Preparing for the AANP or AANC exam can feel overwhelming, but remember—this exam is designed for entry-level family nurse practitioners. You’ve already completed a rigorous program to get here. So, if you’re thinking, “What if I just focus on practice questions?” you’re on the right track! But adding a bit more structure to your studying…

If you plan to take the nurse practitioner certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), you’ve likely noticed that the registration fees differ for members and non-members. You may be asking yourself, is it worth becoming a member to save on exam registration? Here’s a…

Both exams assess your knowledge, clinical reasoning, and ability to provide safe and effective care. However, they differ slightly in content and emphasis, so knowing what to expect is important. 1. Clinical Management: You will need to be able to diagnose and manage various conditions across the lifespan. You can expect to see questions on:…

Will Normal Ranges Be Provided? One of the most common questions I hear from candidates is whether normal lab value ranges will be provided during the exam. The answer is yes—the AANP and ANCC exams typically provide normal reference ranges when presenting lab results in a question. This means you won’t need to memorize every…

As a nurse practitioner who’s been through the process, I know firsthand how nerve-wracking it can be to prepare. Understanding what to expect on test day can make a huge difference in your confidence and performance. Let me share what I experienced and some tips to help you feel more prepared.    1. Before Test…

Are you taking the family nurse practitioner certification exams?  YOU NEED A STUDY PLAN! Average Preparation Time: Most nursing students spend 3-6 months preparing for the AANP and ANCC FNP exams. Your exact duration depends on your baseline knowledge, work schedule, and study habits. If you have a strong foundation, it may take only 1-2…

The short answer is no, they do not differ! The AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) and ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) exams are National Certification Exams, meaning they are recognized across ALL states in the United States. This allows certified family nurse practitioners to practice in any state, provided they meet the specific licensing…

Choosing between the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) certification exams is a big decision for any aspiring Family Nurse Practitioner. The ANCC exam is known for: its comprehensive approach, encompassing a wide range of topics beyond clinical knowledge, such as professional issues, healthcare policy, and theoretical foundations of…

As a first-time or repeat test taker, understanding the retake policies for the AANP and ANCC exams is crucial! If you find yourself needing to retake the AANP exam: you’ll have a mandatory waiting period of 90 days from your last test date. This gives you ample time to review your performance, address areas that…