Nursing, Nursing Advanced Practice, Exam Prep
So, What’s the FNP Exam Like?
Jan 25, 2019
(With excerpts from Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition, by Maria T. Codina Leik MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, AGPCNP-BC)
There are two exams: the ANCC and the AANPCB exams. So first, you should pick which one you want to take. Here, we outline what you can expect—from format to timing to sample questions for both exams, which may help you decide.
The Test Format
Starting in 2016, new question formats for the ANCC and AANPCB exams were introduced, resulting in more new-format questions on the ANCC exam than on the AANPCB exam. What’s that mean, exactly? While most questions on the ANCC and AANPCB exams are still multiple choice with four answer options, here’s a breakdown on the types of questions you’ll find on each exam:
| Question Format | ANCC | AANPCB |
|---|---|---|
| Single-best-answer multiple-choice question with four answer choices | Yes | Yes |
| Drag and drop (e.g., placing a set of interventions in the order performed) | Yes | No |
| Multiple correct answers (select all correct answers from a choice of five or six answers) | Yes | Yes |
| Hot spot (e.g., a picture is presented in four quadrants and you must select the correct quadrant as the answer | Yes | No |
Both tests will also include figures, such as EKG strips and radiographic images.
These exams are computer-based tests (CBTs), which differ from the computer-adaptive NCLEX-RN® exam. The NP exams also do not shut down automatically after you’ve earned enough points.
Both the ANCC and the AANPCB provide Test Content Outlines and a Reference List on their websites. Be sure to read these documents carefully and concentrate your studies on the designated topic areas!
Click here for the ANCC Test Content Outline
Click here for the ANCC Reference List
Click here for the AANPCB Test Content Outline and Reference List, which can be found in the Candidate Handbook.
The Questions and Time
| Exam | Total Questions | Total Testing Time |
|---|---|---|
| ANCC: FNP Exam (released February 2016) | 200 (175 are graded); 25 are not graded (for statistical data) | 4 hours |
| AANPCB: FNP Exam (released February 2016) | 150 (135 are graded); 15 are not graded | 3 hours |
You’ll have about 60 seconds to answer each question on the ANCC and AANPCB certification exams. If you’re spending too much time on one question, just pick a “best guess” answer and return to it later—never leave any question unanswered or it will be marked as an error and assigned 0 points; if you guess correctly, it will get counted (yay)!
The Computer Tutorial
The testing sessions for both exams begin with a 10- to 15-minute computer tutorial session (don’t worry—it’s not counted as part of your testing time). Once the tutorial is over, your exam will automatically start and a countdown clock on your screen will also begin. This timer doesn’t stop for breaks, but just let a testing center staff member know if you need one. Once the allotted testing time is up, your computer will automatically shut down the exam.
The Sample Questions
Even if you’re planning on taking the AANPCB exam, it’s highly recommended that you try out the free sample exams on the ANCC’s website. The ANCC’s sample exam is web-based, contains 25 questions, and you can take it as many times as you want—at no charge. You’ll get scored on each attempt, too! While the ANCC also sells sample exam questions, their free web-based sample exams provide a great opportunity to practice using their exam formats.
The AANPCB has free questions as well, listed on the last two pages of their candidate handbook, which we link to above; however, no answer key is provided. We know 25 questions isn’t enough to get you ready, but don’t worry—we’ve got all the additional tools you need! Be sure to check out our app, flashcards, and full exam review book on our product page to fully prepare yourself for the big day.
AANP vs. ANCC Exams: What’s the Difference?
Let us break down the key differences between these two exams so you can be as prepared as possible to choose the right one for you!
First and foremost, the ANCC exam has more non-clinical questions than the AANPCB exam, whose questions are mostly on clinical topics.
Secondly, new question formats (including “drag and drop,” photographs, EKG strip, chest x-ray film, and multiple-choice questions with five to six answer options) have been recently added to the ANCC exam. Most of the AANPCB questions follow the classic multiple-choice format with four answer options; however, there may be some multiple-choice questions that have five to six answer options (in which you are asked to pick two or three answers), an EKG strip, and a chest x-ray film.
