What is the FNP Exam Format and How Many Questions?
The AANP FNP-C exam contains 150 questions to be completed in 3 hours, using only single-answer multiple-choice items. The ANCC FNP-BC exam contains 175 questions over 3.5 hours and includes alternative item types like multiple-select and drag-and-drop.
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- How many questions are scored on the AANP exam?
- The AANP exam has 150 total questions, but only 135 are scored. The remaining 15 are unscored pretest items used to evaluate future test material.
- How many questions are scored on the ANCC exam?
- The ANCC exam has 175 total questions, with 150 of them scored. You will see 25 unscored pretest items mixed throughout the test.
- How much time do I get for the test?
- You get 3 hours to finish the AANP exam. If you take the ANCC version, you have 3.5 hours.
- What types of questions are on the AANP FNP-C?
- The AANP uses a traditional multiple-choice format. Every item has exactly one correct answer.
- What types of questions are on the ANCC FNP-BC?
- The ANCC uses mixed item types. You will see standard multiple-choice, plus alternative formats like multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and hot-spot image questions.
- What is the passing score for the AANP exam?
- You need a score of 500 to pass the AANP test. The scoring scale ranges from 200 to 800.
- What is the passing score for the ANCC exam?
- The ANCC passing score is 350. This is based on a scale that runs from 0 to 500.
- How are the clinical domains weighted on the AANP exam?
- The 2024 AANP blueprint divides the 135 scored items into four domains: Assess (32%), Diagnose (26.5%), Plan (26.5%), and Evaluate (15%).
- How are the clinical domains weighted on the ANCC exam?
- The ANCC blueprint (effective September 4, 2025) splits 150 scored items across five domains: Implementation (29%), Assessment (19%), Planning (19%), Diagnosis (17%), and Evaluation (15%).
- Does one exam format include non-clinical questions?
- Yes. The ANCC FNP-BC format includes questions on nursing policy, theory, and research. The AANP FNP-C format focuses purely on clinical knowledge.
- Are breaks included in the exam time?
- Neither testing body builds mandatory break time into your total testing window. If you need to step away, the clock keeps running. For specific policies on leaving the room, check the ANCC (FNP-BC) & AANPCB (FNP-C) official handbook.
- What items can I bring into the testing room?
- You cannot bring personal items, electronics, or study materials into the testing area. For a complete list of prohibited items and locker availability, consult the official AANPCB or ANCC candidate manuals.
- How should I prepare for these question formats?
- Work through realistic clinical scenarios. You can use our database of 3000+ practice questions to get comfortable with both single-answer and alternative item types before test day.
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94 of 150. A 72-year-old patient with postherpetic neuralgia and NYHA Class III heart failure was started on p…