NP Recertification by Exam

[RN_amie_06]

Hello all! I graduated in 2014 from FNP school, and shortly after received my AANP certification. Long story short, I worked as an NP for about five years, wasn't sure it was for me, and went into nursing management in the hospital. Now that my re-certification date is nearing, I am left wondering if I may want to get back into the realm of NP. Looking back, I think my issue with being an NP was the situations in which I was put, not the job itself. I am due to recertify with AANP early next year, and due to not having been in practice, I will have to re-cert by exam. My question is, has anyone else done this, and what was your approach/success? I feel like the knowledge is still there, but am so stressed about taking the exam again! I plan to get some review books, maybe take an online review course, and do some practice tests. Just wondering if anyone else has had my experience! Thanks in advance!

[FNPRA]

Hello.  I also just decided to recertify by exam.  I have been an FNP-C since 2009.  I don't have quite enough practice hours to recertify without taking the test.   I have not worked as an NP for almost 2 years due to personal reasons.  I did work some hours as an NP over the last 5 years but I don't have the 1000 hours I need to recertify without retaking the test.  This leaves me the choice of letting my certification go, or recertify by exam.  I have chosen to take the exam.  It has been a LONG time since I took the exam so I need some serious prep but I also have 13 years of experience of working as an NP in practice. I am not ready to give it up so this is my choice.  I have about 4 months before the certification expires.  I am trying to figure out which prep I should take.  I have the Fitzgerald book.  Looking at FNP mastery and Sarah Michelle's study guides but not sure which one would be best and which type.  Which ones were you looking at?  It's a daunting task thinking of taking this over, but I really want to try. I worked hard for the certification and don't want to give it up just yet.  I am open to any and all suggestions

[Black Coffee, MSN, NP]

Hi FNPRA,

I recommend Sarah Michelle prep course. The Qbank and crash course are very helpful. I felt well-prepared when I took my AANP board exam. Please try to do as much questions as possible and read the rationales behind them. Wish you the best of luck on passing the certification exam. You got this!

[FNPRA]

Hi Black Coffee, MSN, NP

I really appreciate the information and the encouragement! I have a few questions.  So the Sarah Michelle prep course you mentioned.... is that the separate Live One-day prep course or is that the Crash course Monthly Subscription?   I will definitely get the Qbank too.  Thank you for clarifying.  🙂

[Black Coffee, MSN, NP]

Hi FNPRA,

The crash course is a monthly subscription. I believe that the crash course is different from the Live one day. There are many options on the website to choose. Hope it helps!

[FNPRA]

Thank you!  I signed up for the Crash Course monthly.