ANCC Practice Test Questions & Exam Prep
As one of the most vital and in-demand professions around the world, nursing is a career that requires extensive training and education. One common program that aspiring nurses - and even actively employed nurses - often register for is the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program.
The ANCC certification is a credential that can begin or advance your nursing career. Whether you're still a student or have been working in your dream job for years, taking an exam from the ANCC can offer you the chance to become or remain certified.
When it comes to certification exams, the best way to prepare is by taking practice tests. Studies show that the more you practice with practice tests, the better you will likely do on the real thing. At Exam Edge, we provide the most up-to-date ANCC practice questions to ensure you will succeed.
Read on to learn more about ANCC certification exams. Then, reach your credentialing goals with ANCC exam prep from Exam Edge!
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What is ANCC?
The ANCC is the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an organization that promotes excellence in nursing and healthcare worldwide through credentialing and accreditation programs. As a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the ANCC certifies individual nurses in specialty practice areas. It also accredits healthcare organizations that provide and approve continuing nursing education. This professional organization is one of the largest in the world and features many opportunities for networking, education, and certification.
Who Should Take ANCC Certification Tests?
If you are looking to be certified in nursing or nursing specialty areas, the ANCC certification exams are for you. While the tests are open to anyone who meets eligibility requirements, those interested in studying for and eventually taking an ANCC exam usually fall into one of two categories: nursing students and working nurses.
- Nursing students: The first target audience for these exams is current nursing students approaching graduation. If you have completed your necessary coursework and obtained a degree or license, a certification will augment your studies.
Becoming ANCC-certified shows that you have not only completed the base education and training requirements, but also that you went above and beyond to illustrate your expertise and specialization. Earning an ANCC certificate distinguishes you from other recent graduates and further proves your capabilities as a nurse entering the field. - Working nurses: The second target demographic is more experienced nurses who have been out of school for years and desire a certification renewal. As an experienced nurse, you might want to show that you are still solid on the essentials and have stayed up-to-date on new developments in the field, or want to broaden your practice with a new specialty area. No matter your situation, renewing your ANCC certification can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
What is ANCC Certification?
ANCC certification is a professional certification credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification acts as evidence of your nursing expertise and your ability to provide quality patient care and is recognized by employers nationwide as validation of your competence in the field.
What are ANCC Certification Requirements?
To get ANCC certified, you need to pass the ANCC certification test for your specialty area and meet preliminary eligibility requirements.
Before you explore the different test options and begin your test prep, make sure to check your eligibility. Each certification has unique eligibility requirements, but most require at least a valid RN license. You can learn more about the eligibility requirements for your intended certification on the ANCC website:
- For ANCC Certification, go to the ANCC website.
- Select the nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or specialty certification that you want to achieve.
- Review the application information and eligibility FAQs.
What are the Different Types of ANCC Certifications?
The ANCC offers a number of nursing certifications, and Exam Edge offers practice tests to help prepare you for the certification exams. Some of the most popular ANCC certifications include:
ANCC Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The ANCC Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Certification is aimed at registered nurses who want to validate their knowledge and skills as clinical nurse specialists. Passing the test will earn you the CNS-BC credential (Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified), and Exam Edge can help you prepare for the ANCC CNS Core exam.
ANCC Nurse Practitioner
The ANCC offers several Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certifications for registered nurses who want to validate their knowledge and skills in a NP specialty area. Depending on which test you take, you can earn credentials including:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
ANCC Renewal Only
To maintain your ANCC credentials, you need to renew your certification every 5 years. Renewing your certification can be useful for career development, as a recently renewed certificate helps you stand out compared to other nurses who have not taken tests since they began practicing.
The ANCC renewal process requires a few extra steps beyond just one exam since you must show you have actively engaged with your subject and taken hours of classes before exams. However, the effort is more than worth it — obtaining and renewing ANCC certification illustrates your dedication to the nursing profession.
Whether you are a new nurse who recently graduated and is looking for certification or an experienced nurse interested in renewing your ANCC certification, Exam Edge can help you meet all your test prep needs. To find more details about your specific ANCC recertification requirements, enter your credential in the search bar at the top of this page.
