The Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP) Exam covers all the material you’ll need to know to practice as a certified nurse practitioner. Preparing to take the FNP certification exam means more than simply studying the subject matter you learned in nursing school.
In order to do well on this test, you’ll need to know specific information related to passing it. This includes how the test questions are written and how long you have to answer each one.
The followings are some of the tips that will help you get through this important exam.
1. Know the Structure of the Exam
In order to prepare yourself and feel confident going into the exam, you’ll want to know what your time limit is and how many questions are on the test. You’ll also want to have some practice taking timed tests so that you can figure out how you are pacing.
Each question on the exam is answered by selecting one of four answer choices labeled A, B, C, or D. It’s important to read each question carefully and make sure you understand it before answering. If you’re unsure of the answer, it’s best not to guess or leave it blank.
The best way to know the structure of the exam is to take some FNP practice questions. This will give you a good overview of what your exam will look like.
2. Identify and Target Weak Areas
Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘’work smart, not hard’’? The same tactic applies to the FNP exam preparation. Don’t try to memorize too much. You won’t need it all.
Only focus on your weakest areas, and don’t study anything else at this point. It will distract you from focusing on the skills that are going to be tested.
Also, don’t fall prey to trying to memorize every word in the book in an effort to know the subject matter enough before you take the exam.
3. Treat Your Body Well
Preparing for the FNP certification exam means making sure you are at your best mentally and physically. You are going to be a family nurse practitioner, and you surely don’t want your patients to be a victim of medical malpractice. So, use these tips to sharpen your focus and get prepared.
Plan ahead
Allow yourself plenty of time to study without overloading yourself. Take practice exams to check where you need improvement and make a plan to meet those needs before the big day arrives.
Practice More and More
Try taking as many practice tests as possible under real testing conditions. Make up some questions on your own, or find some online that test the same knowledge areas you will be tested on when it comes time to take the exam.
4. Understand to Recognize Correct Answers
Multiple choice options in the FNP certification test can be confusing at times. Take your time to answer each question carefully. Thoroughly read the question and all of the possible answers. Know that there may be more than one correct answer.
Be sure to choose the most suitable answer. Read through the correct answers and eliminate any that are not true. Once you think you know which answer is correct, select it and go on to the next question.
If you’re uncertain about what the best answer is, then just make a note next to your answer so that you can review it when you’re done with the test.
5. Know the Types of Questions that can Appear in Exam
In order to best prepare for the FNP exam, it is important to understand what types of questions are likely to appear on the exam. One good way to do this is by reading the FNP’s comprehensive guide and browsing through sample questions.
Another way is to download a study guide from online resources. These guides will often have practice exams which can be very helpful in assessing your preparation for the actual exam.
You can also enroll in a class that teaches some of the subject matter you need to know. The actual benefit of enrolling in a class is you get to know your competition and can compare your preparation with other candidates.
6. Practice Time Management
One of the best ways to prepare for the FNP certification exam is to practice time management. This can help you manage your time, which can, in turn, help you take less time to complete questions. If a question takes two minutes, but is only worth one or two points, then skip it.
There’s no need to waste your time on these easier questions that don’t even contribute to your score or passing rate. Answer difficult questions first and save the easy ones for last.
An easy way to practice time management is to have a study plan. A study plan will help you manage your preparation time, which will eventually help during the actual exam.
