FNP-C and FNP-BC Pass Rates

Q: What is the current pass rate for the AANP exam?

The AANP pass rate is currently 81%. This reflects recent testing years and highlights a slight downward trend from historical averages.

Q: What is the current pass rate for the ANCC exam?

The ANCC pass rate sits at 82%. Like the AANP, this number has dropped over the last few years.

Q: Why are the pass rates declining?

Both boards have seen a multi-year decline in pass rates. This trend indicates strict standards for entry-level competency, requiring candidates to study more rigorously.

Q: Is one certification exam easier to pass than the other?

Neither certification is better or easier. The pass rates are nearly identical. Your success depends on how well your study style aligns with the specific test blueprint.

Q: How does the AANP test content compare to the ANCC?

The AANP is purely clinical. The 2024 blueprint weights Assess at 32%, Diagnose at 26.5%, Plan at 26.5%, and Evaluate at 15%.

Q: What is on the ANCC test blueprint?

The ANCC includes clinical questions plus policy, theory, and research. The September 2025 outline covers Implementation (29%), Assessment (19%), Planning (19%), Diagnosis (17%), and Evaluation (15%).

Q: How many questions are on these exams?

The AANP has 135 scored items, and the ANCC has 150 scored items. For the total question count including unscored pretest questions, review the official candidate guides.

Q: What score do I need to pass?

You must achieve a specific scaled score to pass. For the exact passing threshold and scoring methodology, check the ANCC and AANPCB official handbooks.

Q: How often do I need to recertify if I pass?

Both certifications renew every five years. You can maintain your credential through continuing education and clinical practice hours, or by taking the exam again.

Q: Where can I find the specific renewal requirements?

The ANCC and AANPCB each publish their own distinct renewal criteria. Refer to the primary certification websites for the exact breakdown of required contact hours.

Question 1

53 of 150. A 58-year-old female with type 2 diabetes currently manages her condition with NPH insulin 20 units twice daily. She experiences recurrent nocturnal hypoglycemia at 2:00 AM. The NP plans to transition her to once-daily insulin glargine. Which prescription is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe insulin glargine thirty-two units once daily.

Answer

Prescribe insulin glargine forty units once daily.

Answer

Prescribe insulin glargine twenty units once daily.

Answer

Prescribe insulin glargine forty-eight units once daily.

Question 2

14 of 15. A 22-year-old non-pregnant female presents with two days of dysuria and frequency. She reports no vaginal discharge or fever. She has no significant medical history and takes no daily medications. Which diagnostic action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Perform a point-of-care urine dipstick.

Answer

Order a comprehensive urine culture test.

Answer

Obtain a nucleic acid amplification test.

Answer

Order a microscopic urinalysis laboratory test.

Question 3

51 of 150. An 82-year-old frail male reports new-onset urinary incontinence and dizziness upon standing. He recently started furosemide 20 mg daily for bilateral pedal edema. His medication list includes amlodipine 10 mg, lisinopril 10 mg, and atorvastatin 20 mg.

Accepted Answer

Discontinue the furosemide and decrease the amlodipine.

Answer

Prescribe daily oxybutynin and maintain current medications.

Answer

Discontinue the lisinopril and initiate a thiazide.

Answer

Order a metabolic panel and a urinalysis.

Question 4

52 of 150. A 14-year-old with cystic fibrosis presents for a routine follow-up. The patient is currently well-controlled on current regimen and actively participates in high school sports. The parents ask how long the child can remain at the pediatric clinic. Which action by the family nurse practitioner is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Introduce the concept of healthcare transition to the family.

Answer

Transfer care to an adult pulmonologist within one year.

Answer

Require the adolescent to attend clinic visits independently now.

Answer

Maintain pediatric care until the patient reaches age eighteen.

Question 5

48 of 150. A 42-year-old patient with persistent asthma reports using their fluticasone-salmeterol DPI daily but still experiences frequent nocturnal awakenings. The FNP considers adjusting the medication regimen.

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to demonstrate their current inhaler technique.

Answer

Increase the dosage of the current inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

Answer

Add a daily oral leukotriene receptor antagonist medication now.

Answer

Switch the patient to a nebulized corticosteroid therapy regimen.

FNP-C and FNP-BC Pass Rates

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