ANCC Specialty Certifications
The ANCC offers more than a dozen specialty certifications, including:
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPC)
- Ambulatory Care Nursing (RN)
- Cardiac Vascular Nursing (RN)
- Gerontological Nursing (RN)
- Informatics Nursing (RN-BC Informatics)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing (RN)
- National Healthcare Disaster Certification (NHDP)
- Nurse Executive (NE-BC)
- Nurse Executive - Advanced (NEA-BC)
- Nursing Case Management (RN)
- Pain Management Nursing (RN)
- Pediatric Nursing (RN)
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (RN) .
To earn any of these credentials, you will need to pass the corresponding certification exam. Search our site for your desired test to get further information.
How to Pass ANCC Exams?
To pass an exam, you will need to score at least 350 out of 500 points. Your score out of 500 is known as your "scale score." It is converted from your "raw score," which is simply the number of items you answered correctly.
Depending on which test you take, you will answer 125-150 ANCC exam questions, plus 25 additional "pilot questions" that do not count towards your score.
To maximize your score, do not leave any items blank. There is no penalty for guessing, so it is in your best interest to answer all ANCC test questions.
What are ANCC tests typically broken down by?
The exact breakdown of content, sections, and topics will vary depending on the specific exam you take. However, you can expect the test to have 3 to 5 categories that cover key material in a dedicated subject area, called a content domain. Each category will have a number of questions that assess your knowledge and skills in the topics of that content domain.
- Knowledge: Depending on the exam you take, you may be tested on your knowledge of relevant nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic criteria, theories and techniques, legal policies and principles, and other information.
- Skills: Depending on the exam you take, you may be tested on your skills in leadership and management, communication, cultural competency, patient assessment, diagnosis, ethics, and other applications of your specialized nursing knowledge.
You can learn more about what content makes up your chosen exam by searching online for the official test content outline for the current year's exam. This outline is published by the ANCC, and breaks down:
- The specific categories you will be tested on
- The number of questions in each section
- The percentage of the overall score that each section accounts for
The test content outline also provides a detailed outline of the knowledge and skills you need to be prepared for in each content area.
Besides understanding what constitutes a passing score, the most important part of passing your exam is to create and stick to a practice plan. Read on to learn more about how to study smart and ace the test.
ANCC Exam Prep
Tests offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) demand extensive preparation. ANCC exams are used to qualify healthcare workers for professional practice and are nothing if not challenging, but adequate study and test practice can help you pass with flying colors.
In particular, ANCC practice tests can help you prepare for the real exam. Exam Edge offers several ANCC practice exams to guide your study sessions. A single practice test can reveal both strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to tailor your remaining study sessions to the content areas where you need the most support.
How to prepare for ANCC exams
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Apply
To apply for ANCC certification, you first need to determine your eligibility. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of certification you are interested in. The general requirements usually include:
- A valid RN license
- A certain amount of clinical practice hours
- Specific educational prerequisites
Once you have determined your eligibility, you can apply for the certification on the ANCC website.
Step 2: Schedule the Exam
After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. You can then schedule your exam through Prometric, the testing service used by ANCC. You can choose a testing center near your location and select a convenient date and time for your exam.
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice! After your exam is scheduled comes the most important part of preparation: studying the relevant material and assessing your knowledge with practice tests. This is where we come in! Exam Edge's ANCC practice questions will help you assess your knowledge, focus your study efforts, and give you a preview of the format and style of the real exam so you can be calm and confident on testing day.
Step 4: Take the Exam
On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early so you can check in and get settled before the exam begins. Make sure to bring your ATT email and a valid form of ID.
Location Information and Other Resources
The ANCC's testing partner, Prometric, has testing centers across the United States and internationally. You can find the testing center closest to you through the Prometric website.
