Failed AANP, Passed ANCC

Published Jun 8, 2018

1 Post

Just wanted to share my bit of guidance for those struggling with the AANP and the ANCC. I graduated in February, took the AANP in April (failed), took the ANCC June, passed. It was a long, emotional, frustrating, hard few months. I think the hardest thing with studying was knowing how well you really know the information.

1. So, FLASHCARDS. Studying alone, I believe this is the best way to test your true knowledge on information. Also, it lets other people help quiz you too (husband, friends, etc.). I was reluctant to start making them (worried about the vast amount I may have to make) - but I believe this was the BEST way to prepare me and let me know if I truly understood and remembered the information.

2. Leik. Read it front to back, highlight. Look at the pearls.

3. I took APEA live in February. Apparently it did not help me pass. However, they did send me an online review after I failed the AANP. I never went through the whole review a 2nd time but they also sent 2 practice exams with it. I did one of them.

4. Barkley CDs and book. This was my favorite. I bought it on Ebay. After failing the AANP, I listened to the CDs and went along with the book. Information I wasn't sure about, I paused and made flashcards.

5. Exam Edge ANCC practice exams. This was the only site I saw that had ANCC questions like photos and choose multiple. I found it helpful.

6. FNP Mastery app. This was great for the ANCC questions that were non-clinical.

Looking back, I believe I just did not know how to really study the first time around. My online program did not have tests and I took the NCLEX in 2006. So, it's been a long time since I have had to take a test like this. Plus, the amount of information is overwhelming. I thought the ANCC had close to 50% non-clinical and a lot of them were more common sense. I feel I was much more prepared the 2nd go round. That being said, when I clicked Finish, my heart was pounding out of my chest and I was still unsure if I passed. I almost started crying when I saw "PASS" across my screen.

So good luck! I feel for everyone going through this process. I think I lost about 10 years of my life the last few months with the stress and emotions.