Today’s post is all about study tips to help you pass the AANP FNP Certification Exam. We will talk about when you should start studying, for how long, which resources to use and other tips for success.
If you’d like a study schedule/plan that includes all the information below plus day by day recommendations of what to study, make sure to check out my downloadable study plan here.
Before we jump in you may also find these other posts helpful: How to apply for the AANP FNP certification exam and How I passed the AANP FNP exam.
FNP Certification Exam – Common Questions
When should I start studying?
Most people choose to take their exam in the first 1-2 months after graduation. I recommend taking one week off after you graduate to celebrate and relax before you dive into studying. You’ve worked hard to get through school so take some time off before you jump back into studying.
How many weeks should I study for?
I recommend studying over the course of 4-5 weeks. Depending on your work and family commitments, you may need more time. If you’re a fast learner, you may need less time. If you decide to do a live or an online review course, I’d recommend doing this the first week of your studies.
How many hours should I study?
I recommend you spend an average of 3-5 hours per day studying. Plan to study 5-6 days per week.
What resources should I use to study?
- The Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review, Fourth Edition book by Maria Codina Leik. Available on amazon here.
- PSI predictor exams ($50 each) – see below for more information.
- Fitzgerald review course – You can learn about the different options here: Family NP Certification Review
- You may also find it helpful to supplement your studies with textbooks and notes from your coursework.
What should I focus on?
Initially, I recommend doing a comprehensive review aka spend at least a little time on every single body system. The exam covers questions across every body system and age group. It may have been quite some time since you learned about a particular system in school which is why I recommend doing a comprehensive review initially. Doing this will then help you to identify what areas you are already strong in and the areas where you need to spend more time. Since you have limited time, once you have done your comprehensive review, you should focus in on the areas where you need further review.
Doing practice questions is highly important. I believe this should constitute a good portion of your studying. It’s helpful to get acquainted with the style of questions on the exam and to apply what you’ve learned. Make sure you answer the question, then read the rationale and finally, do any review of the topic as needed.
FNP Certification Exam Study Tips
Make a plan
- Before you start studying, sit down and make a plan
- Here are some questions to consider:
- What study resources will you use?
- Will you take a live or online review?
- How many weeks do you plan to dedicate to studying?
- What are your other commitments? Work? Family?
- How many days per week will you study?
- How many hours per day?
Form a study group
- Whether you are better at studying independently or thrive in groups, you will be better off having company through this process. Find a friend or classmate who is also studying for the exam and will be testing around the same time.
- Even if you are better at learning on your own, it can be helpful to have someone to run occasional questions by, talk over difficult topics with or even just sit together while you study.
- If you learn best in a group setting, find people who are willing to have regular meetups.
Take a few practice tests
- I recommend the PSI predictor exams. These practice exams include 75 questions that are taken from retired FNP certification exams. You get 90 minutes to take each test. Each practice exam is $50 each.
- These practice exams will give you a sense of the real thing. You get to see the style of questions on your exam and will feel similar pressure to what you can expect on your test date.
Focus on areas of weakness
- Initially, I recommend that you review all of the topics that are included on your exam. As you go through each topic, note each area that you feel weak in and the areas where you feel strong.
- After you finish reviewing each topic you’ll want to identify what areas you need to spend more time on. Since you have limited time to study, don’t spend too much time on the topics you already know very well. Your time will be better served focusing on topics you need to better understand.
Summary: FNP Certification Exam Study Tips
Studying for your certification is a huge undertaking. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming. I hope by sharing the tips above you have some ideas of how to plan your studying and what resources to use. Remember, you got this and will pass your exam!
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