Passed PMHNP ANCC

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jul 8, 2016

So I studied for a month straight, I did not work. I probably did about 4-6 hours solid each day, taking a lot of breaks. I've always studied hard like this for exams, so just study how you normally study, what works for you.

I did the online Fitzgerald with the audio lectures. Her book is well organized, the audio is not so great, she goes off on useless tangents and anecdotes constantly. I was also unable to access the practice test unless I completed all the extra material on geriatric, cardiac, legal/ethical. I was pretty mad about that because I ignored that content until near the end because it was marked optional. It's not. You have to do ALL of it to get the practice exam. I wouldn't bother with her.

I used mometrix book, secrets to the PMHNP exam from Amazon, it was fairly helpful for legal ethical stuff and just presented things in a different manner. I don't think it is a necessary addition though, plus there is no index to look specific things up.

I basically memorized the ANCC book, and I happened to find out that there was a new edition right when I beagan cramming. Make sure you have the new 4th edition, as there is new content on the leadership/ethics/ management aspect. As I mentioned in a previous post, there is an exam taking strategies in the beginning which you HAVE to read and remember when taking the test.

Know your leadership and practice content. Everything else is just a LOT of critical thinking, I felt like I really had to go back through everything I learned to get to the answer. I also recommend not spending too much time on a question, mark it and keep going. They give you four hours and used 3 hours and 50 minutes with going back over about 30 questions I marked. I am usuaay fast test taker so that was stressful.

Long story short. Focus on the ANCC book only, it has what you need as long as you had a good program. Buy the online practice test from the link on the ANCC website, they are just like the exam questions, understand your weak areas and study them.

Study well, stay focused in the exam and you will be fine.

Woks · Jul 8, 2016

Wow!! Barnstormin' PMHNP, you are wonderful, thank you so much for the details. I am so relieved with the breakdown. If you want to sell your ANCC review book, new edition, let me know,please PM me

matthdrn · Jul 8, 2016

I passed my PMHNP exam!

It felt overwhelming like policy/practice/research and QI. I had a few pharm questions scattered in there. Overall it was heavy on the policy and practice as well as therapy.

I think the ANCC book helped me a lot and the board vital questions on policy and practice helped.

It was a lot of critical thinking and thank you for reminding me about the basics like making sure I am picking an assessment if they are asking for that rather than selecting an intervention.

I had a random question with a picture--I am guessing that is one of the experimental questions.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Jul 8, 2016

Matt That is AWESOME!!!!!!! Congratulations, it is such a relief to be done isn't it? I didn't have any pictures, I guess I lucked out lol. Take a long breath, you deserve a break!

Woks, thanks for the offer, but I intend to keep my ANCC book for reference, I think it has a lot of very useful info for me to refer to in my practice. It isn't like Firzgerald or Mometrix, I won't be looking at those again. The ANCC book is worth purchasing to keep.

Woks · Jul 9, 2016

Congratulations , Matthdrn!! what a relief. I wish I was in your shoes right now, please enjoy the vistory, it is awesome, PMHNP

Mellah430 · Jul 13, 2016

Congratulations!! I start Nursing school in the fall and the PMHNP is my end goal. I see you said you worked per diem on the unit that you will be a PMHNP on, did you also work full time acute psych before then? If so, for how long? Thanks!

texasbsn · Aug 1, 2016

congrats, can you please tell me where to buy the ANCC online tests I cannot find them on the site. I will take my text in September.

Thank you

Woks · Sep 7, 2016

please go for test questions

ANCC Certification Preparation Resources

Woks · Sep 7, 2016

Hi Mattdrn,

quick question please, do you think there is need for boardvitals when I have the ANCC practice test questions and the book? I test in October and trying to prepare well. Thanks

Woks · Oct 29, 2016

I passed the ANCC PMHNP exam!!! Thanks to Barnstormin'PMHNP and everyone who put out a word or more to help. It's an awesome feeling to get past the exam. The exam was hard, I wont lie but it is doable with faith in God and much studying. I used the ANCC manual book, 4th edition, ANCC online questions and boardvitals. Boardvitals helped with the professional roles questions which were a lot on the exam. ANCC materials gave an insight into the pattern and thinking of the actual exam. I got a lot of child,and adolescent psychiatry as well.

missdeevah, NP · Oct 29, 2016

I passed the ANCC PMHNP exam!!! Thanks to Barnstormin'PMHNP and everyone who put out a word or more to help. It's an awesome feeling to get past the exam. The exam was hard, I wont lie but it is doable with faith in God and much studying. I used the ANCC manual book, 4th edition, ANCC online questions and boardvitals. Boardvitals helped with the professional roles questions which were a lot on the exam. ANCC materials gave an insight into the pattern and thinking of the actual exam. I got a lot of child,and adolescent psychiatry as well.

Congrats Woks!

jakefreema · Feb 1, 2017

Has anybody used board vitals for the PMHNP ANCC board exam? Been studying it for about a month just hoping it's not a waste of time. I'll probably follow up with the ANA prep quizess and exam. Any info would be great.

Jake