ANCC FNP Exam Breakdown: Topics Covered

Published by Latrina Walden

  • April 11, 2025
  • 02:59

Latrina Walden

Founder & CEO of LWES | MSN, MHA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP

Welcome to LWES! Our mission is to support your journey toward ANCC certification by offering comprehensive resources that guide you through every step—from exam preparation to advancing your career as a certified FNP.

Meet The Author

Latrina Walden

Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses through an Academy.
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Table of Contents

    If you're preparing for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exam, knowing what topics to expect is key. This guide breaks down the content areas so you have a better idea of how long to study for the ANCC FNP exam.

    What is the ANCC FNP Exam Format?

    The ANCC FNP exam includes:

    • 175 questions total
      • 150 scored
      • 25 pre-test questions
    • 3.5 hours to complete
    • Computer-based test

    Main Topics Covered in the FNP Exam

    The ANCC provides an official test outline of content areas you'll be tested on. Here's the breakdown:

    1. Assessment — 29 Questions (19% of the Exam)
      • Health history & physical exam techniques
      • Risk assessment & screening guidelines
      • Identifying normal vs. abnormal findings
      • Health promotion & disease prevention
    2. Diagnosis — 26 Questions (17% of the Exam)
      • Formulating differential diagnoses
      • Interpreting lab & diagnostic test results
      • Identifying clinical patterns
      • Prioritizing patient problems
    3. Planning — 29 Questions (19% of the Exam)
      • Creating individualized care plans
      • Setting patient-centered goals
      • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
      • Using evidence-based guidelines
    4. Implementation — 43 Questions (29% of the Exam)
      • Prescribing medications safely
      • Patient education & counseling
      • Health promotion strategies
      • Care coordination & follow-up
      • Managing acute & chronic conditions
    5. Evaluation — 23 Questions (15% of the Exam)
      • Monitoring patient outcomes
      • Modifying care plans as needed
      • Identifying complications or lack of progress
      • Ensuring patient safety & quality care

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the test format or the pressure to perform, check out our guide on how to manage test anxiety.

    And if you're just getting started with your study plan, be sure to explore different ANCC test prep resources that can help you practice, review key topics, and build test-day confidence.

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