I am happy to announce that I have recently passed my PMHNP ANCC board exam in late July 2017.
I know that this website has helped me to narrow down study resources so I am paying it forward.
FYI I graduated from Drexel University, who boasts a 100% pass rate, so I was already well prepared. I prepped for 4 weeks leading up to the exam (3 weeks approx. 2-3 hours per day, and the last week 8 hours per day).
Study Resources:
1. Board Prep 16 hours course provided by Drexel:
-This was helpful and really refreshed some of the material learned in the previous year(s) and also showed me what I needed to work on. I would suggest doing at least some kind of live prep course.
2. Pocket Prep PMHNP smart phone app:
-500 questions that I took over and over again even after I started recognizing repeats. This was important in order to cement the information into my brain. Read all rationale!!
3. Board Vitals PMHNP questions:
-Over 1500 questions, again like the pocket prep I made sure to go through all the questions at least once, and kept taking tests even after repeating questions.
4. ANA (ANCC) PMHNP IQ question (cost $125 for over 200 questions). Totally worth it, not only for the content, but to get a understanding of how the questions will be presented.
5. ANA Test taking Strategies (cost $30) but was worth it, because it reminds you on key tips of taking these types of examinations.
6. ANA (ANCC) PMHNP board prep book. 100 great questions in the back. I have to admit I didn't do any reading aside from the 1st chapter on board prep strategies (reading really puts me to sleep).
Like I said, I don't do a whole lot of reading when prepping for board exams, it just puts me to sleep. I find that taking questions repeatedly allows me to learn more aggressively. For me it is more motivating. I have to say Pocket prep and Board vitals were not exactly like the ANCC exam, but they definitely allowed me to remember key points, concepts, and facts that showed up on the board exam.
For those of you who are currently prepping, have no fear if your scores are low. I scored in the mid-60's consistently on pocket prep, board vitals, and the ANCC questions during the first several weeks of prep. As a matter of fact I never quite got much better than low 70's on board vitals until after I started to get repeat questions (board vitals is definitely tougher, which is good for prep work).
Anyhow, that was my method. Good luck to everyone, and please PM me if you have any specific questions.
Regards,
The Incredible, PMHNP-BC
P.S. It feels really good typing that title up after my name.
