Transcription
How toPrepare forYour ANCCCertificationExamCONGRATULATIONS! You’ve takenthe first important step towardgetting certified and advancing yourcareer. Here are some important tipsto help you prepare for your ANCCcertification exam.
ReviewLearn how theexam is structuredCarefully review the GeneralTesting and Renewal Handbook,available here.Take advantage of ANCC resourcesANCC offers exam resources including a Test Content Outline, TestReference List, and sample test questions and answers. Find theseresources on ANCC’s website: nursingworld.org/anccTEST CONTENT OUTLINEThe Test Content Outline is a roadmap to your exam. It identifiesareas that are included, as well as the percentage and number ofquestions in each of the major categories of the scored portion.Use it to guide your study process.TEST REFERENCE LISTThe Test Reference List includes many of the authoritative textsused to develop ANCC certification exams. It will help you preparefor your examination, but is not intended to be all inclusive.Hyperlinks are included to help you locate resources.SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSSample questions are similar to those on the exam, but do notrepresent the full range of content or levels of difficulty.Please note: Answering these or any sample question(s) is not a requirement to sit for anactual certification examination. Completion of these or any other sample question(s) does notimply eligibility for certification or successful performance on any certification examination.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification Exam1
Develop a personalstudy planApproximately six months beforeyou take your exam, create aformal study plan. Include topics,timetable, resources, and studymethods that work for you.Schedule regular times to studyand try to study in one-hourincrements, without cramming.Implement your study planStick to your schedule! Take regular breaks. Having troublegetting motivated? Ask a friend to help or change your studyplan. Adjust your plan as you learn where you need to focus.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification Exam2Plan
StudyTake a review course(if available)Taking a review course is an excellent way to assess yourknowledge of the test content. Schedule the coursewell before your exam date so you have time to masterunfamiliar content. Concentrate on areas where yourknowledge is not as strong.Consider variousstudy methodsFind a study buddy or group,review current textbooks andarticles, review class notes,or join an online community.Different study methods canaugment your self-study efforts.Be realisticDon’t expect to know everything about all topics in theTest Content Outline. Use the percentage and number ofquestions in each category to refine your areas of focus.Pace your studyingIf you feel overwhelmed or have trouble concentrating,take a break. Change your study pattern, if necessary.Break overwhelming tasks into smaller tasks that youknow you can do.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification Exam3
n ook for key points such as age, medical diagnosis, timeLframe, and comorbidity.n Look for key words such as: except, always, first, and best.n Thoroughly read each question and all choices beforeanswering.nA ll information needed to answer each question isalways provided; never assume information that isnot given.n nswer the easy questions first; flag the questionsAleft unanswered and return to them later.n Answer ALL questions.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification ExamCertificationExam Tips4
nT ake time for yourself.Try yoga or meditation. Eatproperly throughout the day.nR eview the testing center linkthe night before here, andassemble all items requiredfor the testing center.nG et a good night’s rest.nB e sure to bring a valid,unexpired, governmentissued ID card (with photo).How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification ExamDay BeforeExam5
6n Eat a nutritious breakfast.n efore you leave, check the status of your testingBcenter location on Prometric’s status page here.n ive yourself plenty of time to get to the testing centerGto avoid any unforeseen circumstances.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification ExamDay of Exam
Be Confident7In yourselfIn your choice of ANCC certificationThe ANCC Certification Program is nationally renowned as a truegauge of your ability to provide excellent care. Exam content reflectsreal-world clinical situations. Exams are designed to validate nursingpractice specialties and objectively assess entry-level competencyin advanced practice registered nursing, as well as inter-professionalpractice in specialty fields.How to Prepare for Your ANCC Certification ExamYou already have a greatdeal of knowledge inyour specialty area.
n Look for key points such as age, medical diagnosis, time frame, and comorbidity. n Look for key words such as: except, always, first, and best. n Thoroughly read each question and all choices before answering. n All information needed to answer each question is always provided; never assume information that is not giv
