The "easiest way" to pass the AANC test?

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Hi all,

Please give me some advices, ideas, tips, suggestions,....etc. I finished my FNP classes in 10/2021. I had my first attemp two weeks ago, and I failed it. Maybe I am not the only one, but I am so ashamed about it. Now I have to do CE review for the 15 hours at least, which is an AANP requirement. I don't even know which one is the best or I should take becasue they are not giving us advices which one is recommended (their policy). I am in CA, so I a m assuming has to be accreditated by CA BRN. Thank you in advance for all your help.

P.S.: If after DNP postmaster program is another same type of exam please let me know, ... I won't never started. I am so "done":)

CF

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Please don't beat yourself up.  

I don't know of any "easy" way to pass the exam.  You have to study the right way for you.

Here is what I did:

- took the Barkley course.  I liked this course b/c you can get CDs or audio files and listen while you drive, work around the house, etc.

- carefully used the Barkely review manual and supplemented with Fitzgerald and one other one, forgot the name.  Also used the separate Barkley book with practice questions.

- made flashcards for memorization.  Also draw pictures, make up charts, etc., as appropriate

- use mnemonics to help with memorization.  There are tons of them on the internet, as well as books of them.  Make up your own, too.

- make sure to do the sample ANCC test.  I guarantee at least one of those will be on the actual exam.

Allow 6 to 8 weeks of additional study, at least 4 hours per day, with 1 or 2 days off per week.  Find a study partner, if possible.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Adult-Gero NP.

I empathize with you.  I also failed my first attempt. Sarah Michelle's course helped me pass the board exam.  I was able to pass my exam far earlier than the allotted time. The questions seemed easier the 2nd time around, too. 

https://npreviews.com/

Hope it helps you, too.  

Wishing you all the best!

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

"Easiest way"...hmmmm

1. Hopefully you paid attention and studied in a reputable program

2. Take a review course (e.g. I did Barkley)

3. Study review course material(s) at least 5 days a week for 2-4 hrs a day , using whatever methodology works for you, for at least 6 weeks

4. Take exam when you feel ready

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Thank you for all to taking the time to give me advices. I made a review class and I think so I wasn't ready for the exam. Because now ( I don't know  if  was in that way in the past) we failures ? have to have 15 CE hours for AANP to take the second test. I was thinking Barkley would be nice or Leik, but because nobody was mentioning about Leik I will take Barkley. Thank you again for all the help.

CF

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Specializes in Former NP now Internal medicine PGY-3.

Do questions, read the explanations, take practice exams, when you pass them with some room then retake. Not much more to it than that. Which course you take probably doesn't matter, have to have a good memory habits.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
On 1/28/2022 at 12:43 PM, Black4kiss said:

I was thinking Barkley would be nice or Leik, but because nobody was mentioning about Leik I will take Barkley. Thank you again for all the help.

CF

Leik is good.  I used her book to supplement Barkley.  I have friend who took the Leik class and spoke well of it.

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Hi there, I am also in the same boat as you. I didn't pass two days ago. I actually read Liek from front to back, made study guides and notecards. Studied like crazy for a month. I also bought the Ameila Hollier online review and found it to not be as helpful; seemed bland. Apparently the Qbank for Hollier is supposed to be good - I am going to buy that today. She's associated with APEA. I felt like I knew the information but I wasn't able to answer such curve ball questions. I'm considering doing the Sarah Michelle review, I have heard many people talk about it. 

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Hello,

I am sorry for your exam:(. Leik is a good book, and I had the feeling the questions where similar in the exam. I think the main point in this whole thing is to study in a smart way by learning the essentials. Leik is good but have unnecessary informations for the exam. I had a review before the exam but I didn't took it seriosly the review details. It is the Cohen review. She is presenting the details but that has to be memorized. I am taking Barkley next week, becasue I need the 15 CE hours to be able to take again the AANP. Good luck.

CF

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