What you'll get
Master every topic
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A full FNP exam simulator. The only way
to combat test anxiety and be fully prepared.
Practice questions similar to the actual exam.
Know what to expect on the
exam day.
In-depth rationales created by industry leaders.
Insider tips and secrets from past test-takers.
10 Practice Tests updated for the latest FNP version.
Each answer is explained in-depth to make the reasoning behind it crystal clear.
How to behave on the exam day.
Part 1: FNP Practice Tests
Full-length FNP practice tests that mirror the real Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) exam.
Each answer is explained in-depth to make the principles behind it crystal clear.
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Let me know if this sounds familiar:
You've been preparing for the FNP exam and, chances are, you've already tried a few (or all) of the following:
-You’ve searched practice questions online and you saw how few are on the web
-You’ve bought an expensive course, but it didn't offer enough practice materials
-You’ve tried finding practice materials online (maybe even Youtube videos) and haven’t been able to figure out how to get any value from them
Stop.
The problem is not you... it's the training industry.
Without ExamReview
Uncertainty on exam day
Inaccurate Practice Questions
Confusing Explanations
Exam Anxiety
With ExamReview
Know what to expect
Exam-like Practice Questions
Crystal Clear Explanations
Confidence
Let us show you the best route:
What is the FNP Exam?
The FNP exam is a national certification exam that evaluates the clinical knowledge and decision-making abilities required to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The test is administered by two certifying bodies:
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American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) → FNP-C (Certified)
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American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) → FNP-BC (Board Certified)
Both exams assess your ability to diagnose, treat, and manage patients across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. Passing either exam allows you to practice as an FNP in primary care settings, hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
FNP Exam Outline
FNP-C (AANP) Exam Format:
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150 multiple-choice questions
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3-hour time limit
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Clinical-focused questions
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Pass/fail scoring system
FNP-BC (ANCC) Exam Format:
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175 questions (150 scored + 25 pretest questions)
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3.5-hour time limit
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Includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions
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Focuses on clinical and non-clinical topics (evidence-based practice, policy, ethics)
Both exams evaluate your ability to diagnose, manage, and treat various medical conditions across different age groups.
The FNP exam topics are:
✅ FNP-C (AANP) Content Areas:
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Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment (36%)
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Pathophysiology (24%)
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Pharmacology (18%)
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Professional and Legal Issues (10%)
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Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (12%)
✅ FNP-BC (ANCC) Content Areas:
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Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment (45%)
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Professional Issues (10%)
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Health Promotion (10%)
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Research and Evidence-Based Practice (10%)
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Policy, Ethics, and Legal Considerations (10%)
What is the format of the FNP exam?
The FNP exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered at Prometric testing centers.
Question Types:
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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Drag-and-Drop Questions (FNP-BC only)
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Case-Based Scenarios
What score is needed to pass, and how is the test graded?
FNP-C (AANP) Grading:
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Scaled Score: 500 or higher required to pass
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Scores range from 200-800
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No partial credit for multiple-answer questions
FNP-BC (ANCC) Grading:
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Scores range from 200-500
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350+ required to pass
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Includes experimental questions that do not count toward the final score
Both exams use scaled scoring, meaning difficulty levels are factored into your final score.
How is the test administered, and what should I bring on exam day?
The FNP exam is administered at Prometric testing centers, which provide a secure and distraction-free environment.
What to Expect on Test Day:
✅ Identification Requirements:
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Bring two forms of ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID).
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The name on your ID must match your registration name exactly.
✅ Arrival & Check-in:
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Arrive 30 minutes early for security screening.
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Expect fingerprint scanning and photo verification.
✅ Testing Environment:
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No personal items allowed (phones, bags, jackets, notes).
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Lockers available for storage.
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Noise-canceling headphones provided upon request.
🚨 Tip: Familiarize yourself with the Prometric test center rules ahead of time to avoid any issues.