For more exam prep tips, check out these blog articles:
- 4 Things You Should Know Before Your ANCC Certification Exam
- How to Prepare for the ANCC FNP Nursing Exam
- ANCC Exam - What You Need to Know
ANCC Practice Exams
Studying for a certification exam can be daunting, but you can prepare efficiently and effectively by utilizing practice tests. Exam Edge's ANCC practice exams come in a variety of formats, including both timed and untimed. Depending on what stage of test prep you are at, you may want to try out both timed and untimed practice exams.
- A timed exam best simulates a real-life exam experience. Timed practice exams help you get comfortable with the pressure of the "ticking clock" and get a gauge of your test-taking pace. Even if you must guess, it is in your best interest to answer every question. A timed online practice test can help you figure out whether you need to answer questions more quickly to complete them all, or if you should slow down your pace and spend more time with each item.
- An untimed exam that includes solution explanations for each test item. Ideal for notetaking and brushing up on the content areas that you feel least confident about, the untimed option is a fantastic study tool. By eliminating the urgency of a timed test, you can remove some of the stress and better assess your knowledge (and knowledge gaps).
Regardless of whether you select a timed or untimed practice test, you will be able to see which ANCC sample questions you got wrong and receive detailed explanations for what the correct answer actually is. Both options are available for every Exam Edge practice exam.
We also help by working with your schedule, since all our tests are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You have the option to pause and resume exams at your convenience. Furthermore, since everyone has their own preferences for studying in this technological era, Exam Edge is compatible with all devices - you can even start a test on one device and resume on another!
These various options and formats are designed with you in mind. Your focus should be on acing your practice tests, not on worrying about when or how to study. Whether you decide to study in the library with a group of your classmates, from a coffee shop with a trusted friend, or alone on your couch, Exam Edge is there!
Try a FREE ANCC Practice Test
If you are still questioning whether an ANCC practice exam is right for you, try out a complimentary Exam Edge ANCC practice test to see whether it works for you. Our ten-question sample tests are free and include both timed and untimed options. These easy-to-use practice test features can add tremendous value to your study efforts. By understanding exactly how to pace yourself on the actual test, you can ensure you never run out of time to answer the questions. Untimed practice tests can be equally useful - take notes and learn at your own pace while you plug away at one question at a time.
If you like what you see, consider signing up today for all of your ANCC test prep needs. Study after study has revealed just how helpful practice tests are to the exam preparation process - they're one of the most effective study tools available.
Whatever your ambitions, our practice exams can help prepare you for ANCC exams, qualify for professional certification, and get taken more seriously by hiring managers everywhere.
Try it for yourself: take a free ANCC practice test online with Exam Edge!
ANCC Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Exams
The ANCC Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health CNS certification test is a rigorous examination designed to validate a nurse's competence in providing psychiatric and mental health care to adult patients. The test covers a variety of topics, including biophysical and psychosocial foundations, diagnostic and treatment modalities, as well as ethical, legal, and practice issues. Successful completion of this exam demonstrates the nurse's expertise in this specialized field, meeting the highest standards of professionalism and care in psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Professional Practice - 30%
Organizational/System - 11%
175 questions await examinees of the ANCC® Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists (AGCNS) test. The exam was designed to gauge the content knowledge and practical skills required for a job in the healthcare field. Expect questions on topics including the assessment and diagnosis of patients, planning and implementation of treatment, as well as program evaluation. To earn a passing score, you’ll need to be familiar with the body systems, drug agents, and age groups of patients you’ll serve. Understanding of nursing organizational systems will also come in handy on this challenging test.
Planning and Implementation - 44%
Evaluation - 28%
ANCC Nurse Practitioner Exams
The ANCC® Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) exam was developed to assess the skills, experience and content knowledge of aspiring healthcare workers. Certification awaits those who can earn a passing score on this challenging exam. 175 questions await examinees, so be ready to address topics including the patient assessment process, plan of care, as well as professional practice. A familiarity with the body systems, drug agents, and age group of prospective patients will also serve you well.
Clinical Practice - 46%
Role-Professional Responsibility - 33%
Health Care Systems - 5%
If you’re graduating from your nursing program soon, chances are good you’ll need to take and pass the ANCC® Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) exam before you earn your certification. Created to measure the skills and content knowledge of aspiring primary care nurse practitioners, the test is nothing if not challenging. On test day, you’ll face 175 questions on topics including pharmacology, disease prevention, diagnostic test results interpretation, as well as the management of co-morbidities and social assessments.
