Failed the ANCC NI Certification... Now What?

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 12, 2011

My certification is in Nursing Professional Development, not NI ... While I don't know NI content, I know how to help people learn and pass tests.

Is there a workshop you can go to? -- some sort of prep course? Reading, whether it is a book, online, etc. and muliti-media programs can be effective teaching tools, but they lack a personal touch and are often limited in their ability to adapt to the learner's needs. It might help you to interact with an actual person -- ask questions, let them assess your needs, etc. to help you fill in the gaps you need to fill. I'd invest in a prep course with a live person (and fellow students to interact with).

Also ... you might want to review test-taking strategies. There are books on that subject -- one handy short one I can recommend is "Test Taking Techniques" from the AMerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). That book is specifically targeted towards people taking nursing certification exams. It probably won't change your score dramatically, but it might give you a few extra points -- and you don't need many.

Good luck!

ChristopherMSN · Apr 12, 2011

I am a very good test taker. I think that is one of the reasons why I decided to take the test after minimum study. I did take 3 classes last year dealing with informatics.

I did study, but I have a tendency to overdo things.. and this time I didn't.

I can't attend any local workshops because I am stationed overseas in the military.

I am thinking about attending the study group the ANCC offers, but I think the outline is the same as the course I already purchased.

http://www.cvent.com/events/informatics-nurse-study-group/event-summary-32c1b1a8f8404f2bab01acb6de1c6bd3.aspx

Thanks for the guidance...

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 12, 2011

Since your score really was "so close" and you are confident in your own test taking skills I'd suggest just reviewing the study guides you used originally with the knowledge of what you should focus more on. You wrote that your review materials: "didn't expand on some areas that I needed for the test." and that: "a huge chunk of my questions were not covered in that review course."

You might also try posting your question to the larger group of the ANIA-CARING listserve. Remember to add that you are stationed overseas and can not attend an in-person review course.

Good Luck!

Greetings,
I took the ANCC Certification today. OHHHHHHHH So close!
I failed (337.. needed minimum of a 350). I don't want to discuss the specifics of the test, because I am not supposed to!
I recently returned 2 weeks ago from Iraq, so honestly I could have studied more for this exam. I thought it was rather hard.
My 2 study supplies were the
1. ANCC Informatics Nurse Online Narrated Review Course
This course contains the same content as our popular Review Seminars, with the voice over of an instructor talking the student through the material. CNE contact hours included.
2. Informatics Nurse Exam Secrets - Mometrix Media
I chiefly used #1. I felt like it was a decent review, but didn't expand on some areas that I needed for the test. I listened to all 10 modules, but honestly a huge chunk of my questions were not covered in that review course.
What else would you recommend that I purchase to study?
Since I am so close, I plan on retaking the test within 90 days. I am just going to hit the books hard and improve the score.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

ChristopherMSN · Apr 12, 2011

Angela,

Thanks! What did you use to study for the exam. Any recommended books?

I might "be close", but I didn't feel very confident during the test. I would like to go in there next time and actually feel like I put forth the proper effort.

ChristopherMSN · Apr 12, 2011

Angela,

Also i looked at the ANIA website

http://www.ania-caring.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=101757&orgId=car

Where is their forums?

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 12, 2011

I originally sat for the NI certification 11 years ago....prior to the last revision of the exam.

Truthfully I can't remember what I used to prepare....I think it was a combination of the then recommended reading list/study guides, attending a WINI and self-study. I feel also helped that I was actually practicing in the specialty.

I would be more than happy to assist you in reviewing for the exam via phone if you think that would help.

We can use the outline provided by ANA-ANCC...........also didn't they provide you with a breakdown of the exam containing each section and which sections you scored the highest and the lowest in? That's not discussing "the specifics of the test" and should help you focus your study efforts. Message me if you want to take me up on my offer to assist you otherwise Good Luck and keep us here at the NI forum updated on your progress.

I have faith that you will be successful as you move towards your certification goals!

Angela,
Thanks! What did you use to study for the exam. Any recommended books?
I might "be close", but I didn't feel very confident during the test. I would like to go in there next time and actually feel like I put forth the proper effort.

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Apr 12, 2011

You have to join ANIA-CARING, first. One of the membership benefits is being able to post/ have access to their listserve.

Angela,
Also i looked at the ANIA website
http://www.ania-caring.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=101757&orgId=car
Where is their forums?

Dreamer-RN · Apr 13, 2011

Chris, your post made me slightly nervous for the exam! I'm planning to sit for the exam in August. I am enrolled in ANCC's Informatics Study group. Hoping this study group, completing a Nurse Informatics course this summer for my MSN program, and work experience will be enough preparation to help me pass the exam.

Hope your second time will be a charm! I think it will. Best wishes with the preparation.

rn/writer, RN · Apr 13, 2011

Hey, Chris;

Just wanted to say thank you for your military service. I appreciate you more than words can say.

Best wishes on your next go-round with the certification test. :up:

ChristopherMSN · Apr 14, 2011

We can use the outline provided by ANA-ANCC...........also didn't they provide you with a breakdown of the exam containing each section and which sections you scored the highest and the lowest in? That's not discussing "the specifics of the test" and should help you focus your study efforts. Message me if you want to take me up on my offer to assist you otherwise Good Luck and keep us here at the NI forum updated on your progress.
I have faith that you will be successful as you move towards your certification goals!

Angela,

Thanks for the offer! I might take you up on it. I want to go ahead and log some more study time before I choose to go that route.

here is the breakdown of the test

1. System Life Cycle Performance Level LOW

2. Human Factors Performance Level Medium

3. Information Technology Performance Level Medium

4. Information Management and Knowledge Generation Performance Level High

5. Professional Practice, Trends and Issues Performance Level Medium

6. Models and Theories Performance Level High

7. Management and Leadership: Performance Level Low

Since the System life cycle is 38 percent of the test, I bet if I concentrate on that I would pass the test the next time.

I re-registered yesterday and plan on taking the test exactly 60 days from April 12th (my failure date)

When i saw the printout, I couldn't believe I scored low on Management and leadership. I revisited the 10th module of the Study guide and didn't find one question from the material they provided!

ChristopherMSN · Apr 14, 2011

Chris, your post made me slightly nervous for the exam! I'm planning to sit for the exam in August. I am enrolled in ANCC's Informatics Study group. Hoping this study group, completing a Nurse Informatics course this summer for my MSN program, and work experience will be enough preparation to help me pass the exam.
Hope your second time will be a charm! I think it will. Best wishes with the preparation.

I recently finished the MSN in Informatics. I think you will do fine. I honestly deserved to fail, because I didn't properly prepare.

I thought I could wing it because I did good on the pretest.

MISTAKE!