How to Manage Test Anxiety for the ANCC FNP Exam

If you're getting ready for the ANCC FNP exam and feeling anxious — you're not alone. Test anxiety is common, especially when so much is riding on a single exam.

The good news? You can manage it.

Here are 5 strategies to manage test anxiety before your NP board exams:

1. Start With a Realistic Study Plan

One of the best ways to beat anxiety is to feel prepared.

Create a clear study plan that spreads your prep out over 6–8 weeks. Break key exam topics into smaller chunks, set weekly goals, and use a mix of study methods like reading, practice questions, and videos.

You can also use our ANCC prep courses to stay focused on the right material (and avoid wasting time on what won’t be tested).

2. Practice Like It’s the Real Thing

Simulate the test environment.

Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. Turn off your phone, sit in a quiet room, and treat it like the real deal

Why does this help?

Because familiarity reduces fear. The more your brain gets used to the format, timing, and pressure, the less intimidating the actual exam will feel.

3. Learn How to Calm Your Body

Test anxiety isn’t just in your head — it shows up in your body, too.

Here are a few simple techniques to stay physically calm:

• Deep breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat 3–5 times.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups, starting from your feet and moving up.
• Stretch or take a short walk during breaks while studying or even on exam day.

Doing this regularly while you study trains your body to stay calm when it matters most.

4. Control Your Inner Voice

It’s easy to spiral into negative thoughts: “What if I fail?”, “I’m not ready.”, “I’ll never remember everything.” ...

Start noticing those thoughts and actively replace them with more helpful ones: “I’ve been preparing.”, “I don’t need to be perfect to pass.” ...

Self-talk matters more than you realize.

5. Sleep, Nutrition, and Breaks Matter

This one’s simple but often ignored. Your brain needs rest and fuel.

Leading up to the exam, make sure you’re:

• Sleeping at least 7–8 hours a night
• Eating balanced meals (don’t skip breakfast on exam day!)
• Taking breaks while studying so you don’t burn out

Test performance is as much about energy management as it is about knowledge.

6. Have a Plan for Exam Day

A lot of anxiety comes from the unknown. So take control where you can:

• Lay out everything the night before — ID, snacks, water, etc.
• Plan to arrive early so you’re not rushed
• Use breathing or calming techniques during the test if needed

Even just having a plan helps lower your stress levels.

Final Thoughts

Test anxiety doesn’t mean you’re unprepared — it just means you care. But it doesn’t have to take over. With the right prep, mindset, and self-care, you can manage those nerves, avoid common mistakes and perform your best on exam day.