Plan of Care - 62%
IProfessional Practice - 15%
Your ability to assess, diagnose, plan and evaluate patient care will be put to the test with the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner exam. With 150 multiple-choice questions to answer in a span of just three hours, it’s a good idea to incorporate practice testing into your exam prep. Thankfully, Exam Edge has a library of tools, resources and practice tests to help you get ready for the big test. Get started now by signing up for a free sample practice exam!
Diagnosis - 17%
Planning - 19%
Implementation - 29%
Evaluation - 15%
175 questions await registrants of the ANCC® Nursing Professional Development (NPD) exam. 25 items are pilot questions that won’t count towards your final score. The remaining 150 questions focus on topics including education, leadership, communications, ethics, legal, practice and process improvement, as well as technology and program management. Take time to review theories, foundations and best practices of these content areas ahead of your exam date and you’re sure to earn the score you need for this certification.
Leadership - 14.67%
Communication - 12.67%
Ethical/Legal - 20.00%
Practice and Process Improvement - 8.67%
Technology - 7.33%
Program and Project Management - 7.33%
The ANCC Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification test is a comprehensive examination specifically designed for nurses who wish to specialize in pediatric primary care. It evaluates competency and knowledge in health promotion, disease prevention, and management of health conditions in pediatric patients. The test consists of 175 questions covering areas like assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates a nurse’s advanced expertise in pediatric primary care and can enhance their career opportunities. It’s a globally recognized certification, often required for advanced nursing roles in many healthcare institutions.
Health Care Policy and Delivery - 10%
Clinical Assessment - 28%
Clinical Management - 31%
The ANCC® Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) (PMHNP) exam was developed to measure the knowledge, skills and experience of aspiring healthcare workers. This 175 question exam covers topics including the foundations of science, advanced practice skills, diagnosis and treatment, psychotherapy and ethical and legal principles. To ensure you earn a passing score, take time to review these content areas and take a practice test or two. It’s the best way to determine how you’d fare if the exam were tomorrow.
Advanced Practice Skills - 27%
Diagnosis and Treatment - 22%
Psychotherapy and Related Theories - 11%
Ethical and Legal Principles - 17%
ANCC Renewal Only Exams
200 questions await examinees of the ANCC® Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPC) test. Designed to gauge the skills, talents and knowledge of aspiring nurse practitioners, the exam covers topics including clinical practice, core competencies, professional responsibility and health care systems. Advanced knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology are required to earn a passing score on this rigorous exam. If you’re hoping to pass on your first attempt, be sure to revisit the principles of pharmacology before your test date.
Assessment and Diagnosis - 23.60%
Clinical Management - 33.90%
Health Care Delivery - 14.10%
Professional Responsibility - 14.10%
The ANCC Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification test is a comprehensive examination for registered nurses seeking to validate their expertise in adult health nursing. This certification, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), evaluates candidates on their knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing diseases, promoting health, and preventing illnesses in adult populations. It also tests their ability to integrate research into practice, improve healthcare delivery, and influence health policies. Successful candidates earn the credential of Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist-Board Certified (ACNS-BC), which enhances their professional credibility.
Organization/Network/Health System - 15.30%
Basic and Applied Science - 10.70%
Research - 7.30%
Education - 11.40%
Professional Attributes - 14%
The ANCC Adult Nurse Practitioner certification test is a comprehensive examination for nurses who have specialized in adult care. Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), this test evaluates the nurse's knowledge and skills in areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic illnesses. It covers diverse areas including diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education. Successful completion of the exam validates the nurse's expertise in adult nursing, enhancing their professional credibility and providing opportunities for career advancement.
