Passed PMHNP ANCC TEST

[PMHNPFNP]

Ok, so I took the test and passed it recently after my first try, an ulcer and 15 lbs later. But it was my fault for procrastinated 9 months.

This is what I did. I studied for about 2 months, on weekends only but sometimes I didn't (just letting you know Don't let those people who say they studied 2 months straight everyday for 10 hrs intimidate you, although I did do that for my FNP, hah!).

Anyway...

I took the Barkley class (9 months ago) but it wasn't helpful, maybe if you could get them to send you their book only.

I downloaded the document from ANCC that tells you what references they used for the test and dug out the books that I did have.

The most helpful materials for me were the ANCC PMHNP manual and the 2 tests from ANCC. I did have the Pmhn scope of practice book and Caplan.

I read both Barkley and ANCC books from beginning to end, took the tests for ANCC (failed) then studied the topic of whatever questions I missed and the ones I didn't miss but didn't know much about. I found that helped me focus. Then I focused on theories, therapies, drug interactions like cyp450, I focused on inducers. I found this website to be helpful:

Davis's Drug Guide | The Cytochrome P450 System: What Is It and Why Should I Care?

I studied about the different types of consultants from Caplan & Caplan because I never opened that book in school. Ancc manual was good about summarizing everything on anatomy and function of the brain like what parts control what, what happens if certain parts of the brain are damaged, what the neurotransmitters actually do and where they are produced, I evidently had erased all of that from my memory. I studied my personality disorders and most of the psych drugs by category (which is in the ANCC book) and erikson stages. I found Quizlet helped. If you type PMH-np ancc a lot pops up in quizlet.

Also after taking the sample ancc tests I read all the rationals.

If you do all that and go into the test thinking like a therapist and a leader but sometimes a PMHNP you'll do ok.

Also I've been practicing for about 3 months already under my FNP in a psych clinic, so sometimes when I thought about what I would do as a pmhnp it helped.

I hope this helps you with studying.

Good Luck!

[PG2018]

What a wealth of content! Thank you so much. I'll be taking the exam this summer. Please if any more memories of the exam come to mind that you'd like to share please message me!

Question, did you find many diseases and medications not related to psychiatry on the test? My school's program director found a practice test for us to take, and it was littered with questions addressing genitalia and STDs. No clue why. I made a 69 overall on that practice exam because I don't know such things (or care to).

[PMHNPFNP]

There's going to be some but enough that u can miss them

[greenbeanio]

Congratulations! And thank you so much for sharing what you found helpful.

[PMHNPFNP]

Glad to help

[PG2018]

If you're still following, OP. Was there any content concerning neurocognitive disorders? My academic preparation has been rather deficient in teaching the various dementias (Alz., Pick's, Vascular, B12 deficiency, et al), and I recognize this after having just taken an online "refresher" quiz the school set up for us. Ten out of 15 isn't too bad, but I don't really have anything to study surrounding this topic.

[PMHNPFNP]

I recommend you buy the AANC manual and look it over. Know the basics such as most obviouse ways to differentiate between similar disorders. Get your mind into a therapist mindset.

[matthdrn]

I take my test in 4 days and finishing up studying. I did board vitals, barkley Cd review, ancc book, and the practice tests.

I scored around 68% on the practice exams, I have a hard time with reading the whole question and paying attention without underlining.

I am very nervous. Any special advice in terms of test taking advice on the real day?