FNP Certification Reviews, Tips, and Recommendations

[ashleyne2408]

Hello everyone!

I am currently on the downward slope to graduating with my FNP and have numerous questions and curiosities as to others' experiences and recommendations with studying and preparing for the FNP board certification exam. I graduate in August of 2016, so I know I have time, but I want to plan ahead and start a time-frame for when certain things need to start happening.

1. First off, a very common question I'm sure... AANP or ANCC? I do not plan on taking both so would like to get a general opinion and comparison from those who have recently taken either certification exam.

2. Live review courses vs CDs vs online review courses? And when should I attend them in correlation with my graduation and certification date? Should I attend two different ones? And which specific ones do you all recommend?

3. What is a good time frame between graduation and taking boards?

4. I've already bought the Leik Review book, which I've heard fantastic things about, but what other study materials have you all utilized that really gave you straight-forward review?

5. What practice exams have you all bought and were they worth it?

6. Has anyone heard of a HESI exam that prepares FNPs to take their boards or gives them an idea of how they will do on boards?

So sorry for all the questions, I know it's a lot! I'm just trying to get as much information as possible in order to successfully plan my next ten months until graduation.

Thank you all so much! I look forward to your discussions!

Ashley