How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

Nursing Students NP Students

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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?

Congrats, NewGrad13! I am sitting on 7/14...I am feeling just overwhelmed and sick! I have tried to study but am feeling like by time I remember all the new guidelines I am forgetting all of the stuff I have learned the previous week! Arggg....so frustrating! I am getting in the 70%'s as well so that factors into the discouragement!

Mistie

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My apologies, Kellynp - I just reread this thread - you are taking the AANP on the 7th. My best wishes - let us know how it goes. We're rooting for you and the others that are taking the test.

MistieRN - Thank you for the congratulations : ) My scores on the practice tests I was taking (Fitzgerald & I also did the $99 purchase from the ANCC website for more practice questions) were "okay" but not real "confidence building". A couple of weeks before the test I also bought additional review materials - I think I was in "panic" mode. I did reread an entire review book the week before I took the test, but I stopped doing practice questions. I am so glad it is over. Best wishes on your exam in about a month - let us know how you do - we'll be rooting for you too!

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

BTW...for those of you who are having trouble with the lovely "new" ANCC exam, I chose to sit for both the ANCC and AANP. Glad I did (Vegas approach). Even though I passed both, these tests are TOTALLY different. IMHO (only) the AANP exam was FAR MORE realistic for "day to day" practice and I actually ENJOYED taking it. The AANP exam mirrored my Adult health final, almost to the tee and just made sense. I felt like it must have measured what I learned, CLINICALLY, in grad school. Now, let me say, I went in fully prepared, so its not easy, but very well-rounded about care of the adult in primary care.

So, for those of you who are having a bit of a speed bump in your careers, remember...you have options. I chose to exercise them. I had a few NPs ask why, one who said, "That's stupid!" Hmmmm....$30K vs $300, stupid? I now may have her job! :eek:

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If you don't mind me asking, being that you have taken the ANCC, "new test" and passed, if you were me, how would you re-study all of the theory info. and the "how would you respond" questions. Those questions to me, had 2 good answers and I must have picked the wrong answer. I have more re-view books then you can imagine but Iam not sure where to start. Is it wise to spend time on review questions for AANP? I'm desperate, any advice would be greatly appreciated. kelly:uhoh3:

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

I am just curious why so many people are choosing to sit for both the ANCC and AANP exams, rather than just sitting for the AANP exam and then applying for reciprocity from the ANCC. Am I missing something? I am only taking the AANP exam and applying for ANCC reciprocity. Am I making a mistake? Should I register for the ANCC exam and take both?? Now I am really nervous :)

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Kellynp & others in the same boat - I am really sorry that you didn't pass. PLEASE look at the retest policy on the ANCC website: ANCC Retesting Policy of Certification Candidates - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC

-- according to their website and the Test Handbook, there is a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date you last tested to retake the exam. I don't think results from an exam on the 7th would be valid if you are taking the ANCC again. Sorry, I don't mean to be a wet blanket -- there are certain criteria they ask for (see the link above). Maybe I am misunderstanding and you are taking a different exam.

I took the exam (ANCC FNP exam) on 6-14 and did pass, but I thought it was difficult. According to ANCC's website, 50% is clinical/assessment, etc. and the other 50% research, policy, theory, etc. The 25 non-scored questions can be anything. It is pretty much a "blur" to me. I did study Fitzgerald pretty hard - but I also had the entire last semester to focus on clinicals & preparing for the exam. Most students I know just couldn't afford to do that (not saying I "could" .... but I was fortunate enough to have a kind employer and supportive family to allow me to do that).

Best wishes on the exam.

I guess another good reason to take the AANP is there is not waiting period to retest. I failed the first time and took it for the second time exactly six weeks later so my study material from both study sessions was still fresh in my mind. I honestly don't think I could have mentally survived it if I had to wait any longer to test again.

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I am just curious why so many people are choosing to sit for both the ANCC and AANP exams, rather than just sitting for the AANP exam and then applying for reciprocity from the ANCC. Am I missing something? I am only taking the AANP exam and applying for ANCC reciprocity. Am I making a mistake? Should I register for the ANCC exam and take both?? Now I am really nervous :)

I don't get this either. I took the AANP and I am applying for the reciprocity (thanks, I didn't know what it was called!). My employer is paying for it.

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kellynp,

Hopefully sandnnp can give you some study tips. When you pass the ancc, they don't "analyze" your score at all, so you have absolutely no idea what you scored high, medium or low in. I didn't have a good study strategy for this, so hopefully someone else who has passed the new test can give you some general study tips. It's just around the corner for you now - my best to you.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Hey all, I took the exams in early 2008, sorry to mislead anyone.

I found the Leik book to be helpful with theory. Also, I went to a grad school heavy in theory and research. We wrote a lot and had a ton of quizzes regarding theory and research issues and one of my last classes was on healthcare trends/issues, insurance, billing, etc.

I'm not so sure there is any one way to study for this area. I used Fitz, Leik and Mollonig's books. I was impressed with Leik's approach with issues/theory/research. Now, I'll be honest, I came out of the ANCC exam scratching my head, not believing I had passed. About half-way thru the thing, I started sweating, I mean SWEATING...

Until, I got my score and had to sit down, knowing I had passed. This is why, I can't, for the life of me, tell you how to honestly study for this exam.

Tips:

1. Take your time and REALLY READ what they are asking you to do

2. Go back through your research/theory/issues/trends/systems books and read the chapter summaries

3. Really do well on the other parts!

Remember, this is supposed to be a general exam. It is not designed for failure. If you failed the ANCC, I'd sign up for the AANP. I found the the AANP to be FAR MORE practical.

Questions regarding taking both: like I said, "Vegas approach" I wanted a sure bet. If I flubbed one, I might pass the other. Lucked out and passed both. Gave me a boost of confidence, and another line on my resume.

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I logged into flashmybrain, but can not find any ACNP/ANCC review cards. What should I be looking under?

Thanks

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There are mistakes in fitz also....i found several discrepancies compared the the review and the online pract test. I intend to email them

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I just took aanp and failed!!!! Took fitz review, had extra book-3rd ed of np cert exam and pract prep by fitz. Took 2 review pract tests on line

studied for weeks!! Felt good before going into test!!!

No questions like practice/review!!!!!!!!

I'm mad!!!!!!!

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