Professional Role - 14%
Health Care Policy and Delivery - 12%
Health Assessment - 22%
Clinical Management - 30%
The ANCC Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health NP certification test is a comprehensive examination for aspiring psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners. Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the test covers a range of topics, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion, and disease prevention. It assesses candidates' knowledge and skills in managing mental health disorders in adult and geriatric patients. Successful completion results in national certification, validating the NP's expertise in this specialized field of nursing. The exam not only enhances professional credibility but also improves patient outcomes in psychiatric and mental health care.
Professional Role and Policy - 40%
Independent Practice Competencies - 31%
The ANCC Advanced Public Health Nursing certification test is a competency-based examination that validates a nurse's skills and knowledge in the field of public health. The test covers a wide range of topics, including health promotion and disease prevention, health policy, professional role and policy development. Candidates must hold a current, active RN license and a master's, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from an advanced public health nursing program. The certification exam consists of 175 questions, and passing it demonstrates a nurse's ability to provide high-quality care in public health settings.
Theories and Concepts of Human Development - 4.00%
Theories and Concepts of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - 10.00%
Evaluation and Research - 5.33%
Assessment of Public and Community Health - 10.67%
Strategies to Improve Public and Community Health - 17.33%
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Risk Reduction - 10.00%
Education for Populations and Communities - 8.00%
Health Systems, Organizations, and Networks - 12.67%
Leadership - 4.67%
The ANCC Child/Adolescent Psych and Mental Health CNS certification test is a comprehensive examination for nurses specializing in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health care. It validates their knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and manage psychological disorders in young patients. The exam covers various topics, including therapeutic relationships, mental health interventions, and psychopharmacology. This certification, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), is highly respected in the industry and often leads to higher paying roles and increased job opportunities for certified nurses.
Professional Role - 25.33%
Scope and Standards of Practice - 16%
Organizations/Health Systems - 9.33%
The ANCC Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Certification test is a standardized exam designed to validate the skills and knowledge of clinical nurse specialists. This rigorous exam covers a wide range of topics, including patient care, system leadership, and ethical considerations in nursing. Successful completion of the test ensures that the certified nurse is competent in providing high-quality care, boosting patient outcomes and safety. The certification is recognized nationwide in the U.S, enhancing the professional credibility of the nurse. It is an essential stepping-stone for nurses seeking to advance their career in specialized nursing fields.
The ANCC Community Health Nursing certification test is a comprehensive examination for registered nurses seeking specialized knowledge in community health nursing. The test assesses the nurse's ability to practice in areas such as health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and health maintenance. The exam covers various domains, including clinical practice, consultation, education, and case management. The certification signifies the nurse's expertise in the field, enhancing their professional credibility and marketability. The ANCC certification is nationally recognized, demonstrating the nurse's commitment to providing high-quality care in community health settings.
Theories and Concepts of Human Development - 4.00%
Theories and Concepts of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - 10.00%
Evaluation and Research - 5.33%
Assessment of Public and Community Health - 10.67%
Strategies to Improve Public and Community Health - 17.33%
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Risk Reduction - 10.00%
Education for Populations and Communities - 8.00%
Health Systems, Organizations, and Networks - 12.67%
Leadership - 4.67%
The ANCC General Nursing Exam is a certification test administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This exam evaluates a nurse's knowledge and skills in general nursing practices. It is an essential step for nurses aiming to advance their careers, as it certifies them as competent and proficient within their field. The test covers areas such as patient care, nursing practice, communication, professional roles, and healthcare systems. Passing this exam demonstrates a nurse's commitment to excellence, adherence to national standards, and readiness to provide the highest quality of care.
The ANCC Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification test is a comprehensive examination for registered nurses seeking to demonstrate their expertise in gerontological care. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis and management of health/illness states, and healthcare systems and policies. The test also evaluates a candidate's ability to provide advanced nursing care to older adults. Successful completion of this exam indicates a high level of knowledge and skill in gerontological nursing and qualifies the nurse for advanced practice roles in this field.
Theories of Aging and Theories Applicable to Age - 2 %
Advanced Clinical Practice - 43 %
Organization/Network/Health System - 15 %
Research - 6 %
Education - 8 %
Professionalism - 21 %
The ANCC Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification test is a comprehensive evaluation designed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This exam assesses a nurse's knowledge and skills in gerontology, the specialized care of elderly populations. It covers areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnosis and management of complex health conditions in older adults. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates proficiency in geriatric nursing and leads to board certification, enhancing professional credibility and career prospects. It is an important step for nurses seeking to specialize in gerontological care.
