AANP FNP Pass Initial Exam

ChasinAdream, MSN · May 10

My time to share and close an end to this long journey to become a FNP is finally here! A few weeks ago I searched this forum with hopes to find some recent words of wisdom, but I came up empty handed. I did find posts talking about failing their first attempt and I started to get into my head. However, I just focused on the process of studying and did not let that deter me.

I come bearing words of encouragement and will share my study strategies to help others on this journey. First, YOU have come so far, and if you do not pass the first time, do not let this bring you down. If you're taking the AANP exam, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing their most recent practice exam for $50 on their website. This layout is the EXACT same on exam day, so don't go changing the colors around. Become familiar with it and navigate it thoroughly, so come exam day it is one less stressor you have to deal with. I recommend sticking to only a few brain dump items and jot these down during your 15 min "tutorial" of the exam. You won't have to go through the tutorial, since you already did that with the practice exam.

If you happen to read this and you are just starting school, purchase the Comprehensive FNP review book by Leik. I believe the 5th edition is the most current and get a NEW book with the study flash cards. There is a study link in the front cover, do NOT activate this until you are 6 months from when you want to take the exam. I personally used Leik during my entire program for supplemental information.

For daily study questions, download FNP Mastery. Just do the free 11 daily questions until you are one month from taking the exam, then purchase the monthly subscription for ~$40.

Lastly, purchase the Crash Course Review by Sarah Michelle NP Review and get her PDF book with it as well. I listened to her lectures over and over again. Another great resource is Brittani Holsbeke on Patreon. I found her lectures easy to follow and touched on things I wasn't educated well in school.

When you are ready to study, schedule your exam with at least 3 weeks for prep. Focus on 2-3 sections per day, with each one taking 2 hours each. You can create a customized study plan on ChatGPT as well. Review each section with questions and review things you didn't understand the following day. I suggest finding the areas you are weakest in and do those first and review those everyday.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS! Do as many as you can tolerate each day, but aim to be able to complete at least 50-75 without taking a break. Do multiple 150 practice question sessions with short breaks every 50 questions. Complete at least TWO "test-day" simulations.

I used a brain dump with high priority (e.g. cranial nerves, murmur mnemonics, antibiotics, asthma), but I did NOT even use it. That being said, if you WERE to make one, only put things that you easily mix up.

The night before I just relaxed. I went out to dinner, did short review of my poster hoarding high priority items, and rewrote my brain dump several times. Make sure you get plenty of rest, caffeine, food, and water the morning of the exam. Also, make sure you check out the location several days prior and leave so you get there with 30 mins to spare.

I hope this helps someone who needs a little guidance through all of the study material out there or just provides some support during this challenging time!

YOU WILL PASS!