1 test until FCCA, question.....what is the FCCA??

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 3, 2012

According to the catalog, the Focused Clinical Competencies Assessment (FCCA) is a pass/fail exam with three parts: Head to Toe Assessment and Nursing Process, Managing Multiple Patients, and Participating in Interdisciplinary Health Teams. The catalog also says it's computer-delivered, but they haven't managed to make that happen yet -- it's still on paper. I believe you have 10 days to complete it and send it back. It wasn't part of the curriculum when I went through EC, so I don't know that much about it. I do know that academic honesty prohibits students from discussing the content of the exam, and that there's a number you can call for guidance when you receive the exam in the mail. And the last bit of info I have for you: everyone says to not overthink it when you get it, and I've not heard of anyone failing the FCCA at all, ever. :)

RyanCarolinaBoy, ADN, BSN, MSN · Mar 3, 2012

Hi,
I started taking the nursing exams in Oct 2011 and now I've just got LS3 to finish before FCCA. I'm confused on the FCCA, is it a hands on graded thing like CPNE or is it an exam like the other exams. I read someone saying about signing up before the deadline, whats the deadline? A monthly deadline, annual??
I still have this fear that I'm going to get to the end of this program (this year) and then not be able to pass the FCCA and CPNE, I've just heard such horror stories about the CPNE.
Tony in Tn

Hey man, i'm in the same boat with ya. Been workin on these exams for awhile, and now i'm down to LS3. Plan on testing next week, and then will be ready for the FCCA/CPNE!!!! i'm excited and nervous. From my understanding, when you pass your last test, then you can call Excelsior and request that they expedite the process for you to be FCCA eligible. Once you receive the email that you can register, then you can log in and pay for the FCCA the same as the exams. It will be sent to you in the mail. Send me a pm if you'd be interested in studyin together for the CPNE. I live in western NC and would be willing to travel to tn some to get in some group study! Good luck!!

Tony1790, BSN, MSN, NP · Mar 4, 2012

I'm going to take the LS3 exam this friday, I'll be set to register for the FCCA, I suppose I'll have to wait until April for that. I'm trying to hurry up, as the CPNE takes several months to get a slot in. I just passed LS2 and didn't plan to take the LS3 so soon, but it's spring break from ETSU this week and that gives me a few days to study for the test.

Ryan, yeah, I'd be up for going over the CPNE together. One of the RN's I work with got his RN through Excelsior, he passed the CPNE the first time.

Good luck on you LS3

Tony in East TN

BostonNurse2876 · Mar 5, 2012

Good luck to you both...we are all in the same boat! I take LS3 on 3/16 and cant wait to get the FCCA done so I can start studying for the CPNE. I have been at this for about 2 years now, so it's time!

Nervous1 · Mar 5, 2012

Good luck with LS3.....I just passed that sucker last week. It was worse the LS2 but I got a B on my retake. Chronicity for me this week and I am done with these exams.

RyanCarolinaBoy, ADN, BSN, MSN · Mar 6, 2012

I'm going to take the LS3 exam this friday, I'll be set to register for the FCCA, I suppose I'll have to wait until April for that. I'm trying to hurry up, as the CPNE takes several months to get a slot in. I just passed LS2 and didn't plan to take the LS3 so soon, but it's spring break from ETSU this week and that gives me a few days to study for the test.
Ryan, yeah, I'd be up for going over the CPNE together. One of the RN's I work with got his RN through Excelsior, he passed the CPNE the first time.
Good luck on you LS3
Tony in East TN

Hey....send me a pm, tony. Tried sending you one and it said that your inbox was full so I couldn't deliver the message. I live outside of Asheville, NC and would love to get together to study soon. hit me up.