Study Tips to Pass the Nurse Practitioner Board Exam on Your First Try
Real Talk from a Certified Nurse Practitioner
By Wes Clayton, MSN, FNP-BC
Founder of Next-NP: The Affordable, All-in-One NP Board Review
Passing the NP board exam is a major milestone on your journey to becoming a certified nurse practitioner. Whether you're taking the AANP or ANCC, proper preparation is the key to success — and yes, it is possible to pass on your first try!
Here are our top 7 expert-backed study tips to help you prepare effectively, stay focused, and walk into test day with confidence.
🎯 1. Know the Exam Blueprint Inside and Out
Understanding the structure of your exam helps you prioritize your study time. Download the official exam content outline from:
AANP.org
NursingWorld.org
Break down the topics and focus on high-yield areas such as:
Cardiovascular & respiratory systems
Pharmacology
Endocrine disorders
Clinical decision-making
📅 2. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Cramming doesn’t work for this exam. Aim for at least 8 weeks of structured prep with daily or near-daily study sessions. Use a planner or digital calendar to:
Assign topics to each week
Set weekly goals
Schedule full-length practice exams
Include breaks to avoid burnout
📝 3. Use High-Quality Review Materials
Invest in review resources that are current and evidence-based. We recommend:
An NP-specific online review course (like ours 👩⚕️)
One or two reliable review books
Practice questions from reputable platforms
Be careful not to overwhelm yourself with too many resources — depth > breadth.
❓ 4. Practice Questions Are Non-Negotiable
The more practice questions you do, the more confident you'll feel. Aim for:
75–150 questions per week
Use “test mode” and “study mode”
Carefully review rationales for both right and wrong answers
Focus on clinical judgment — that's a big part of both AANP and ANCC exams.
⏱️ 5. Simulate the Real Exam
At least 2–3 weeks before your test, take a full-length timed exam in one sitting. This helps you:
Build test-day stamina
Manage pacing
Identify weak areas for review
🤝 6. Join a Study Group or Find a Mentor
Studying solo is fine, but having a peer or coach can:
Keep you accountable
Help clarify tricky topics
Provide emotional support
Look for NP student Facebook groups or online course communities where you can connect.
🧘 7. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Test prep is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't neglect:
Sleep
Exercise
Nutrition
Stress management (deep breathing, journaling, etc.)
A calm brain retains more. Protect your mental energy as much as your study time.
✅ Final Thoughts
Passing the NP board exam on your first try is absolutely within reach — with smart preparation, consistent study habits, and the right tools.
🎓 Want extra support? Our Online NP Review Course offers guided study plans, video lectures, question banks, and coaching — all in one place. Enroll now and start studying smarter.