Published Aug 12, 2006
MegFNP
1 Post
I will be taking my FNP boards next month through AANP, but am also considering taking ANCC as well. I'm not sure what the difference is, but have heard that AANP is easier because they give you the normal lab values and there are no research questions. I would like any feedback on this. Is there anyone out there who has recently taken this exam and would offer information on where I should focus my studies. I would greatly appreciate any info as I have a job and can't continue to work if I fail.
rstoltefnp
2 Posts
I just took and passed mine through the ANCC, that is the one our school UTA, recommended. It was pretty cut and dry but I was extremely nervous because my job depended on it. I am not sure if the AANP is easier, I would be wary of anyone who prefers one over the other due to simplicity. Good luck, give yourself credit for what you have achieved so far, you obviously aren't a dummy!!!!!
lboogs76
ANCC is terrible. Questions were ridiculous. Take the AANP.
ANPFNPGNP
685 Posts
I agree 100%!
I'm curious as to why so many schools recommend the ANCC exam. Both schools I attended recommended it and I've taken both. I just remember walking away from the ANCC exams thinking...what??? The AANP was very straightforward and much more clinically focused.
I didn't think that either exam fully tested my knowledge to practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse. It's kinda scary they use those tests to ascertain if we're ready to practice as NP's. They need to ask a LOT more questions!
Joan Z
121 Posts
I took the ANCC boards. This was recommended to me by all of the NPs I know who all stated that although the AANP was a more clinically focused and clinically relevant exam, the AANP was much less organized than ANCC and this would be an issue for this first test as well as recertification in the future. My perception, based on my classmates and our experience, is that this is the case.
I thought the ANCC exam was odd but not impossible.
And, for the record, I am a member of AANP and I love the information I get from them. I am looking forward to going to the annual meeting next year. I am not planning on attending the ANA meeting but I do value what they do for the nursing profession.
christvs, DNP, RN, NP
1,019 Posts
I took the ANCC ACNP exam one month ago and thought it wasn't horrible, but that there were some questions that were from outer space. :) But overall, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Good luck to you next month.
core0
1,831 Posts
Remember that on most certification exams a certain percentage of the questions are not scored but are trial questions to see if the testees answer the question in the expected fashion. Sometimes this involves the word order or the layout of the question.
David Carpenter, PA-C
RNOB
53 Posts
I'm just starting the FNP program so I don't know anything about boards. What is the difference in the two tests??