VA-BC Exam Experience

[ICU_JOSIE, MSN, RN]

I took the VA-BC Exam today and passed :).

I just would like to share my experience with everyone especially to those who are considering to take the exam in the future. I used the VACC Study Guide and CRNI textbooks for my study materials. Google was also very helpful .

My appointment at Prometric was at 2:30pm but I arrived 1.5 hrs early. The receptionist asked me if I would like to take the exam earlier so I said yes. She then told me to place my belongings in the locker and bring my ID card. By the way, as of this writing, only 1 form of identification is required for the exam so I showed her my state ID. I was scanned, given instructions then asked to sign in the logbook. I was then handed a pencil and a scratch paper (which I never used). She guided me to my cubicle placing the ID card and locker key on the desk. FYI there is no break in between the test, you are actually allowed to leave but your test time will continue to run (I never went for a break myself).

The exam was for 2.5 hrs (total of 150 questions but only 125 will be scored) and it took me almost 2 hrs to finish after throughly reviewing my answers. No worries, a tutorial will be shown first and will allow you plenty of time to practice. Time only begins once you're ready to end your tutorial.

I knew the result right away after I pressed END. The word Congratulations in boldface was the first thing I saw (Phew!).

I left the room then the receptionist told me that I passed and handed me a printed copy of the result. I'll be expecting to receive my certificate and wallet card within four to six weeks.

So overall, it was a great experience . I was just happy that I passed the exam.

Best of luck to you!

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Congrats on passing.... This exam is not as strenuous as going for your CRNI, but a test can always be strenuous.

[ICU_JOSIE, MSN, RN]

Thank you. Being an experienced ICU nurse myself , I find the VA-BC questions pretty basic. It does help to study and be prepared 😁.

[MikeyT-c-IV]

Cool, congrats! I'm actually headed in to recertify in a few days. I don't plan on studying so I'm glad to hear the exam is still kinda, basic.

[MikeyT-c-IV]

I took the VA-BC Exam today and passed :).

Yep, I just got home from the exam. It's still not all that bad. I figured it would have been much more difficult than the original exam I took when the test was first offered.

I had a similar experience, the staff and facility was very nice. They called me this morning to let me know I could come early if I wanted to. I thought that was nice.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Yes.... they did make the test more difficult than then firstfirst ones.I woukd read the CDC guidelines to prevent CRBSIs.

[TC10]

Hi I am writing my VA-BC next month -- where do I buy the study guide!? I have searched the AVA website but can't seem to find it! Could I just use CRNI texts?

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

On 11/23/2017 at 8:36 AM, TC10 said:

Hi I am writing my VA-BC next month -- where do I buy the study guide!? I have searched the AVA website but can't seem to find it! Could I just use CRNI texts?

I am looking for the same. Where is this VACC study guide? The vacert.org website states they do not provide study materials...

[KAREN G-mail SAL]

Just wanna share to the exam candidates .....

When I took the exam... I only bought 1 study book from Amazon ( which is not the best) and the Resource guide for VA. I tried to review these on my days- off as much as I could while working as a PICC nurse full- time. I don't wanna sign- up with those online reviews sessions that costs $200+. I was kinda confident I could pass it even if it's the lowest cut- off score since I'm currently practicing as a Vascular Nurse anyways. But I have a tendency to procrastinate badly with things. I procrastinated on seriously studying review materials through out the months until 2 wks before the exam date. I then realized... I'm NOT READY. I'm doomed! Then I started to panic. I told myself I still have 2 more weeks to go through all the review notes . I promise to use this remaining days to go through all the important info. But I can't focus because now I'm cramming. It was a nightmare. I don't have a choice but to take the exam unprepared. I was just hoping for a miracle or a "good luck" to come my way. Of course... the passing rate is 90 and above. My score is 88. Don't take this test for granted. $400+ is a lot of money. Lower your pride for a moment. Take the test seriously.