Passed ANCC Exam 6-8-2016

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Hey everyone! Since everyone was so helpful with posting their results of passing the ANCC/AANP boards and the advice was very much appreciated, I figured I would post about my experience.

I used the following resources to study for the ANCC:

*Leik book- this book was very helpful (especially for some of the nonclinical topics she covers in the back of the book). Also, it was helpful for practicing taking questions because there are about 650 questions in the back of the book. She has helpful test taking hints throughout each chapter as well that are beneficial. I did not notice any repeat questions on the ANCC that was in the book per say, but it helped with learning the content.

*Exam Edge questions: I used this website to practice taking questions. I bought 25 exams and took all of them. There are 100 questions per exam. Very few of the questions were repeated with each examination, so these questions were helpful in preparing for how to get ready for the boards. I will be honest and say there were no repeat questions on there that were on the ANCC. Although, it helped with learning more of the content that was on the ANCC boards.

*Fitzgerald Blue review book: I used this book more throughout grad school than I did for the sole purpose of studying for ANCC. It is just too wordy. I repeated some of the questions I had previously taken in the book, but did not take many of them.

*Past tests from roles/policy & research class from grad school: I used my old exams to review for these topics to help. I also reviewed the "research triangle" in my research books/notes.

*APEA review book from live course: I used this book the most for the clinical portion of my exam. I really feel that this review course was super helpful. Unfortunately, I had to take it in January before my last semester of school for a grade, but the book was beneficial on its own as well!

Okay, so I spent exactly 3 hours on the exam. I did not get up at all because it does not stop the time if you take a break. They give you 4 hours to take the exam and you have 200 questions. I had multiple select all that apply and drag and drop questions.

This exam was difficult, but I studied hard for this exam. There are some questions that was on mine that I felt was a complete guess answer from me, because I had no idea. So, I narrowed it down to 2 answers and used my "best guess".

The nice thing about this exam is that you can highlight words or sentences to help you pick out important info. You can also strike out answers that you have narrowed down as the incorrect answer to help avoid being distracted from those incorrect answers. Also, you can "mark" the questions to review them at the end if you have time. I did this for way too many and ended up not reviewing them because I have a policy that I have stuck with throughout school... DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWER unless you are certain it is incorrect! I never change answers because my first choice is usually the correct one.

Know the research triangle. Know about epidemiology, first-line treatments, & leadership. There are many questions with pictures that you have to interpret diagnosis or treatment. Familiarize yourself with different cultures. I had multiple peds questions as well. And, cancer questions. I will not go into detail what all was on the exam due to the inability to post that type of information or tell others what was on the exam.

It is definitely half clinical and half nonclinical!

Good luck to each of you! You've got this! Study hard and be prepared. Take a deep breath and ACE this test!! :)

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Congratulations! I passed the ANCC FNP exam today! My study guides were the Fitz blue book, and her live review. Glanced through Leik and did a few questions. Did not like the Hollier APEA book - but did use it to study for the predictor exam I had to take in school. Did questions on BoardVitals -- if you can answer them, the ANCC exam is a walk in the park!!!!

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Are the epidemiology type questions difficult???

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No, not if you study and know the basic terminology.

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What kind of study routine did everyone have.... Everyday? All day long? One system per day?

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What kind of study routine did everyone have.... Everyday? All day long? One system per day?

I did a body system a day. Read my review books, consulted patho and physical exam texts if I had questions or didn't understand something. Then I did questions on that subject. Back to review as needed - then on to the next system. Devoted a lot of time to professional issues, research, etc. Studied for a couple of hours, took a break and then back to it. Usually around 6 hours per day. Last couple of days before I tested, I actually took it pretty easy. Found I was getting things jumbled around in my head - knowledge and fact overload! Night before I tested, I went back and looked at research, professional issues, etc. Felt good that morning - late for my appointment due to a wreck on the interstate ... LOL. But, felt good once I finally got in and sat at the computer. Pay attention to the instructions - they tell you how to strike out answers and highlight. I used the strike out feature a lot. Seemed to help me focus in on the correct answer.

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Hi rninme,MSN,APRN,

Did you find board vitals to help with the nonclinical portions of the exam? These questions are really difficult. My scores are all over the place with these questions, 50's-80's. I have been doing like and holler q bank. Is this enough?

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