Clinical Assessment - 30.67%
Clinical Management - 36.0%
The ANCC Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification test is a credentialing exam for nurses who specialize in pediatric care. The test assesses knowledge and skills necessary to administer safe and effective care to children. It covers a broad range of topics, including growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, and management of specific health problems in children. The certification, recognized nationally, validates the nurse’s competency in pediatric nursing, enhancing their professional credibility and opening doors for career advancement. A bachelor's degree in nursing and two years of professional experience are prerequisites for the test.
Advanced Practice Nursing - 33%
Advanced Nursing Practice Environments - 06%
Basic and Applied Science - 22%
Research - 05%
Education and Health Teaching - 10%
The ANCC Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist certification test is a comprehensive exam for registered nurses seeking to validate their expertise in public health. The test covers various topics including health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, and public health policies. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in community assessment, program planning and evaluation, policy development, and health education. The examination assesses the nurse's ability to apply this knowledge in practical, real-world situations. The certification attests to the nurse's qualifications and competence in the public/community health nursing field.
Theories and Concepts of Human Development - 4.00%
Theories and Concepts of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - 10.00%
Evaluation and Research - 5.33%
Assessment of Public and Community Health - 10.67%
Strategies to Improve Public and Community Health - 17.33%
Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Risk Reduction - 10.00%
Education for Populations and Communities - 8.00%
Health Systems, Organizations, and Networks - 12.67%
Leadership - 4.67%
ANCC Specialty Certifications Exams
The ANCC Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioners certification test is a comprehensive examination for nurses seeking to enhance their professional credibility. It validates their expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, assessing health status, and developing treatment plans for adults. The exam covers a range of topics, including clinical management, health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. This certification test is globally recognized and signifies advanced knowledge and skills in adult acute care nursing practice. Successful completion of the exam demonstrates a nurse's commitment to high standards of care.
Clinical Practice - 45%
Professional Role - 32%
200 questions await examinees of the ANCC® Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPC) test. Designed to gauge the skills, talents and knowledge of aspiring nurse practitioners, the exam covers topics including clinical practice, core competencies, professional responsibility and health care systems. Advanced knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology are required to earn a passing score on this rigorous exam. If you’re hoping to pass on your first attempt, be sure to revisit the principles of pharmacology before your test date.
Communication - 22.67%
Professional Issues - 6.00%
Systems - 10.67%
Education - 10%
The ANCC® Cardiac Vascular Nursing (RN) test consists of 150 questions. 25 of the questions are pilot items that don’t count towards your overall score, but the remaining 125 questions address five main content domains: assessment and diagnosis, planning and implementation, evaluation and modification, as well as patient and community education. Since the test represents the final hurdle in your quest to become certified, it pays to spend your time preparing as thoroughly as possible ahead of your exam date.
Planning and Implementation - 35%
Evaluation and Modification - 22%
Patient and Community Education - 18%
If you’re hoping to become a registered nurse specializing in gerontological nursing, this certification exam is for you. Designed to measure the skills and knowledge of new nurses, the ANCC® Gerontological Nursing (RN) exam consists of 150 questions. 25 items are pilot questions that will not count toward your overall score, but the remaining 125 questions address topics including assessing and diagnosing patients, planning, implementing and evaluating treatments, as well as the professional foundations of modern nursing.
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation - 40%
Professional Foundation - 32%
The ANCC® Informatics Nursing (RN-BC Informatics) test is a competency based exam that challenges aspiring nurses on their skills and content knowledge. With 175 questions to face during the testing period, examinees must be as prepared as possible if they hope to earn a passing score. To ensure you’re ready for anything the test might throw your way, take time to review topics including the foundations of professional practice, system design life cycle, as well as data management and healthcare technology. With enough advanced preparation, you’re sure to earn the certification you deserve.