How soon will I receive my results, and what happens if I don’t pass?
FNP-C (AANP) Results:
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Immediate pass/fail notification after the exam.
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Official scores available in 1-2 weeks via email.
FNP-BC (ANCC) Results:
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Unofficial pass/fail notice immediately after the exam.
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Official certificate arrives within 8-12 weeks.
What If You Fail?
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FNP-C (AANP): Can retake after 15 days (maximum 2 attempts per year).
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FNP-BC (ANCC): Can retake after 60 days (maximum 3 attempts per year).
What career opportunities open up after passing the FNP exam?
With an FNP certification, you can work in:
🏥 Primary Care Clinics (Family Medicine, Urgent Care)
🚑 Emergency Rooms & Acute Care Settings
👩⚕️ Telemedicine & Virtual Healthcare
🏫 Schools & University Health Centers
🏠 Home Health & Long-Term Care
💼 Private Practice & Entrepreneurship
Many FNPs go on to pursue subspecialties, including pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, and pain management.
How to Study for the FNP Exam:
A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for the Family Nurse Practitioner FNP exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right study techniques, resources, and mindset, you can pass with confidence.
This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to help you effectively study, practice, and perform well on exam.
1. Understand the FNP Exam Structure
Familiarize yourself with exam content, question types, and scoring. Prioritize high-yield topics such as:
✔ Pharmacology & Prescribing Guidelines
✔ Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD)
✔ Acute Care Decision-Making
2. Gather the Right Study Materials
To ensure a comprehensive study experience, invest in high-quality study materials:
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Online Practice Tests: Familiarity with the FNP exam format is key. Practice tests help you build confidence, improve time management, and identify weak areas. On our platform, you can access 10 full-length practice tests FREE for 7 days — a risk-free opportunity to sharpen your skills before the real exam.
➡️ Start Practicing Now at www.exam-review.com
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Flashcards: Flashcards are a proven tool for memorizing drug classifications, clinical guidelines, and diagnostic criteria. Use our FNP-specific flashcard decks—or create your own based on the core areas of Pharmacology, Primary Care Management, and Diagnostic Reasoning. Short, targeted review sessions with flashcards can boost your recall, sharpen clinical thinking, and help you retain the key facts needed to pass the FNP exam with confidence.
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Video Tutorials: Visual learners can benefit tremendously from watching video tutorials when preparing for the FNP exam. While the exam is computer-based and not hands-on, it strongly emphasizes clinical decision-making through patient scenarios. Video guides on topics like chronic disease management, evidence-based pharmacology, and primary care diagnostics can make complex material easier to absorb. Platforms like YouTube and specialized nursing education sites offer a wide range of FNP-focused content—look for channels that specifically target AANP or ANCC FNP exam preparation for the most relevant and high-yield support.
3. Review Clinical Skills
The FNP exam isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying clinical knowledge to real patient situations. Practicing with realistic case scenarios is essential for building clinical judgment, diagnostic accuracy, and confidence on exam day.
🩺 Practice Clinical Decision-Making
If you're studying independently or in a study group, focus on:
✔ Differential diagnosis – Distinguish between conditions with similar symptoms (e.g., URI vs. sinusitis)
✔ Pharmacologic management – Choose the safest and most effective medications for chronic and acute conditions
✔ Wellness & prevention – Apply age-specific screening, immunization schedules, and anticipatory guidance
✔ Triage & prioritization – Decide what needs immediate attention and what can wait
🧠 Simulate Exam-Like Scenarios
The AANP and ANCC exams include clinical case questions that require critical thinking. To prepare:
✅ Work through case studies – Use patient scenarios to walk through history-taking, diagnosis, and treatment planning
✅ Use question banks with rationales – Focus on why an answer is correct or incorrect
✅ Practice with FNP peers – Discuss clinical guidelines and challenge each other with real-world examples
4. Master Key Skills for Clinical Judgment
To succeed on the FNP exam, you must go beyond memorization and demonstrate strong clinical reasoning—the ability to assess, prioritize, and manage patient care based on evidence-based guidelines.
