How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

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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?

I'm so sorry, onefrustratednurse. I really think that this year is going to be a "tough" transition year for studying for the exams. I am thinking likely many of the schools were not prepared for the exam changes the students would face. Although the review courses continuously update, because of the timing, the review materials in 2011 will likely incorporate a lot more theory, policy, research, etc. I think both certification tests changed their concentration areas due to a role delineation study (I know for sure ANCC did). I thought the Fitzgerald materials you used were great picks, but would have "loved" to see "even more" in them on theory/policy. I printed extra materials that I had access to from Fitzgerald after purchasing the review seminar CD's (I used the 2010 cd's).

Did they tell you what areas you scored low in?

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Okay so the Fitz book your talking about has several questions then a briefing of relevant material, correct? Just making sure this is the correct book...sitting in about two weeks, gonna vomit!!! UGHH...

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NewGrad...

IF you had to study now :) and only had approx. two weeks left, what would you concentrate on? What areas? How long each night? I have been not scoring great on my pre-tests which is just devastating everytime I take one, I think this is creating more anxiety than I can take :(

Mistie

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onefrustratednurse -

i am SO sorry. i think the best plan of attack is to figure out what areas you felt unprepared. was it the way the questions were asked? was it material you had never seen before? was it all on "one" subject?

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

onefrustratednurse-

I am so sorry! I agree with newgrad13 and Kangoshi - this is a tough transition year for the exams. I think completely overhauling the exam all at once was very unfair. It should have been done over a 2 or 3 year period to allow the NP programs, review courses and even textbooks to incorporate the changes.

Like Kangoshi said, you should try to figure out what material and questions were unfamiliar to you and refocus your efforts. It sounds like you thoroughly studied the Fitz material, I wouldn't waste anymore time on it. I would also encourage you to email Margaret Fitzgerald and let her know about your experience. Maybe she could offer you some advice on what to resources to use.

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MistieRN,

I think you'll do fine, it sounds like you've done a lot of preparation. I didn't go back through my answers on the test -- I check carefully read each question, gave it my "best" answer and moved on and turned it in. I'd also be sure to have a balanced breakfast (or lunch depending on when you are sitting for the exam) prior to taking the exam.

This is the book I read again last for the third time: Amazon.com: Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and (the first two times it was the earlier editions). I didn't review the cd's again in the last weeks before the test - I was out of time. I studied about 3 hours a night toward the end as I ended up working and 10 hours each day on the weekend prior to the exam. Unfortunately, I was too nervous to sleep well the night prior to my exam, but I made it through the exam.

If I had two weeks left to study, I'd also study the handouts they gave you at the seminar or links to printed materials on the Fitzgerald website (in any areas you feel you may be weak) which they give members access to who have purchased the cd's or attended seminars (I think). Also, class notes from your university or handouts which cover areas you feel you may be weak in. I haven't seen statistics from the second quarter (second quarter would end today), but I "believe" prior to the exam "change" (March) pass rates were "very favorable" (and because questions that go into the exam are "validated" - the pass rates would still be "in check" I would think). Go in with confidence, if you have a good friend or support person who is free that day take advantage of it and let them "spoil" you (drive you there? have breakfast, have lunch, have dinner following?) Let us know how you do, we'll be thinking of you.

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Very nice NewGrad! I can def use some cheerleaders in my corner! I will keep you abreast and thanks so much for the tips!

Mistie:yeah:

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6 weeks- that's good. So, how long did it take AANP to give you the official score and have you reapply? Can you pls tell me the process? There is an application online for retakes but I don't know if I have to wait for the official score before I can reapply, do my contact hours, etc. Can I use contact hours before I took the initial exam?

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My previous message was for Dixiecup.

Also, is the retake exam the exact same exam?:nurse:

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I re-applied immediately! You don't have to wait for the paper.

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I was just wondering how you folks know about the "overhaul" to the AANP exam? ...

Was there any information released by the organization about this and what sort of changes they implemented???

thank you!

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You may or may not get the same exam. It's the luck of the draw. I than God I got a different test or I am certain I would have failed it again!

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