Frustrations are high before AANP exam

AZ-RN · Jun 10, 2017

Well, if it makes you feel any better I literally just passed my AANP boards this morning in Vegas using a very similar study regimen; I used the Leik book (read most of it), did the Fitzgerald review and online sections, did two APEA predictor exams, and then also did the PSI practice exam. You will be fine. Just keep doing as many predictor exams as you can afford and review the questions you got wrong and study the subjects you performed poorly in. The Leik book is awesome, I really enjoyed reading that. Her hints and tips are very helpful.

I would also recommend doing the PSI test because I literally got 2-3 exact questions from that practice test on the exam (a friend of mine reported the same thing), and a lot of the questions were very similar. Basically, I found that about 25% of the questions on the PSI practice test were related to questions on the actual exam in some format, either the general topic, or a vaguely similar question.

The actual exam is no harder than the APEA predictor exams or PSI exam. Another benefit of the PSI exam is that the format and screen is almost exactly the same as what you will see, just helps calm and prepare you. Good luck!

RM, MSN · Jun 10, 2017

Thank you and congrats!!! I also did a couple of PSI ones. I don't think I can afford anymore tests lol. I've taking so many. I have scored really high in the AANP-FNP.com tests. People say his questions are extremely similar. it's just crazy to pay 31.00 for 150 questions. I bought 40 for pretty cheap. I was trying to view all of my questions and rationales but didn't see (from the the test that I took this evening). I can't honestly say from the questions tonight, there were some things I had to guess on. But, we shall see!!!!

delawaremalenurse · Jun 10, 2017

I did the Barkley review course. Attended the 3 day session. I only studied the material provided at the review course...not multiple sources. My studying consisted of the following: going through the provided material completely (while at the review course), going completely through the material again (second time through material), going through the material again and high lighting key points (third time through material), going through the material again while emphasizing and focusing my studies on the hi-lited content (fourth time through the material).

I spent a total of 8 weeks studying for the exam. I passed the exam on my first attempt and completed the exam in 1 hour and 15 minutes. At no time during the exam did I feel overwhelmed or unfamiliar with content....that's not to say, however, that there weren't 2 or 3 questions that I had absolutely no idea of what they were asking :wtf:

If you did well in your program, applied yourself during clinicals, and made an effort to do your best during exam study preparation you should do great!

espress099 · Jun 11, 2017

I agree with AZ-RN, MSN 100%... I did the EXACT same thing she did and just passed the AANP last week. I didnt do a lot of questions- just the practice tests and I kinda wish I had done more questions (though boardvitals.com isn't helpful- i bought them and wouldn't use them again), but I guess it didn't matter bc i still passed. Despite what many others on here have said I found the exam to be really hard and towards the end i was sure i was failing.

I did the Fitzgerald review and read through just the exam tips and clinical pearls in Leik. I initially didn't like the Leik book because I found a lot of errors in it HOWEVER I dont think I could have passed the exam without it. It's definitely a must read book- she somehow knows everything that's going to be on the exam (and some of it is SO random) whereas Fitzgerald is more thorough and better for actual practice.

Good luck! If you feel like you're ready and can't possibly study anymore then you ARE ready- just do it, you'll be fine :)

Trauma Columnist · Jun 11, 2017

Moved to student NP forum so your answers can help other students. Congrats everyone!

RM, MSN · Jun 11, 2017

Congratulations on passing! That is so exciting. I was going to take my exam on July 3, but decided to change it to 3 days from now. I feel that I am taking too many exams and I am feeling overwhelmed. I waited way too long to take the exam after graduation. But, I thought...I'm in no rush! Thank you for your comment!

espress099 · Jun 12, 2017

Thanks! I think you made a good choice. I was feeling overwhelmed too. I actually almost pushed my date back but I just couldn't study anymore

mermaidFNP · Jun 16, 2017

I just passed AANP in May. I used the Leik book, APEA Q Bank and review were provided by my school prior to graduation. Amelie Hollier rocks.