So, What’s the FNP Exam Like?

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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Family Nurse Practitioner Exam: ANCC vs. AANPCB

(With excerpts from Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition by Maria T. Codina Leik MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, AGPCNP-BC)*

There are two exams: the ANCC and the AANPCB. First, you’ll need to decide which one you want to take. Here, we outline what you can expect—from format to timing to sample questions—to help guide your choice.

The Test Format

Starting in 2016, both exams introduced new question types, with more new-format questions appearing on the ANCC exam. While most questions remain multiple choice with four answer options, here’s a breakdown of question formats:

Question Format ANCC AANPCB
Single-best-answer multiple-choice (4 options) Yes Yes
Drag and drop (e.g., ordering interventions) Yes No
Multiple correct answers (select all that apply) Yes Yes
Hot spot (e.g., click quadrant on image) Yes No

Both tests also include figures such as EKG strips and radiographic images.

These are computer-based tests (CBTs), different from the NCLEX-RN®, which is adaptive. NP exams do not shut down once you’ve earned enough points.

Both ANCC and AANPCB publish Test Content Outlines and Reference Lists. Review them carefully and focus your study plan on the listed content areas.

  • ANCC Test Content Outline: Link

  • ANCC Reference List: Link

  • AANPCB Candidate Handbook (includes outline and references): Link

The Questions and Time

Exam Total Questions Time Limit
ANCC (FNP) 200 (175 scored; 25 unscored) 4 hours
AANPCB (FNP) 150 (135 scored; 15 unscored) 3 hours

You’ll have about 60 seconds per question. If stuck, make your best guess and mark it to revisit later—never leave a question blank.

See also  FNP Certification Requirements

The Computer Tutorial

Both exams begin with a 10–15 minute tutorial. This does not count toward testing time. Once the tutorial ends, the exam begins and the countdown clock starts. Breaks are allowed, but the timer continues to run.

The Sample Questions

  • The ANCC provides a free online sample exam (25 questions, unlimited attempts, automatically scored).
    Link to ANCC sample questions

  • The AANPCB includes free sample questions in its Candidate Handbook (no answer key).

For deeper preparation, explore Springer Publishing’s exam review book, app, and flashcards.

AANP vs. ANCC Exams: Key Differences

  • Content balance: ANCC includes more non-clinical topics (leadership, advocacy, health promotion), while AANPCB focuses more on clinical material.

  • Question types: ANCC uses newer formats (drag-and-drop, hot spots, extended multiple choice). AANPCB relies mostly on standard multiple choice.

  • Blueprints: AANPCB domains focus on assessment, diagnosis, planning, evaluation. ANCC covers these but adds professional practice and independent practice topics.

What Else Should I Know?

Key Factor ANCC AANPCB
Passing Rate (2017) 83% 80%
Number of Questions 200 (175 scored) 150 (135 scored)
Score to Pass 350+ points 500+ points
Retakes Up to 3/year, 60 days apart Up to 2/year, requires 15 CE hours in weak areas
Mobile App Yes (“MYANCC”) No
Keystroke Tools Highlight, strikeout N/A
Discounts ANA membership required AANP membership required
Application Method Online, mail, fax, or app Online or mail
Application Timing 6 months before graduation 6 months before graduation (12 for DNP)
Processing Time 4–6 weeks 4–6 weeks
Expedited Review Yes ($200, 5 days) Not available
Scheduling Prometric/PSI centers Prometric/PSI centers

Final vs. Official Transcript:

  • Final transcript: Issued after graduation, lists degree and NP specialty.

  • Official transcript: Must remain sealed. Order several copies and keep extras unopened.

See also  FNP Certification Requirements

Special Testing Accommodations: Both organizations require documentation from a provider describing the disability and testing limitations.

You Got This!

Start preparing now:

Resources

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. FNP & AGNP Certification Candidate Handbook (2018).

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. AANPCB 2017 Statistics (2018).

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center. Family Nurse Practitioner Reference List (n.d.).

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center. Test Content Outline (n.d.).

  • Leik, M. C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. Springer Publishing.

  • ANCC. Sample Test Questions – FNP (n.d.).

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