Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Exam Study Plan
Get ready for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) exam with our FNP study plan. No matter which FNP certification exam you choose to take, we’ll help you make the most of your test prep. Get a free FNP study guide from Kaplan, recommended FNP study materials, information about the two FNP certification exams, and more. Passing the FNP exam is a huge accomplishment, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s how to get started.
[ READ NEXT: What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner? ]
What is the FNP Exam?
After completing an FNP program, you’ll need to pass an exam to be certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Nursing students have two exam options for FNP certification:
- The ANCC FNP exam, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
- The AANP FNP exam, offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
The two FNP exams are similar, but have some key differences which are detailed below.
AANP Exam vs. the ANCC Exam
When deciding between the AANP exam and the ANCC exam for your FNP certification, consider your career goals. If you are interested in teaching or research, earning ANCC certification is likely the right choice for you. If you are pursuing a clinical career, then the AANP certification is your best option. Regardless, both exams certify you as an FNP and validate your expertise. In the table below, we break down some other key differences between the FNP exams.
| FNP Exam | AANP Exam | ANCC Exam |
| Credentialing Body | The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board | American Nurses Credentialing Center |
| Question Topics | Tests abilities in assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluation. | Tests clinical skills, risk assessment, and more. |
| Number of Questions | 150 questions | 175 questions |
| Exam Length | 3 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Credential | FNP-C | FNP-BC™ |
Which FNP exam should I take?
Both the ANCC and the AANPCB offer FNP exams that will certify you to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Which one you take is ultimately up to you and your career goals. Typically, NPs who want to pursue a career in teaching and research will take the ANCC exam and those who want a clinical career take the AANP exam.
Is the FNP exam hard?
Both the ANCC and the AANP FNP board exams are known to be challenging, so test prep is essential. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last-minute to study. Both exams have their own rules for retaking the test: for the ANCC exam, you have to wait 60 days to apply to retest and you may not test more than three times in a year. If you fail the AANP exam, you are required to complete at least 15 hours of advanced practice continuing education in your areas of weakness as indicated on your score report. The bottom line: start your FNP test prep early so you have enough time to prepare and can pass the FNP exam on your first attempt!
How To Create an FNP Study Plan
Learn how to create an FNP study plan that works for you and your schedule. We’ll help you get started by providing a general overview of how to study for the FNP exam.
Free FNP Study Guide
Kaplan experts have created a free FNP study guide to enhance your test prep. This comprehensive resource is a free sample from our upcoming FNP Board Review Course and focuses on Cardiovascular conditions, including risk factors, diagnostics, and management. Download a free copy to use in your studies today!
Here are some other study materials we recommend using during your FNP test prep.
Kaplan’s FNP Exam Prep Free Trial
Experience our immersive and innovative on-demand program that comes with everything you need to prep for the ANCC and AANP exams before the complete review course is available. You’ll get access to 15 Qbank questions, a video lesson, Micro Virtual Simulations, and more!
Kaplan’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Prep Plus
Kaplan’s premier FNP test prep book is your step-by-step guide to scoring higher on the FNP exam. Get realistic practice with 800+ practice questions and expert guidance, including exclusive test-taking and study strategies that optimize your preparation.
FNP Exam Pop Quizzes
See how you would do on the AANP and ANCC FNP exams by taking these short quizzes!
