You’ve probably already read our 10 tips to prepare for the exam, but what about strategies for test day itself? Here are 10 exam-day tips to help you land your best score.
1. Design Your “Scratch Paper” Early
Plan and memorize what you want on your scratch paper a few weeks before the exam. Keep it brief and practical.
2. What to Include on Scratch Paper
Good choices include:
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Lab results (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, platelets, WBC, neutrophil %, potassium, urinalysis)
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Murmurs
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Mnemonics
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Cranial nerves
3. Use Tutorial Time Wisely
Take advantage of the “free” computer tutorial period to jot down your memorized facts onto your scratch paper. If you run out of time, skip this step and move on.
4. Mark Questions for Review
Use the “mark” command for any question you’re unsure about. This allows you to return later without losing focus or momentum.
5. Don’t Be Shaken by Hard Starters
The first few questions are often intentionally more difficult. Stay calm, make your best guess, mark the question, and move forward.
6. Avoid Overthinking Rare Diseases
When guessing, avoid choosing exotic or rare conditions. Remember, the AGNP® exam focuses on primary care conditions.
7. Don’t Get Stuck on a Question
If you spend more than 60 seconds on a question, answer it quickly (even randomly), mark it, and move on. Time management is critical.
8. Manage Your Break Time
The countdown clock does not pause during breaks. Limit quick bathroom breaks to 5 minutes or less.
9. Take Short Mental Resets
If fatigue sets in and you have enough time, consider a short break. Use the restroom, drink some water, or splash your face — all in under 5 minutes.
10. Never Leave Questions Blank
There’s no penalty for guessing, but unanswered questions are automatically marked wrong. If you’re running out of time, answer all remaining questions at random before time runs out.
Additional Preparation
For more strategies and clinical pearls, check out our Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review book — designed to help you make the grade.
AGNP Exam Resources
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Leik, M.C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.
👉 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Certification Overview
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