System Design Life Cycle - 35%
Data Management and Healthcare Technology - 29%
The ANCC Medical-Surgical Nursing certification test is a credentialing examination for registered nurses who wish to specialize in medical-surgical nursing. Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the test evaluates a candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as patient assessment, disease management, and health promotion. Successful completion signifies that the nurse possesses the required competencies to provide high-quality care in a medical-surgical setting. The certification is recognized globally and can enhance career opportunities and credibility. It is recommended that nurses have two years of full-time practice in a medical-surgical setting before attempting the exam.
Planning, Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation - 46%
Professional Role - 12%
The ANCC National Healthcare Disaster Certification (NHDP-BC) is a competency-based exam designed to validate a healthcare professional's ability to manage and coordinate disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. This certification test evaluates one's knowledge and skills in disaster medicine, public health, disaster logistics, crisis communication, and worker safety. The test is for registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals who have at least two years of experience in disaster professional or volunteer roles. The certification signifies proficiency in delivering effective disaster healthcare.
Preparedness - 36%
Response - 29%
Recovery - 16%
The ANCC Nurse Executive certification test is a professional credentialing exam for registered nurses who aspire to occupy executive roles. It evaluates the candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, business skills, professional practice models, healthcare systems and organizations, and quality improvement. The test comprises 175 questions, which must be completed within 3.5 hours. Passing this exam attests to the nurse's ability to effectively manage a healthcare team, contributing to improved patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. It is recognized as a gold standard in nursing leadership certification.
Quality and Safety - 21%
Business Management - 14%
Health Care Delivery - 33%
The ANCC Nurse Executive-Advanced certification test is a comprehensive evaluation designed for nursing professionals seeking to validate their expertise in advanced nursing leadership. The exam assesses various competencies including strategic management, communication, leadership, professionalism, and knowledge management. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including a valid RN license, a master's degree or higher in nursing administration, and a minimum of two years full-time employment in a nurse executive role. This certification enhances career prospects and demonstrates a commitment to exceptional nursing practices.
Quality and Safety - 24%
Human Capital Management - 14%
Health Care Delivery - 27%
The ANCC Nursing Case Management certification test is a professional examination developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It validates a nurse's ability to effectively manage patient cases, including assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy. The test covers various topics such as health care management and delivery, principles of practice, case management concepts, and psycho-social aspects of care. Candidates must have an active RN license and two years of full-time nursing practice, including 2,000 hours of case management experience and 30 hours of continuing education in nursing case management.
Care Coordination - 30%
Quality Management - 30%
Health Promotion - 20%
The ANCC Pain Management Nursing certification exam is a professional test designed for registered nurses who specialize in pain management. This certification validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in this specialized field, demonstrating their competence to employers and patients. The exam covers various aspects of pain management, including assessment, pharmacology, interventions, and patient education. It ensures that a nurse is capable of providing high-quality care to patients suffering from acute or chronic pain. Achieving this certification requires ongoing education and dedication to the field of pain management.
Interventions - 42%
Professional Practice - 15%
* Total is not 100% due to rounding
The ANCC Pediatric Nursing Certification test is a professional examination developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It is designed to validate competency in all aspects of pediatric nursing. The test covers a wide range of topics including child growth and development, disease prevention, diagnostic tests, treatment procedures, and family-centered care. The certification is recognized nationally and often required for advanced roles in pediatric nursing. It showcases a nurse's expertise, knowledge, and skills in this specialized field, enhancing career opportunities and credibility in patient care.
Planning and Implementation - 30%
Evaluation - 36%
The ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing board certification examination is a competency-based exam that measures a nurse's ability to perform at a proficient level in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Covering areas like assessment, diagnosis, planning, and treatment of mental health disorders, the test evaluates the applicant's understanding of psychiatric nursing practices. Passing this exam certifies the nurse as an expert in mental health nursing, enhancing their professional credibility and opening up more career opportunities. The exam requires rigorous preparation and a deep understanding of the field.
Planning - 22%
Implementation - 39%
Evaluation - 18%