How to Study for an NP Certification Exam

Demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) is surging, making it a career with the potential for many opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in fact, projects a 52% increase in NP positions between 2020 and 2030. To qualify for roles in this fast-growing advanced nursing field, individuals generally need a postgraduate degree and state licensing as well as national certification in a specialty area of practice.

Beyond being a professional requirement, certification provides the NP, patients, and employers with validation of the nursing professional’s education, knowledge, and experience. Maintaining certification shows a continued commitment to meeting the standards for high-quality care.

What type of certification does an NP role require though? Also, what are the steps to prepare for that certification, including how to study for an NP certification exam? Advanced education in an NP specialty area and proper preparation for the exam can give nursing professionals a leg up in earning NP certification.

The Different Types of NP Certification Exams

Several organizations’ governing boards offer NP certifications. The certification exams gauge whether NPs have the necessary expertise to do their jobs to the highest standard while keeping patients safe.

Advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree or a post-master’s certificate, not only are typical requirements for taking certification exams, but also provide foundational knowledge to prepare for the exams.

NP Certification Organizations

Depending on the specialty, NPs have several options for certification. Organizations offering NP certification include the following:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

One of the best-known NP certifications is from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is part of the ANA Enterprise. The organization offers 18 certifications for NPs and other nursing professionals. The exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions as well as those directed toward identifying areas on the body and drag-and-drop questions. The exam evaluates assessment, diagnosis, clinical management, and professional role knowledge.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Another prominent NP certification is through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which offers certifications in three NP specialty areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP). Administered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, the exam measures clinical knowledge through 150 multiple-choice questions, including 15 pretest questions. Its contents focus on assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation in patient care.

National Certification Corporation

The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) certification, evaluating test takers’ knowledge of obstetrical, gynecological, and primary care for women in inpatient and outpatient settings. The exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions, including 25 unscored questions that help in developing future exams.

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers four types of certifications for NPs and other nursing professionals. Its certification exam for pediatric care tests knowledge and critical thinking. The exam focuses on health promotion, assessment and diagnosis, management, and professional issues. Of the 175 questions on the test, 150 are scored.

NP Specialty Areas

NPs may seek certification in many specializations, which will help determine how students will study for their NP certification exam. AANP reports that more than 88% of NPs specialize in one of the following areas:

Family Nurse Practitioner

FNPs work with families and individuals across the lifespan. ANCC and AANP offer certifications in this specialty.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) focus on newborns, infants, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults. PNCB offers certification in this specialty. ANCC no longer offers new PNP certification, but it offers renewals to those who already hold its certification in this area.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) assess, diagnose, and treat the medical concerns of women of all ages. NCC offers certification in this practice specialty.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNPs) address the health care needs of adults of all ages. ANCC and AANP provide certifications in this area.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide care to patients facing mental health challenges. ANCC offers certification in this specialty. PNCB provides Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist certification to NPs.

A nursing student studying on a laptop for a certification exam.

How to Study for the NP Certification Exam

Preparing for an exam that determines an individual’s eligibility for professional certification can be daunting. Planning and preparing can mitigate the stress and increase the likelihood of gaining certification. The following are some tips for how to study for an NP certification exam:

1. Schedule the Exam Wisely

Begin by selecting a time for taking the certification exam that allows at least six to eight weeks for preparation. Some people prefer to study two hours a day over a two-month period, while others set aside 10 days and devote more time each day to prepare.

2. Understand Your Study Style

Each individual has a learning and study style. Discovering that best-fit approach and developing a study plan that accommodates this style leads to test preparation that’s more efficient. Visual learners, for example, study best by using images that show the material, whereas logical learners find classifying information in groups to be helpful.

A human resources learning style questionnaire and educational learning style questionnaire are among the tools that can help in establishing a study approach that works.

3. Practice Time Management

A set study plan can help in managing time for exam preparation among life’s other commitments. A best practice for studying is to note on a calendar exactly when exam preparation will take place — and then stick to your preparation schedule.

4. Identify Knowledge Gaps

Test takers should learn about the general topics covered on an exam and determine how knowledgeable they are in those areas. NP certifying bodies typically offer practice tests and exam descriptions to aid in preparation. Identifying knowledge gaps can help focus study efforts and ensure that these areas receive the most attention.

5. Consider Study Tools

Whether it’s purchasing or borrowing books, watching YouTube videos, or enlisting the help of a test prep company, study tools are available to accommodate every budget. Certification organizations offer workshops, webinars, and online courses that can help individuals make the most of their studies.

6. Practice Self-Care

Test takers should establish a routine that encourages good health and mental focus throughout the exam preparation process. A healthy diet, good sleep, and regular exercise can help promote a sense of well-being that regular, focused studying requires. Meditation and yoga can also help people to focus their minds and prevent test anxiety.

NP Certification Exam Tools and Resources

Various tools and resources are available to help those studying for an NP certification exam. Practice exams and test descriptions can help individuals feel comfortable with the types of questions they’ll see as well as the format of the exam. Interactive resources, such as webinars and test prep courses, can bolster test preparation efforts as well.

The following are some tools and resources to assist with NP certification exam preparation:

ANCC Certification Test Prep — Provides links to various online courses and workshops to purchase to assist in preparing for certification exams.
AANPCB Practice Examinations — Describes and provides a link to purchase 90-minute practice exams.
NCC Candidate Guide — Provides information about the certification exam as well as study guides and sample questions.
PNCB Exam Resources — Offers links to a blueprint that outlines the test’s focus areas and provides practice tests, lists of reference materials, and tips for selecting study tools.

Get Ready for an Impactful Career

Passing the NP certification exam is a critical step toward opportunities in the fast-growing and rewarding career in advanced practice nursing. Prepare for success on the exam — and to become a leader in nursing — by pursuing advanced education, such as Regis College’s online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing program. Whether students are Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates looking to advance their careers or NPs looking to expand their practices, Regis College offers top-quality education with the flexibility and convenience of online learning.

Discover how a Regis College online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing can help you reach your professional goals.