Top 10 Mistakes NP Students Make When Studying for Boards (and How to Avoid Them)
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
Preparing for your Nurse Practitioner board exam is a huge milestone—but even the most dedicated students can get tripped up by common study mistakes. The good news? Every single one of these pitfalls is avoidable with the right mindset and strategies.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 study mistakes NP students make and how YOU can steer clear of them to maximize your chances of passing on the first try.
1. Using Too Many Study Resources
It’s tempting to buy every review book, download every app, or subscribe to multiple courses. But more isn’t better—it’s just overwhelming and confusing.
✅ Pro tip: Pick one high-quality, comprehensive course—like Next-NP—that covers everything you need. Focus on mastering that resource before exploring extras.
2. Skipping Practice Questions
Passive review (just reading or watching videos) won’t cut it. Practice questions mimic the real exam’s style and help reinforce concepts.
✅ Pro tip: Incorporate daily practice questions into your routine. Analyze why answers are right or wrong to deepen your understanding.
3. Ignoring Weak Areas
It’s human nature to focus on what’s easy or familiar. But real improvement comes from confronting your weaknesses head-on.
✅ Pro tip: Identify your weak subjects early and allocate extra study time there. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
4. Not Understanding the Exam Format
Knowing the content is crucial, but so is understanding the test’s structure. Different question types and timing can impact your performance.
✅ Pro tip: Familiarize yourself with the AANP or ANCC exam format. Take timed practice exams to simulate test-day conditions.
5. Waiting Too Long to Start Studying
Procrastination is stress disguised as “just one more day.” Waiting until the last minute cranks up pressure and reduces retention.
✅ Pro tip: Start your prep early. Break your study into manageable weekly goals to avoid burnout and keep momentum steady.
6. Studying Without a Plan
Winging it leads to wasted time and anxiety. A clear, organized study plan keeps you accountable and focused.
✅ Pro tip: Create a weekly schedule with specific topics and tasks. Use checklists to celebrate progress and stay motivated.
7. Avoiding Pharmacology
Pharmacology can be intimidating, but it’s a high-yield topic on the boards. Avoiding it only creates bigger problems later.
✅ Pro tip: Break pharmacology into smaller chunks—focus on drug classes, mechanisms, and common side effects. Regular review builds mastery.
8. Not Taking Breaks
Your brain isn’t a machine—it needs rest to absorb information and stay sharp. Skipping sleep or downtime can backfire.
✅ Pro tip: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and social time. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) to maintain focus.
9. Cramming at the Last Minute
Cramming might work for quick quizzes, but your NP boards demand deep, long-term learning.
✅ Pro tip: Commit to consistent, spaced-out study sessions over weeks or months. This improves memory retention and reduces anxiety.
10. Letting Anxiety Control You
Feeling nervous is normal—but don’t let anxiety hijack your preparation or performance.
✅ Pro tip: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or visualization techniques. Build confidence through steady progress and positive self-talk.
Bottom Line
Success on your NP boards isn’t about perfection—it’s about being strategic and intentional with your study habits. Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll walk into exam day feeling prepared, confident, and ready to pass.
If you want a focused, affordable, all-in-one review designed specifically for the AANP and ANCC exams, check out Next-NP. We provide everything you need to succeed without the overwhelm.
Written by Wes Clayton, MSN, FNP-BC
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner | Founder of Next-NP