AANP exam 2015

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I recently took my AANP certification exam and passed on the first try. I know this exam is extremely stressful, so I wanted to share my study tips for those of you who are testing soon. I attended a live Fitzgerald review, and then did the required online activities after the course. The online activities include several quizzes and 1 practice exam. I wrote down all of the questions I missed on the practice exam, and then looked up each topic and reviewed it. I started studying about 2 weeks before my exam, and I didn't want to waste time on topics that I felt comfortable with. The only con about the Fitzgerald review is that rationales are not offered for the questions.

I really enjoyed the APEA Q-bank. It is quite expensive for a 1-month trial, but I would recommend it to anyone testing. Rationales were given after questions if you chose to do the questions in tutor mode. Rationales are given at the end of a test if you chose exam mode. I had access to 2500 questions for about $129 for a 1-month subscription. You have the option of answering subject specific questions if there are areas that you feel weak in.

I used YouTube to watch videos on things I couldn't visualize from the questions and reviews. I highly recommend learning MR. TAPS for murmurs, and memorizing the cranial nerves. There are videos to help with these in case you get nervous and can't remember which valve is where, or which cranial nerve corresponds to which function.

Lastly, my friend let me borrow her Barkley's review CDs. I would listen to these any time I was in the car. I did not listen to all 19 CDs, but I did review some of the subjects that I needed brushing up on.

Test taking tips: arrive early so you aren't stressed about rushing; wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers in case the room is cold/hot; eat a good meal prior to testing to give yourself energy; and don't drink too much coffee if you are not a daily coffee drinker. Don't try any new routines, foods, makeup products, lotions on the day of the exam in case your body doesn't agree with them. Try to get a good night's sleep, if possible (I couldn't sleep even with 5mg of Melatonin)! Take a deep breath and relax. Meditate or pray, and tell yourself that you can do it! If you are feeling anxious, take a break during the exam (if allowed), and remind yourself that you are capable of passing the exam. It sounds silly, but it helps boost your confidence!

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Specializes in home health, hospice, wound care.

Thanks for your post! I still have nightmares about having to retake my nursing boards so I've been so stressed thinking about this test! You've given me hope :)

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Hi:

I passed the AANP - FNP test this past Thursday. :cat: I used the APEA modules. I loved Amelie! She seems very down to earth and made complex subject matter easier to understand. Like a version of FNP for dummies..... (This is what I needed). Otherwise, sorting through the information learned over an entire program would be too overwhelming. In addition to the APEA program, I used the Fitzgerald book and bought a 10 pack of exams from Exam Edge http://www.aanp-fnp.com/ I scored between 65-75% on them and was able to pass AANP test. I felt the practice tests helped to build my confidence and taught me to read questions more carefully. Hope this information helps someone else.

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Good! That's what I was trying to do. I was sooo scared before the test, so I wanted to tell people that it can be done! Good luck!

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Great job!!! Now I'm just waiting to get licensed, which seems to be taking forever!

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Congratulations on passing your exam. I know it is a big relief! :yes:

I just took the AANP today and I did not pass. It was very difficult. I studied for two months from Leik and Hollier and questions from the exam came from I do not know where and some where similar to Leik. I will have to study my weak areas, but it scares me to repeat the test, which may focus on a different system. For example if I am weak in heme, the second time I take it may not have a lot of heme and I may fail it again on a different system. I am thinking about taking the AANC in addition to the AANP to better my chance of passing. What are your thoughts?

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Mi.S - I had the same thoughts of taking both exams. My reasoning for only taking 1 exam was that I figured if I had a knowledge deficit in one exam, I would more than likely have it in the other. I was afraid of stressing myself out with studying for 2 exams and paying for 2, as well. I wish you luck on your studying, and I'm sure you'll do well on the next exam. I would recommend purchasing a question bank and taking as many practice questions as you can prior to the test. Best of luck!

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MdhRN,

Thank you very much for your feedback. I hope all is well for you.

I bought the APEA 1 month Qbank and it seems to help. I am also planning on taking the Leik review webinar in September. So, I am thinking by end of Sept I may be ready to retake. I see what you mean in regards to two exams, I ended up paying for both exams but I am currently leaning towards the AANP since I kinda have an idea of how the questions are written and there are less questions to take. Keep me in your prayers as I want this test to be over with yesterday. Will keep you posted.

Thank you!

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Congratulations on passing your exam. I know it is a big relief! :yes:

I just took the AANP today and I did not pass. It was very difficult. I studied for two months from Leik and Hollier and questions from the exam came from I do not know where and some where similar to Leik. I will have to study my weak areas, but it scares me to repeat the test, which may focus on a different system. For example if I am weak in heme, the second time I take it may not have a lot of heme and I may fail it again on a different system. I am thinking about taking the AANC in addition to the AANP to better my chance of passing. What are your thoughts?

I am taking my exam in 2 days (!!) and am just finishing my studying.

Mi.s-have you taken a live course ? I found that they live course and CDs of the live course helped with pneumonics to remember concepts that are commonly tested on.

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Hello BiotoBSN,

I wish you luck and prayers!! I just got a chance to see your message. Hopefully you did great on your exam. It is very stressful I am sure. Keep us posted with how you did :-)

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Hello Candacle,

I too did not pass my AANP in July. I am trying to calm myself down regarding retake exam. I was wondering if you have retaken yours? If so, how did you do?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum. thanks for sharing.

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