Failed AANC Exam

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So, I took the AANC exam today and failed. I felt completely confident going into the exam. I did fitzgerald review and CD's multiple time, took barkley live review, and did the leik book from the cover. The exam is a huge hodgepodge of any and everything. I realize that they changed the format; however, there were probably about 30 questions that weren't covered in any of them. There were like 15 questions that I had never even heard of- in school, in practice, in ALL the reviews. I felt confident for taking a clinical exam but this definitely wasn't it. I was wanting some feedback. Anyone else fail recently? Anyone fail the first time and then pass the second time? I'm considering just taking the AANP exam because I heard its all clinical so I have a better chance of passing. Any tips on either exams? I'm conflicted on whether to take the ANCC again or just go for the test that's more clinical based. I don't know if I can emotionally go through failing again.

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First of all, sorry to hear you didnt pass. im a FNP student and am really not looking forward to taking these exams. My question for you is what is the difference between the ANCC and AANP? TIA

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum for more answers

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I haven't taken the AANP yet; however, I hear it's all clinical. The AANC had a lot of what I call "fluff," although im sure it served some purpose. I went to two live reviews and had 3 additional resources. I studied for like 5 months. The last month every day for at least 3-4 hours. I felt really prepared to take a clinical exam. I probably could have recited those books front to cover and felt I had a good grasp on the disease process and why things happen the way they do. I probably had at least 15 questions that I had never even seen before....not in school, not in live review, not in any of the study books. People pass it every day, but I apparently didn't study what they did. I'll update when I take the AANP and I'll lay out the major differences. There's a lot of law-based stuff along with NP role. Also a lot of derm pics so know what any and every skin disease looks like and how to treat. I messed up and didn't look at pics- just read descriptions and treatments. Also a lot of pick three questions in regards to "what would the NP order." There were sections that covered those topics but none of them had what was actually on the test (minus the derm). Just don't take it lightly. It's no joke!

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I dont plan on taking it lightly. I know its going to be tough. My anxiety goes through the roof when Im taking tests as it is, let alone a board exam. Have you decided to take the AANP exam this time? I did my own research of the two exams and it looks like the AANP is much more clinical based. Everything you reviewed about the diseases and their process and treatment will more likely be on the AANP rather than the AANC. When it comes down to it, I think im going to sit for the AANP. I really dont care for the ethical and political mambo jambo that comes along with the NP role.

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Amen!!!! And yes, I'm going to sit for the AANP sometime in May. I'm giving myself a little breather and then I'm hitting the books again! And I agree...that mumbo jumbo stuff is for the birds! And apparently birds fail boards. lol

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HA! Good Luck! I truly wish you the best. Keep us posted on how you did.

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