went in around 9am and out by a few minutes after 11am. I took one break after I had finished all the questions before I reviewed my marked questions. I only marked about 10 questions and I ended up not changing any of my answers. There were a lot of questions on different theories, which my school did not prepare me on them at all, and I personally felt those were just useless info for a FNP to practice in real life. I just use my common sense to answer them. I don't see any review books that I had prepared me to answer them neither. I actually have almost all published review books on FNP certification exam.

At the end of the exam I was sitting there forever to wait for "that line" to tell me whether I passed or not. It did not show up on the screen. It was printed out by the computer the staff had outside of the room. So, I guess it depends on the exam location whether you would see your result on the screen or on the paper that printed out by the exam center.

It took me about 4 months to prepare for the exam. I graduated last December. It took me about 2 months to get the authorization letter to schedule the exam. And then I gave birth to my second child and also taking care of my 2 year old, and working part time as well. So, if you are single without family and not working, it should not take that long to prepare for it. However, during these 4 months, I did study almost every day for the first two months, nothing for the 3rd month when I was taking care of a new born, then a lot of studying the last two weeks. I studied about 5-6 hours a day for the last two weeks and I focused a lot on Fitzgerald's review book and CDs.

For those planning to take the exam in the future, my suggestion is that don't buy too many books. Fitzgerald's review book and her CDs are the best. She has the most correct answers and good rationals. There are too many wrong answers and not updated information in other books. Although Amelie's CDs are quite entertaining, I won't use them as the only source.

Even though I did tons of questions and looked through a lot of review books, I still found many questions on the exam were things I had never seen covered by any books.

So, don't over prepare youself. Go through Fitzgerald's stuff carefully and take the exam!

:)

[buster4]

thanks for the advice!!!!!!

[j.aic2010]

You are so right about the uselessness of all that theory. I wrote the exam a month ago and when I walked out, I thought to myself....all that prep to ensure that I clinically knew my stuff was for naught! I passed the exam, but it was by the grace of God! I spent a month preparing, attended the Fitzgerald course in NYC and studying from her exam review book, and managed to squeak through. The exam certainly wasn't a true reflection of what an FNP should know to ensure competency!

[sld39]

Hey jaic2010 and loved I am studying to take ANCC in 3 weeks and have been hearing a lot of horror stories about the nonclinical portion. I did Amilee course but she admitted in the end that it won't be wise to use her course exclusively for preparing for ANCC. Her couse caters more to AANP. I read your posts are their any other tips to being successful on ANCC. :confused:

[j.aic2010]

You have to look at HIPAA legislation, professional ethics, DEA legislation, nursing theorists, erikson's theory on developmental stages, prescribing for the older adult and physiological differences that will dictate what meds are safe (ie GFR). You must keep in mind that the exam is approx 20-25% clinically based and the rest is professional practice issues ie) types of malpractice insurance, prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary). The exam is tough and not you would expect. It was tough to prepare for. I spent a month studying from Fitzgerald's prep course material along with her 3rd edition of review questions. I used Leik as well. I spent time going through drug classes and reviewed advanced path. I have no idea what I was weak on in the actual exam, as they only give you that info if you fail. Good Luck!

[sld39]

Thanks and congratulations on your accomplishment.

[Aaron - CCT RN]

Hi Everyone! I took and PASSED the ANCC FNP exam today! I am taking the AANP FNP exam in the morning so I will let you know how it goes. I did a Barkley and Fitzgerald at home review (CDs), read the Leik book twice, did the Fitzgerald review book and questions, did the Zerweck review book and questions, and attended a Necessary NP review by Marye Dorsey Kellerman! Good luck to everyone!

Aaron, MSN, FNP-BC, RN, CEN, CPEN, WCCM

[sld39]

Congratulations I'll take mine in 4 wKs and heard only

[sld39]

Sorry heard only neative things and people have been trying to influence me to take AANP.

[buster4]

Congratulations on everyone who passed the ANCC, I just passed the AANP, I used both Fitzgerald and APEA review disks, Leike book, APEA question bank online.

[Aaron - CCT RN]

Passed AANP today .... thought it was harder than the ANCC exam that I passed yesterday! Good luck to everyone!

[jhunursie]

Aaron-CCT RN:

Congrats on your success with passing the AANP and the ANCC certifications. Now it's official you are an NP. Why did you take both test? Why did you think the AANP was so much harder? What is the major difference?

I am studying to take the FNP exam and already applied to the AANP site. I have sent everything into the ANCC but have not paid the fee to take the exam. Is it your suggestion that I should take both. I am terrified of not passing especially after I have read all the horror stories about other people not passing the AANP exam.

What are your suggestions and what items did you use to study that you believe were the most helpful?