AANP or ANCC?

DelilaNP · Feb 25, 2009

If you take the Fitzgerald review course the differences will be spelled out for you. Basically, the AANP is clinically based. ANCC asks theory and scope questions which (lets face it) a lot of new graduates don't want to spend their time trying to memorize. I took AND PASSED!!! the AANP three days ago. I can't recommend the fitzgerald review course highly enough.

nursetim, NP · Feb 25, 2009

I understand that AANP is fraught with problems and is not user friendly at all. I want to be able to take my test in the least amount of time after graduation and as I understand it AANP is not conducive to that goal.

If you just took it that might mean you graduated in Dec. we are almost to March. I thinking in days and you are talking weeks to months. Negative, I have to start working quickly. Besides, isn't AANP the test with three windows per year to take it? That would be another huge negative. If I am mistaken (wouldn't be the third time:uhoh3::smackingf) please correct me as I need to get to work ASAP. Thanks

DelilaNP · Feb 28, 2009

Yes, it is a process with either entity. Patience is a must. Researching the tests was an assignment my last semester. I have heard nothing good about either entity:down:.

Read the websites carefully and thoroughly. Wait for all pieces of your packet to be together (transcript!). It is tempting to send it later separately but this seems to be a recipe for disaster. The fastest I have heard of is three weeks from grad to test. For my class it was seven weeks till the first test. My lead prof typed up a list of all our courses, their content and clinical hours and had it NOTARIZED for each of us because she had seen so many problems with both tests in the past. She also advised us to type up all the details of each clinical experience and include it in the packet. She had a student in the last class who was rejected becuase there were no zipcodes by her preceptors! Be sure to find the "State Board Notification Form" on the website and include it with your application so that your state board will get automatic notification when you pass.

Most of my class is on facebook (great idea for a support and question answering network through the process) :typing . AANP lost one of my classmate's packets entirely. When we called or emailed we got all sorts of run around and bizarre responses. My favorite was they have charged your card but can't find your application!Once they finally send you an authorization to test you then have to wait 7-10 days to be contacted by the testing company. They provide you with a code that allows you to go on line or call and schedule your test. Then comes state licensure, NPI # and DEA applications.:cry:I will also be taking the Gero exam through ANCC so I will let you know how it goes...

zenman · Mar 1, 2009

I think I'll just have an attorney shepherd my application. :smokin:

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Mar 1, 2009

Good day, I just took both, I believe every state accepts both, most employers don't even ask, just want that STATE card. I mean really, who cares, as long as your state has certified you, should be good to go. Differences in the tests? Oh yes. ANCC - eithics, broad age related, no drugs, I found myself about every 10 questions thinking (what tha?). AANP - cut, dry, clinically based, exactly like the questions in school, no ethics, actually ENJOYED the test! You have a choice, I'd go AANP. Best of all, joining the org is only $99. Questions? feel free to mail me. Best of luck!

nursetim, NP · Mar 1, 2009

sandnnw, Thanks for the info. Now I may have changed my mind again. :uhoh3: :hdvwl::sstrs:

JDCitizen · Mar 2, 2009

AANP its my recertification time: They have had my information for two months have charged my credit card and I still can not get an answer about the status of my recertification.

12/08 Within the six month rectification window and have not received package so emailed them to ask and was told within two week (as of today never received).

1/09 Had downloaded from their site all the info I need and sent it in myself.

Two weeks later emailed and asked about status. Email response was if I had not been contacted in 5 days to call (gave me two numbers to call). The person who answered asked me why I had called her number.

2/09 Email sent to check on status = no response

3/09 Email sent again...

:twocents:

nursetim, NP · Mar 2, 2009

AANP its my recertification time: They have had my information for two months have charged my credit card and I still can not get an answer about the status of my recertification.
12/08 Within the six month rectification window and have not received package so emailed them to ask and was told within two week (as of today never received).
1/09 Had downloaded from their site all the info I need and sent it in myself.
Two weeks later emailed and asked about status. Email response was if I had not been contacted in 5 days to call (gave me two numbers to call). The person who answered asked me why I had called her number.
2/09 Email sent to check on status = no response
3/09 Email sent again...

WHAT THE.......??? :bluecry1: :banghead: :confused: :eek: :uhoh3: :bugeyes: :trout: I'm going:smackingf:selfbonk::lol_hitti:scrm::hdvwl: :sstrs: :yldhdbng::dzed: this is a catch 22 isn't it?

OKAY, which one can you take anytime after you get the go ahead from whoever? I do not have the dosh to pay for both tests.

JDCitizen · Mar 2, 2009

I have not even paid attention to testing windows.

So hope this helps I did a brief review of the sites:

AANP

Window January 21 – April 30, 2009 Deadline 12/30/08 *Late Deadline 1/20/09

Window May 1 – August 31, 2009 Deadline 3/30/09 *Late Deadline 4/27/09

Window September 1 – December 20, 2009 Deadline 7/29/09 *Late Deadline 8/27/09

Late Deadline w/$50 Fee

ANCC

This exam is a computer-based test. This means you can apply all year and test during a 90-day window at a time and location convenient to you. Applications for this certification will be accepted at any time.

Did I mention have fun :smiley_ab:yldhdbng:

nursetim, NP · Mar 2, 2009

Well it looks like ANCC again.:smackingf

DelilaNP · Mar 2, 2009

You will get there, NurseTim. Copy%20of%20wink.gif

DelilaNP · Mar 2, 2009

Good day, I just took both, I believe every state accepts both, most employers don't even ask, just want that STATE card. I mean really, who cares, as long as your state has certified you, should be good to go. Differences in the tests? Oh yes. ANCC - eithics, broad age related, no drugs, I found myself about every 10 questions thinking (what tha?). AANP - cut, dry, clinically based, exactly like the questions in school, no ethics, actually ENJOYED the test! You have a choice, I'd go AANP. Best of all, joining the org is only $99. Questions? feel free to mail me. Best of luck!

:banghead:

Each state is different. My state requires national certification for licensure. We can't even apply for a state license until we have achieved national certification and have a supervising MD to sign the application. So, naturally DEA and NPI#s are also delayed since you need a state license # to apply. Be sure to understand your state's requirements. Best of Luck to all who are going through this! Hang in there!