FNP Certification

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Specializes in Oncology and MICU.

Which certification organization did you go with and why? That is AANP or ANCP? I would like to do AANP because it is BY NPs, but I like the accessibility of the ANCP ( can test year round). Has anyone taken both?

Regards.

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AANP now offers year round testing in same testing centers as ANCC. I just submitted my application for AANP even though I don't graduate until May. I understand that AANP give lab values and ANCC does not.

I am also interested to hear others opinions of the two test??

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I did ANCC... I could talk to someone and they returned my phone calls

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I did ANCC. I was told this was the most widely recognized certification. Even saw a couple of jobs requesting ANCC certification.

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Specializes in family practice, addiction medicine.

AANP has very poor communication with test candidates. It took 6 weeks for them to even acknowledge they had received my information. From what I have heard, AANP is more situationally based, has lab values, and less questions on the legal/policy, etc.

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I have to say I applied with AANP and they were great. Got right on my application (submitted online) and even were very helpful with a special request for testing. I have not taken the test yet so I'll let you know how that goes. I am worried about the test but have my fingers crossed that I'll pass. I've been studying but can't wait to get the darn thing over with and move on.

I graduated in Dec. '09.

Good luck to us all!

dpmm:nurse:

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

I am taking the AANP exam because the ANCC will grant reciprocity. In other words, if you take and pass the AANP exam, you can submit those results to the ANCC and they will grant you certification - WITHOUT taking the test. It's a way to get certified by both bodies but only take one exam. You can go to ANCC website and search "reciprocity" to find more info. I emailed the AANP with questions about reciprocity and an expedited application option (they have neither) and got a reply within 3 days. Supposedly, they are working to improve their communication skills and turnaround time :)

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Specializes in Family.

I took the AANP yesterday (passed). I have been out of the classroom for two years, but have been studying like a mad person for 4 months. AANP has always been very responsive to me, I called them yesterday to ask questions regarding certification and when I would get my paperwork (as well as faxing the paperwork to have my state board notified). I have nothing but good things to speak about. The test does have lab normals. I chose AANP because it is specific to NP's (which I believe we need a strong, specific, organization) and because I will just file for the AANC certification under reciprocity if someone requires that certification. They now have completely open testing dates and online applications. I also subscribe to the AANP smart briefs newsletter and it has been wonderful.

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

Congratulations lakebabynurse! You must be so relieved. Thank you for posting. It is very reassuring to hear about a positive experience with the AANP. I agree with you 100% and chose the AANP exam to show my support. They are specific to NPs and dedicated to advancing our profession. Although all 50 states now recognize AANP certification, there are employers that specifically want the ANCC certification, like the VA hospitals. Once I pass the AANP, I will most definitely file for reciprocity with the ANCC, just to cover all bases. Also, the AANP smartbrief is an excellent publication. I look forward to the daily email.

Good Luck to Everyone and Keep Posting! :[anb]:

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Specializes in Family.

Glad to hear it! We need to push for excellence and make people proud to be part of AANP! They did put out a statement a few months back about their intention to be responsive and professional. Let's keep them to high standards.

Good luck to you on your boards.

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Congrats to you!

Please let me know what you think helped you the most to pass the test.

been studying for awhile now..

thanks!

dpmm

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Specializes in Family.

To be honest with you, I did a lot. I have always been at the top of my class and I was panicking because I had been out of classes for so long (classes ended in May 2008- clinical just ended in December 2009). I taught BSN students for the entire Spring semester and worked full time at my job as an RN (which by the way has almost always been in OB- LDRP/Nursery- so little Adult or Peds nursing experience).

  • I listened to Amalie Hollier's CD's nearly every day in my car. She's funny, she makes the learning easy with her stories and way of explaining things. Great foundation.
  • I took 3 of her quizzes online (under $40 for all three), I also bought her APEA certification exam prep book
  • I went to Fitzgeralds seminar in 2008 (but did not revisit any of her book after)
  • I spent time answering questions from the adult and family nurse practitioner certification exam book (came with a computer disk Winland-Brown & Dunphy)
  • The family nurse practitioner certification review book and computer disk (Zerwekh & Claborn)
  • went over Leik's book like mad the week before the test.
  • I also went through the entire Hollier series on CD the week before (sitting at a desk, actually going through the seminar instead of just passively listening).
  • I have also been doing Fitzgeralds pharmacology classes online to get my CTP (my college class was over 3 yrs. ago- so I have to take it again)
  • When I studied, I took notes for things I was not sure of or that I did not remember, looked up pictures on the computer for items I missed on the practice tests and prayed a lot. I also took off two weeks prior to the test, got up early every day for one full week (my test was at 9am and I am a night shift worker- so I retrained myself for this week). I know like this seems pretty overwhelming, but the test is challenging. My classmates took the ANCC and they passed back in 2008 with just the Fitzgerald classes, but they were done with clinicals right away and had just finished the Fitzgerald class (they all had experience in med-surg etc...)

Good luck to you, the test is challenging, know your pharmacology/antibiotics, I would recommend a good review course that is current Go see one or order the cd and books online- however, be aware that you miss interaction with others and seeing the slides when you do it at home- just sit near a computer and look them up as you go along ( ie:koplik spots, strawberry tounge, drawer tests.....) youtube has some great videos of ortho tests, maneuvers, etc....

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