Third, the exam blueprints are vastly different from each other. The AANPCB blueprint domains focus on clinical topics such as assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation whereas the ANCC blueprints break down the exam by clinical practice topics such as those noted in the AANPCB domains, PLUS they add domains on professional topics (such as leadership and advocacy) and independent practice (such as health promotion and maintenance, diverse populations, evidence-based practice). Examine the blueprints CAREFULLY!
What Else Should I Know?
| Key Points to Consider | ANCC | AANPCB |
|---|---|---|
| FNP Passing Rates (2017) | 83% | 80% |
| Number of Questions | 200 (175 are graded); 25 are not graded (for statistical data) | 150 (135 are graded); 15 are not graded |
| Score Needed to Pass | 350 points or higher | 500 points or higher |
| How Often to Retake | Up to three times in a 12-month calendar period, waiting at least 60 days between each exam. If you fail, you can re-apply online (retest application), but wait at least 5 days after taking your exam to apply for the retest. | Up to two times per calendar year. No wait-time requirement prior to retesting, however the AANPCB requires test takers to take 15 contact hours in their area(s) with the weakest score (your “areas of weakness”). Reapply for the exam online by using the Retake Application form |
| Apple and/or Google Play Apps | Yes – “MYANCC” | No |
| New Keystroke Commands | Highlight keywords; Strikethrough answers | N/A |
| Membership Discounts | Must be a member of the ANA to receive a discount | Must be a member of the AANP to receive a discount |
| Applying: How? | - Open an online account and complete application within 30 days - Applications accepted online, by mail, fax/email, or mobile app (“MYANCC”) - Completed app must include copy of your RN license, an official copy of your final transcripts, and the original copy of the Validation of Education form, signed by your NP program director* | -Open an online account and complete application within 30 days - Applications accepted online and by mail; nonrefundable fee applies to email, mail, and fax applications - Completed app must contain copy of your RN license, an official copy of your final (or interim, if you apply before graduation) transcripts |
| Applying: When? | 6 months before graduation | 6 months before graduation DNP Students: 12 months before graduation |
| Application Processing | 4-6 weeks (and all forms have been received) | 4-6 weeks (and all forms and fees have been received) |
| Expedited Application Process | For $200, application can be processed in 5 business days Download and print the Certification Expedite Review Request Form from the ANCC website and fax it to (301) 628-5233 | N/A |
| Scheduling: When? | Whenever the Prometric and the PSI testing centers are open Morning timeslots fill quickest Processing fee charged if less than 30-day notice is given when scheduling | Whenever the Prometric and the PSI testing centers are open Morning timeslots fill quickest At least 2 days’ notice needed to reschedule or cancel |
Final vs. Official Transcript: Your final transcript is issued after you graduate from your NP program and should include your degree and NP specialty. Your official transcript must remain inside the sealed envelope in which it was mailed from your college registrar’s office. Order at least three to four copies of your final transcripts, open one copy to check for accuracy, and keep the extras unopened to keep them official.
Special Testing Accommodations: Download the Special Accommodations Form from each organization’s website; this form requires a description of the disability and limitations related to testing and it should be dated and signed by the provider.
You Got This!
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Resources
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. (2018, March). FNP & AGNP Certification Candidate Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.aanpcert.org/resource/documents/AGNP%20FNP%20Candidate%20Handbook.pdf
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. (2018, March). AANPCB 2017 Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.aanpcert.org/resource/documents/AANPCB%202017%20Pass%20Rate%20Report.pdf
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Family Nurse Practitioner (22) Reference List. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4ace6d/globalassets/certification/certification-specialty-pages/resources/test-reference-lists/familynp-trl.pdf
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Test Content Outline. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4acd24/globalassets/certification/certification-specialty-pages/resources/test-content-outlines/familynp-tco.pdf
Leik, M. C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.
Sample Test Questions-FNP. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/our-certifications/study-aids-ce/sample-test-questions/stq-fnp/
Footnote
*ANCC Validation of Education Form: Required for ANCC applicants only. Most NP programs will have this signed in bulk by the current program director and it should be distributed to students before the last school day. You must send the original signed form (not a copy!) to the ANCC with your application.