How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

Published

I've heard Margaret Fitzgeralds stuff is the best but seems like ANCC's stuff would focus more on the test content. I just graduated with my MSN FNP and want to get certified on the first try. Any suggestions?

Specializes in General.
I passed ANCC today, strangest exam ever, lots of theory, research related questions. Good luck to whoever has still got to do it, I am glad that monkey is off my back.
i remember how I felt after the exam it was get me out of here before the computer figured out I screwed up
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I passed the ANCC exam yesterday, but during the test, I was convinced I failed. I had bought the Fitzgerald CD's, the Fitzgerald Review Book, and the ANCC Review Book to study. I made note cards from both books and thought I was reasonably prepared for the exam. The test was NOT what I thought it was going to be. I found it to be very frustrating. Not very many clinical questions, but SO MANY questions on cultural issues, practice and role issues, and theory. On quite a few questions, I hadn't a clue on how to answer. My advice is to go back to your theory books, review cultural issues, and know the NP role. From those that I know who have taken the AANP, it was a much easier, more clinically focused exam. Good luck everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

Congratulations nrsjess!!

:hpygrp::hpygrp::hpygrp::hpygrp:

At least it's all behind you now! I take the AANP on August 14th and I am sooooo sick of studying! I can't wait 'til it's over :no:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is definitely a relief when it is over. I too felt as some of you did that I had failed while taking the exam. I came out of the testing area and my reply to the proctor was "That was awful". She said "you'll never have to do this again," but I was thinking that yes I will if I have failed and then she told me I had passed. She was right NEVER AGAIN!!!!! I was prepared for the clinical aspect but the research, ethics, theory, policy blew me away. I am glad it is over and still find myself trying to study something. :uhoh3: I start my new job August 3.... so I will be studying at times I guess.:p

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for the "congrats" everyone! I am so glad it's over. Now I have been obsessively checking and rechecking the aanp website to make sure that "preliminary PASSED" is really a passed and not a FAIL!!:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

MistieRN,

where on the AANP website does it tell you passed/failed/preliminary results??? i saw your post and frantically started looking but i can't find anything!

thanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It doesn't come out and say it. If you log in and look under "My documents" it will say something like, "Results Pending." I still have not heard anything :/ For those of you that have taken AANP before, how long before you received verification. Does anyone know of anyone who passed by preliminary results but actually failed?

Mistie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I finally wised up and took the AANP exam after taking AANC twice. The last time I took the AANC exam I missed the cutoff by two points. As you can tell by my moniker I was board certified in 2003. It took me the better part of a year and several come to jesus moments to figure out that the AANC tests the applicant on research and cultural pedagogy rather than actual practice questions and issues. After just about giving up I was told to go and talk with Aimelee Hollister with APEA. Glad I listened to three of the best NP mentors on the earth! I took the review with Aimelee and filed with AANP. Waited for three months to get the exam date and passed it the first time. Scored well over 300 points higher than the cutoff! This December I will have practiced in rural clinics for seven years. No group or employer has ever questioned my decision to be certified through AANP.

I took the exam in Dallas the first week of December and got notification of my passing score by snail mail on the 24th of December2003. I have mentored several new grads over the past five years. Told everyone of them to take the AANP exam and they have all passed the first time. My last student (January 2010) got notification of passing ten days after taking the exam. The AANP contacted her via email.

Take my advice and test through the AANP, it is not any easier than AANC just geared more to actual practice and what I learned in class and clinicals.:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

I was a die-hard Fitzgerald devotee, but the more I listen to the APEA CDs and look at the review book, the more I like Amelie Hollier. She is very realistic, down to earth and not the least bit condescending.

Just an example: She makes a joke about NP students and the fundascopic exams saying, "I know you didn't see what you said you did...I didn't either" and says it takes looking at 250 eyes to get a good feel for it. Fitzgerald, at times, likes to toot her own horn. Going on and on about the subtle differences in retinal colors for various ethnic groups "see how this is slightly pink? see how this is a darker red?" :uhoh3: Uhhh no...this is an audio CD and I'm lucky if I see anything! Kinda gets on my nerves. (Can you tell how sick of studying I am, LOL)

I take the AANP on August 22nd and I am seriously praying that I pass the first time. Than I'll apply for ANCC reciprocity and hopefully NEVER have to do this again! :dzed:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult & Geriatrics.

Hey there folks! So glad to hear all the good news about people passing their exams whether it be ANCC or AANP (I just passed ANCC last weekend for ANP...yay!!!) Those of you who are re-testing or have yet to test I wish you all the best of luck - don't overdo-it, don't over-think it, just relax, and keep positive thoughts.

I am not sure how many are aware of this at this point, but I was just perusing through the ANCC website (the things I do when I get bored :o) and noticed their recently published letter regarding reciprocity (dtd 8/3/2010) Please know that reciprocity will NOT be granted after 12/31/2010 for individuals certified by other certifying organizations like AANP, etc. I have no earthly idea why the change of heart, but it is. December is still some ways away, but I wanted to put this out there for those who plan on getting reciprocity from ANCC. Also, ANCC will be discontinuing their Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Alternative Eligibility certification.

I hope these links work:

- Notice Regarding Reciprocity (http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Certification/2010-ReciprocityNotice.aspx)

- Notice Regarding Discontinuation of Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Alternative Eligibility (http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Certification/2010-GeroAltEligibilityNotice.aspx)

Take care all,

~Mee

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Trauma, Anesthesia, Education, etc..

holy cow! :grn:

thank you so much for posting that updated info. better get back to studying! i've got 16 days to go until aanp d-day :hdvwl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just read a few of the last posts... I dunno, I went to the birthplace school of the nurse practitioner in Colorado. I felt I was very well prepared through my schooling for the exam. That being said I did study very hard using Fitzgeralds cd's and book. I also used my school notes on some subjects. I also printed off the outline from the ANCC website and followed that as a guide, it states how many questions for each section will be asked.

I was recommened from professors to take the ANCC as it was more accepted...

Nobody has even cared that I have certification, except some states you do need it to get licensed.

You do have to keep up with CMEs over 5 years or you will have to re-take the exam.. 150 over 5 years.

Oh I passed on first try. I got my results right after the test was done, and went into the parking lot and screamed! yeah!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion