Questions about certification

Published

I'm graduating from an FNP program on Saturday. I'm planning to take the AANP certification exam. I've got the Fitzgerald board review program (includes book plus audio from her live conference). I'm very nervous to take boards, though I do feel ready for entry-level practice. Does anyone have any opinions whether this board review is a good one on its own?

Also, does anyone have any opinions regarding any reasons for taking the ANCC exam instead?

Thanks!!

Specializes in FNP.

Fitzgerald herself says it doesn't matter. I flew to NY last year to get a class taught by Fitzgerald herself, and it was awesome. Highly recommended. I am sure the other instructors she has hired are good too, but I wanted Peg.

Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

It's a lot about personal preference and how you test. If you like more clinical, what-do-you-do-next questions, the AANP is the better test for you. If you like more "fluff," ethical, practice type questions, then the ANCC is the better choice. I chose the ANCC because I'm good at answering those types of questions, whereas the clinical ones I'm not as good at.

I failed the ANCC FNP exam. I have always been a poor test taker. After the exam I went back and looked over my study material and I noted that when I did the process of elimination I chose the wrong answer after eliminating the 2 definite wrong choices. Also, can anyone give me recommendations on studying theory, cultural issues, and pratice & role. Is there a certain book that I can purchase? There was not much in Fitzgerald review. I am going to take the ANCC exam again as soon as I am cleared. Thanks for any suggestions. I want to get this behind me because I am soooooo exhausted.sad.png

It's a lot about personal preference and how you test. If you like more clinical, what-do-you-do-next questions, the AANP is the better test for you. If you like more "fluff," ethical, practice type questions, then the ANCC is the better choice. I chose the ANCC because I'm good at answering those types of questions, whereas the clinical ones I'm not as good at.

I failed the ANCC FNP exam. I have always been a poor test taker. After the exam I went back and looked over my study material and I noted that when I did the process of elimination I chose the wrong answer after eliminating the 2 definite wrong choices. Also, can anyone give me recommendations on studying theory, cultural issues, and pratice & role. Is there a certain book that I can purchase? There was not much in Fitzgerald review. I am going to take the ANCC exam again as soon as I am cleared. Thanks for any suggestions. I want to get this behind me because I am soooooo exhausted.sad.png

Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

I really practiced test taking skills. I read every NP exam book I could get my hand on, figured out what I was doing wrong in my test taking skills (reading the questions too fast! I really had to slow down a lot, literally took a watch with me and timed myself with each question). That's where I'd start - is it a test taking problem or a content problem, then figure out what content you're weak in and start there!

Thank you so much for your comments. What study resources did you use to study and prepare yourself for the ANCC FNP exam regarding theory, legal issues, ect.? These were my weak areas. sad.png

I failed the ANCC FNP exam. I have always been a poor test taker. After the exam I went back and looked over my study material and I noted that when I did the process of elimination I chose the wrong answer after eliminating the 2 definite wrong choices. Also, can anyone give me recommendations on studying theory, cultural issues, and pratice & role. Is there a certain book that I can purchase? There was not much in Fitzgerald review. I am going to take the ANCC exam again as soon as I am cleared. Thanks for any suggestions. I want to get this behind me because I am soooooo exhausted.sad.png

I failed the ANCC on March 25th and am having a tough time trying to figure out what to do now. I am trying to reach out to others who have failed that might be able to help. I am a horrible test taker and know that I second-guessed most of the questions. I took the Fitzgerald CD review course twice as well as reviewed notes and Leik's book. I want to make the best of my time but do not know where to begin or how to focus. I have already be authorized to test again at the end of May but have not scheduled yet. Any help? Any advice?

+ Join the Discussion