Nurse Practitioner Certification Study Timeline | ThriveAP (2024)

FAQs

How long should I study for the NP exam? ›

However, a general rule of thumb is to dedicate enough time over two to four months for thorough preparation. Most future nurse practitioners schedule their exams about six months out, and others schedule their FNP exam as little as one to three months away. Below is a rough estimate of how much time you'll need.

Becoming a Certified Nurse Practitioner isn't easy, and yes, both the AANP and ANCC certification exams are challenging — very challenging. They will take a great deal of analytical thought, clinical judgment, and preparation. In 2022, the AANP exam pass rate for the Family Nurse Practioner (FNP) was 74%.

What happens if I fail the exam? ANCC: If you fail the ANCC FNP exam you will have the ability to retake the test after 60 days of the last testing date; however, you cannot take the exam more than three times in any 12 month period.

A candidate's total number of correct answers on the exam is known as the raw score. That raw score is converted into a scaled score. That scaled score ranges from 200 to 800 points. In order to pass the AANP FNP certification exam, a candidate must reach a minimum score of 500.

What is the pass rate? ANCC: In 2023, the average pass rate for the FNP exam was 85%. AANP: In 2022, the average pass rate for the FNP exam was 74%.

Is NP or PA school harder? PA and NP schools are challenging in their own ways. PA school does require more instructional and clinical hours than NP schools, but with the right study tool, you'll be okay no matter what you choose.

NPs have additional responsibilities that RNs don't have, so you can expect NP school to be a higher level of difficulty than RN school.

To pass the ANCC examination, an examinee must achieve a scale score of 350 or higher. Prior to conversion of an examinee's score to this scale, the examinee's raw score on the examination is determined, which is simply the number of test items that the examinee answered correctly (e.g., 105 out of 150).

If you fail the AANP FNP certification exam, you can retake the exam after a 60-day waiting period.

Can I take ANCC if I fail AANP? ›

They're totally independent from one another, so if you fail one and pass another, it's no big deal. You're still a real deal nurse practitioner. If you go ahead and apply for ANCC, then you don't have to do any of AANP's additional requirements to retest, because that's going to take extra time.

Results are sent via e-mail after you have completed the test. Become certified once you pass the test or degree is conferred (if you test prior to degree conferral date). Renew your ANCC certification every five years.

This summary is followed by sample practice questions to help you hone your clinical decision-making and test-taking skills. Allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks of planned study after you complete the review course to maximize your likelihood of success on this important high-stakes exam.

Once you fail your AANP, they require you to do 15 CEU's on their website and submit them to retest. I did this as quickly as possible and submitted them to try to retest within the next week or few. I just did random ones and let them play (they are not guided towards the exam at all).

Nervous? Flag a Question. I'm not sure if it was Leik that said this (she does give some great exam tips) but just an FYI for all you nervous folks: you can mark/flag as many questions as you like.

This summary is followed by sample practice questions to help you hone your clinical decision-making and test-taking skills. Allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks of planned study after you complete the review course to maximize your likelihood of success on this important high-stakes exam.

For specific information on the number of items each exam contains, please refer to the test content outline associated with that exam. Scores on ANCC examinations are reported on a scale with a maximum possible score of 500. To pass the ANCC examination, an examinee must achieve a scale score of 350 or higher.

ANCC: In 2023, the average pass rate for the AG-ACNP exam was 83%. AACN: In 2023, the average pass rate for the ACNPC-AG exam was 91%.