I failed the PNP-AC exam again!

Theo Habarth-Morales · Oct 8, 2024

Anyone have the Melnic questions they can email?

cardo10869 · Feb 21

Hi everyone, I have taken the exam 10 times and still cannot pass I'm defeated I do not know what else to do! I have literally done everything and have missed my last 5 attempts with a score of 398 I can't make it over the hump. I have to wait 90 days each time. Im seeing the exact same questions and am pretty sure I keep answering the same and don't know how to stop. I have test anxiety and it's just worse now! I've met with multiple ppl at PNCB online and going over what I need to study but nothing seems to help. Anyone have study material or advice! Thanks!

pumpkin13 · Feb 22

@cardo10869 HI! im sorry to hear you have been struggling so bad! That is truly unfortunate, especially with a passing score just two points away. I was in your shoes at one point in time.

May I ask, what are you doing to study? What have you done differently in between attempts? how long are you studying for / daily and for the test in general? How have you felt going into the last few attempts? ready/nervous/prepared?

Maybe we can talk about where your at, what your feeling and maybe I can give you my insight if your interested.

Anyway, HANG IN THERE, it is possible and you CAN do it. :)

cardo10869 · Feb 22

pumpkin13 said:

@cardo10869 HI! im sorry to hear you have been struggling so bad! That is truly unfortunate, especially with a passing score just two points away. I was in your shoes at one point in time.

May I ask, what are you doing to study? What have you done differently in between attempts? how long are you studying for / daily and for the test in general? How have you felt going into the last few attempts? ready/nervous/prepared?

Maybe we can talk about where your at, what your feeling and maybe I can give you my insight if your interested.

Anyway, HANG IN THERE, it is possible and you CAN do it. 🙂

Thank you for your reply! I have been doing the PNCB practice test questions along with STAT Pearls questions. I have been reviewing the Pediatric Acute Care book by Bolick and Reuter-Rice. I've done multiple case studies also using the pediatric case study book found on Amazon and the lipincott book and test questions. I have met a couple times over zoom with individuals from PNCB as remediation on areas I need to focus on as well. I feel like I have done everything and it just keeps getting further out from when I graduated it will be 3 years this May.

I have felt great going into my last few attempts and during the exam I feel as if I know exactly what each question is asking and the information it's giving me to be able to answer the question. I took the exam 2/18 received me results on 2/21 scored a 393 and am Above in assessment and professional development, At in management and below in diagnosis. And my previous attempts I got a 390 and 396 being Above in Assessment and below on everything else so I'm just confused and at a loss now. Waiting 90 days between attempts is getting hard as well I feel like I have seen every question more than once and answering them the same without knowing.

pumpkin13 · Feb 22

thanks for the info. I would be happy to talk more... how about you send me an email so we can connect?

you're not alone and one thing about this profession is that we support each other. So lets talk more and see how you can get over this hump!!

Rosemary Cuevas · May 1

Hi all, I am preparing to take the exam. Any suggestions or recommended study material? I am doing the NAP NAP review pair with some YouTube videos covering pediatric board prep as well as the Pediatric Board Review Study Guide paired with the YouTube videos. I'm not sure if I should do the Lippincott book because it's pretty out of date, and many have indicated so. I'm an FNP-BC, but there were so many great resources so I did really well and passed on the 1st attempt with plenty of time to spare. I really wish there were more resources for the PNP-AC; it seems like this is the only exam where there aren't any study prep other than NAP NAP, which is more general. I would appreciate any suggestion and shared resources, thank you!!

pumpkin13 · May 2

Well done! you already have your FNP-BC !

I hear you, and I think we all share that frustration with the lack of resources with PNP-AC boards. As I got closer to my test date, I used quizlet a lot! The test was a struggle for me, so practicing test questions and applying my knowledge ended up being really helpful. There actually happens to be a lot of applicable quizlets for this test/ material.

https://youtu.be/w5m9bXI3Dz0?si=KozRkoIJ0DWrGC9s

This is a great YouTube reference I really enjoyed.

As far as lippincott, I think more resources can't hurt...

Just know your outline and the material and be able to use your knowledge and apply it to all kinds of questions! Give it your best shot and you WILL be okay!