How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

[beckyfnp]

I've heard Margaret Fitzgeralds stuff is the best but seems like ANCC's stuff would focus more on the test content. I just graduated with my MSN FNP and want to get certified on the first try. Any suggestions?

[RNGO4IT]

Usually a book on NP roles, also Buppert RN JD, has a website that has a lot of info on it, google the different research designs...therapeutic communication is covered usually in the context regarding interview styles...i.e. open ended questions, also Barkley has a CD that does cover legal, ethics, etc. Like I said Buppert will cover that and Bates will help in framing your interview questions...remember your cultural sensitivity stuff as well.

[ale022]

I passed the ANCC today! FNP-BC!!

I took the AANP a little less than 1 month back and I was unsuccessful- I had severe test anxiety. Today I took a beta blocker and I relaxed! And I had a better outcome. I am super excited!!

[RNGO4IT]

Congrats for you!! Did you find one to be easier than the other?

[ale022]

I think this one was a little harder because of the non clinical questions! I had made me mind up prior to this that I would retake the the AANP just to prove to self that I could pass. But in all honesty- I do not know that my test anxiety could handle it!

[RNGO4IT]

I took the ANCC and passed 1st time in Dec 2012...found the test to be all over the place...but with prayer and study guides I was able to do it... always wondered about ANCP...but I didn't think clinical skills was strong enough...good luck to you...now on to conquer my job search here in MI for FNP

[ale022]

Good luck with the job hunt!! I have am awesome job, just waiting in licensure and all of that now!!

[RNGO4IT]

Just got a call from a Doc that runs one of those Visiting Docs type program 50.00/est pt 55.00/new pt Medical asst drives you around and draws blood, etc I'll prob take it...they will handle cost of DEA. See 10 pts a day 500+ can see more if you want...I like the idea of being driven around. lol

[ale022]

Congrats on the job offer. I would like the driving around too. Time to clear head between patients. Good luck

[BeachFNP]

Took the ANCC on Monday for the first time and passed, thank goodness. Can't imagine having to study again for it. Personally, I felt it was just different. I recommend you brush up on theory, politics, licensing and credentialing, ect. I looked at the first few chapters in the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner book that I borrowed from a friend. This stuff (plus therapeutic communication) is 50% of the test. So try to at least look it over. Its not as hard to comprehend as clinical stuff, so I made sure I just reviewed it a few times. I mainly felt the bulk of it was therapeutic communication, which is hard to study for.

I also took a Marye Kellerman review course, studied from her binder, an APEA book of questions, and a Fitzgerald review book with questions. The FItzgerald was a little too in-depth for this test, but it was helpful if I needed clarification or a better understanding of pharm or patho. All in all I probably studied seriously for 3-4 weeks once I actually signed up to test. I was terrified but about 20 questions in I started to calm down. Remember, you only need 105 out of 150 questions right to pass!

Good luck everyone! I will absolutely answer any questions anyone has.

[ale022]

I didn't realize it was 105 of 150- I never got my actual score. I got the congratulations and that was enough for me!

[BeachFNP]

I didn't get my score either, but 105/150 is considered passing for the test (or so I was told). It just made me feel better going in to say that to myself:)

[Alexis33]

Congratulations on your success!!!!

What did you use to study for the exam.

Thanks