🧠 Critical Thinking
The AANP and ANCC exams are filled with patient scenarios that test your ability to make informed decisions.
💡 Pro Tip: Use "what-if" questions while you study. For example:
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What would I do first for an adult with new-onset shortness of breath and wheezing?
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Which medication is safest for managing hypertension in pregnancy?
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How would I counsel a parent whose child is behind on immunizations?
⚖️ Prioritization & Clinical Decision-Making
As an FNP, knowing what to do first in a primary care setting is key to passing the exam and keeping patients safe.
✔ Follow clinical frameworks like SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)
✔ Practice triage skills—know when to refer, when to treat, and when to educate
✔ Use case studies and practice questions to simulate decision-making under pressure
5. Take Practice Exams Regularly
Practice exams are one of the most effective ways to prepare:
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Timed Practice Tests: Simulate real exam conditions by timing yourself. This can improve your pacing and manage test-day anxiety.
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Analyze Your Results: After each practice test, review your incorrect answers to identify your weaknesses. Focus on these areas in your future study sessions.
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Set Goals: Aim to improve your score with each practice test, working toward a passing score for your state.
Start your free 7-day trial and get 10 realistic tests to track your progress and build confidence. Practice regularly, focus on key areas, and be ready for test day! Try it now at exam-review.com/free-trial-fnp.
6. Create a Study Schedule
A well-structured study plan keeps you on track, reduces overwhelm, and ensures you cover all high-yield content areas tested on the FNP exam (AANP or ANCC).
📅 Week 1:
✅ Review Pharmacology & Prescribing Guidelines
✅ Watch video tutorials on drug classes and common side effects
✅ Take a quiz on medication safety, interactions, and calculations
📅 Week 2:
✅ Focus on Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia)
✅ Study current screening and treatment guidelines
✅ Take practice questions that include differential diagnoses
📅 Week 3:
✅ Study Acute Care & Primary Care Scenarios (e.g., UTI, asthma, GI complaints)
✅ Review Preventive Care: immunization schedules, well visits, pediatric milestones
✅ Complete a full-length FNP practice test and review your weak areas
📅 Week 4 (Final Review):
✅ Take a second full-length timed mock exam
✅ Focus on rationales for missed questions
✅ Use flashcards and clinical case drills for quick recall
✅ Rest and prep your materials for exam day success
7. Focus on the Psychomotor Skills
While the FNP exam challenges your ability to make safe, accurate decisions in high-pressure clinical scenarios. That means you must master the practical application of nursing knowledge—not just the theory.
🩺 Core Clinical Skills to Master for the FNP Exam:
✔ Triage & prioritization – Know which patient needs attention first
✔ Differential diagnosis – Distinguish similar conditions using clinical clues
✔ Pharmacologic decision-making – Prescribe safely and appropriately
✔ Health promotion & preventive care – Apply screening and counseling guidelines
🔄 Clinical Reasoning Practice Tips:
👩⚕️ Work through patient case studies to simulate real clinical visits
📚 Use practice questions with detailed rationales to learn from mistakes
🎯 Focus on guideline-based care plans to strengthen treatment decisions
📱 Record yourself talking through clinical cases to refine your diagnostic reasoning
Take an FNP Practice Test
Conclusion
To prepare for the FNP exam, the best approach is a combination of studying key concepts and practicing with exam-like questions. Regular practice helps you become familiar with the exam format, time limits, and question types, ensuring you feel confident when it’s time to take the test.
With ExamReview, you gain access to a variety of FNP practice tests that mirror the real exam. Our platform allows you to track your progress, focus on areas needing improvement, and build the critical skills required to pass. Get ready for success—practice with ExamReview and approach your FNP exam with confidence!
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