Help on PNCB CPNP-PC boards

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Specializes in Newborn ICU.

Hello!

I have recently taken my PNCB CPNP-PC boards 2 times and did not pass.

I have to now unfortunately wait 90 days before re-applying. I am trying to figure out where I have gone wrong.

The first time I took it, I used the Barkley review. I listened to the CDs in my car and did the review book, answered questions on board vitals. And did all the practice tests in the NANAP Core Review for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner book. After I failed, I was very disheartened and disappointed. I knew I need to change my study plan. My score was a 387 the fist time.

I just took it the second time last Wednesday and did not pass again. This time I read and took notes from cover to cover in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification review guide 7th edition. I did all the practice tests in the back of each chapter and scored anywhere between a 71% to 85%. I also did the 2 PNCB practice tests before each time I attempted the boards. I felt like I was much more knowledgeable going into it the second time and felt good while answering the questions. My score the second time was 385.

I am not sure where I am going wrong. I have heard this is a new test and harder then past versions. I am not sure if my test anxiety is getting the best of me or what is going wrong. I am not sure where to go from here and what to do or study.

If anyone has any advice or other resources I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you

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Specializes in Pediatric RN BSN and Charge nurse Stufent PNP-PC.

mcduran

I also just did my second PNP-PC attempt and I am very frustrated as well I did better in one area and worse in the rest. I also got a score of 389 .

I also have to now unfortunately wait 90 days before re-applying. I am trying to figure out how to overcomethis exam. 

The first time I took it, I used the Barkley reviewin person and I listened to the CDs in my car and did the review book, answered questions on that site.

The second time I focused on antibiotics and policy as well as did Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Secrets Study Guide: NP Test Review for the Nurse Practitioner Exam I bought on Amazon.

So what now?????

I'm wondering if we need to set up a weekly study session and get a few of us that are struggling together? I am following because I cannot emotionally take failing again. ?

1
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Specializes in Newborn ICU.

Hello TwinmomRN2,

Thank you so much for responding. It is extremely frustrating and disheartening when you study soooo much the first time and then fail. Then study your butt off for the second time, and fail again. The first time I also did the Barkley review the first time and then the PNP certification book the second time (cover to cover). I do not feel like the questions in the back of the chapters where anything like the ones on the boards. I honestly have no idea where to go for the third attempt!

I am taking some time off, because my brain was done. I will reapply come end of October. I also scored better in one area and worse in all the others.

I was hoping to get more of a response on here from people that have taken it recently. And I am right with you on emotionally not being able to handle failing a second time and having to wait till next year to take it again. I am honestly willing to set up zoom meetings or weekly study sessions however!

And if anyone else has ideas or can help please respond! SOS!

Morgan

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Hello,

I am interested,  trying to figure out how to pass as well. Wish there were more resources for us. Please message me with details.

 

Thanks 

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Hello! 

I just took the PNCB primary care exam for the 3rd time yesterday. The 1st and 2nd time I’ve scored a 380. I am waiting on my score to come in. I am just hoping somebody can give me any advice because I am just desperate. 
 

I am shocked, lost, and devastated. I have studied Barkley, Fitzgerald, Silbert-Flagg book, my Burns book, and made flash cards. If I am missing anything, I would love to know.  I am glad to see I am not the only one who has had trouble with this exam. It is so hard! I also feel like practice questions that I’ve done are nothing like the exams.  

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On 7/27/2020 at 1:16 PM, mcduran said:

Hello!

I have recently taken my PNCB CPNP-PC boards 2 times and did not pass.

I have to now unfortunately wait 90 days before re-applying. I am trying to figure out where I have gone wrong.

The first time I took it, I used the Barkley review. I listened to the CDs in my car and did the review book, answered questions on board vitals. And did all the practice tests in the NANAP Core Review for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner book. After I failed, I was very disheartened and disappointed. I knew I need to change my study plan. My score was a 387 the fist time.

I just took it the second time last Wednesday and did not pass again. This time I read and took notes from cover to cover in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification review guide 7th edition. I did all the practice tests in the back of each chapter and scored anywhere between a 71% to 85%. I also did the 2 PNCB practice tests before each time I attempted the boards. I felt like I was much more knowledgeable going into it the second time and felt good while answering the questions. My score the second time was 385.

I am not sure where I am going wrong. I have heard this is a new test and harder then past versions. I am not sure if my test anxiety is getting the best of me or what is going wrong. I am not sure where to go from here and what to do or study.

If anyone has any advice or other resources I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you

I am also not sure what I’m doing wrong. I am in the same boat as you. This test is so hard

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Sorry to hear that you didn't pass. Don't give up. Do you have test taking anxiety? 

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Specializes in Newborn ICU.

Hey Kaley & gradstudent! 

I am in the same position with how you studied. I studied all of the same things. I am not sure what to do, I feel like all of the practice questions are way easier than what is on the boards. I should be taking the test for the 3rd time at the end of October. I was going to do the NAPNAP review but it is closed, so I will probably buy the self paced one. I took some time off to clear my head. I am having to do the 15 contact hours for each subject I scored below on. I am having a hard time finding free CEs, so any help or suggestions would be helpful! 

I am going to go through the review book again, but not sure how much more I can do. I am going to get together with a friend to go through questions. If I can find anything with answering questions, I will let you know. 

If you find any good study resources or anything let me know! 

I am willing to do anything and study anything to help! 

Thank you for your reply

Morgan

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PNCB have some free CE's. What area did you score low in?

Thanks and advice would help at this point

 

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Specializes in Newborn ICU.

gradstudent2017,

I scored low in all of them except assessment and diagnosis. 

I tried to find free ones on PNCB, but all I could find were links to other sites. Im not sure if im missing them somewhere. 

Thank you

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They have free one's on there too. They are mixed in. If you are unsure if that particular CE will be accepted you can email them and they will let you know. Someone also told me to try Medscape. 

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Specializes in Newborn ICU.
2 minutes ago, gradstudent2017 said:

They have free one's on there too. They are mixed in. If you are unsure if that particular CE will be accepted you can email them and they will let you know. Someone also told me to try Medscape. 

Oh okay! Thank you I will look at because the ones I saw you have to pay for. Id like to find as many free ones as possible. The one category I'm having trouble finding ones for is the professional issues, which how I scored low in that category is beyond me. But crazier things have happened. haha

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