The Ultimate NP Exam Day Game Plan: What to Do Before, During, and After the Test
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
You’ve studied for months, reviewed countless practice questions, and memorized guidelines until your brain feels full. Now exam day is almost here—and you’re wondering: How do I make sure I don’t blow it when it really counts?
The truth is, exam day success comes down to preparation outside the exam itself. How you manage the 24 hours before and the way you handle yourself in the testing center can make all the difference.
Here’s your step-by-step NP exam day game plan:
1. The Night Before: Keep It Calm and Clean
Skip the cram session. If you don’t know it by now, trying to force it in at the last second won’t help—it’ll just spike your stress.
Pack your essentials. Bring your ID, exam confirmation, snacks, and water. Lay out your clothes so there’s no morning scramble.
Wind down early. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep. A calm, rested brain performs better than an overstuffed, exhausted one.
✅ Pro tip: Do a quick 10-minute review of high-yield notes (not 3 hours). Think of it as a confidence boost, not a study session.
2. The Morning Of: Fuel + Focus
Eat a balanced breakfast. Nothing heavy, but enough protein and carbs to sustain you for several hours. Think eggs and toast, oatmeal with fruit, or a smoothie.
Arrive early. Plan to get to the testing center at least 30 minutes before check-in. Rushing = instant anxiety.
Set your mindset. Before walking in, take a moment to breathe and remind yourself: “I’ve prepared. I’m ready. I’m capable.”
3. During the Exam: Pace Yourself
Don’t panic if it feels hard. It’s supposed to. Everyone leaves feeling uncertain—that’s the nature of board exams.
Use the “mark and move” strategy. If you’re stumped, don’t waste time. Mark it, move on, and circle back with a fresh perspective.
Take the breaks offered. Step away, stretch, sip water. Resetting your brain makes a huge difference in endurance.
✅ Pro tip: Many NP candidates struggle with fatigue in the last hour. Train for this by doing timed practice exams so you’re mentally conditioned for the long haul.
4. After the Exam: Reset and Reflect
Don’t overanalyze. Resist the urge to dissect every question with classmates or Google afterward—you’ll just stress yourself out.
Celebrate the effort. Regardless of outcome, you showed up and gave it your all. That’s worth honoring.
Plan your next steps. If you passed, amazing! If you didn’t, know that you’re not alone and you can regroup with a structured plan.
Bottom Line: Exam Day Is About Strategy, Not Perfection
You’ve done the work. Now it’s about execution—showing up rested, focused, and confident. Remember: the boards are testing if you’re safe and ready to practice, not if you’re flawless.
If you want the kind of exam prep that not only teaches the content but also coaches you on strategy and confidence, check out Next-NP: The Affordable, All-in-One NP Board Review. We’re here to help you walk into the exam calm, prepared, and ready to pass on your first try.
Written by Wes Clayton, MSN, FNP-BC
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner | Founder of Next-NP