When it comes to prepping for your boards, there’s no doubt that review courses are your best friend. From lectures and webinars to practice tests and question banks, review courses are a fantastic way to structure and guide your study plan. But just like not all continuing education is created equal, not all review courses are the same. So how do you choose? In this article, we’ll break down some of the most important characteristics of review courses that should play into your decision so you’ll know just what to look for!
Table of Contents
Overview: The ANCC and AANP PMHNP Exams
ANCC PMHNP Exam Content
AANP PMHNP Exam Content (PMHNP)
1. Accreditation and Credibility
2. Comprehensive Content
3. Interactive Learning Resources
4. Experienced Instructors
5. User Reviews and Testimonials
6. Practice Exams and Performance Analytics
7. Accessibility and Convenience
8. Bang for Your Buck
Beyond the Review: Preparing Yourself for Test Day
Understanding the PMHNP Exams
Before diving into the world of exam review courses, make sure you have a good understanding of the
PMHNP exam itself. This will help ensure that you choose a quality course that not only caters to your learning
preferences, but is actually representative of the material and format you’ll see on the exam. Let’s take a look at
some of the differences and similarities between the two available PMHNP board exams: ANCC and AANP.
Overview: The ANCC and AANP PMHNP Exams
Below is a brief summary of some of the key differences between the ANCC and AANP PMHNP exams. Next we’ll compare
the content domains covered on each exam.
| ANCC | AANP | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | $395 | $315 |
| Scored Questions | 150 | 135 |
| Question Type | Varied | Multiple Choice |
| Passing Scaled Score | 350 | 500 |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Cost (Nonmember) | $395 | $315 |
ANCC PMHNP Exam Content
Each of the 150 scored questions on the ANCC PMHNP exam falls into one of
the following content domains (percentages represent the percentage of test questions in each domain): scientific
foundation (22%), advanced practice skills (27%), diagnosis and treatment (22%), psychotherapy and related theories
(11%); and ethics, legal principles, and cultural care (17%). Each content domain can be further divided into
content based on knowledge of the domain, and skills related to the domain. For example, knowledge associated with
the scientific foundation domain includes advanced pathophysiology and neuroanatomy, whereas a related skill would
be the ability to conduct an advanced physical assessment.
AANP PMHNP Exam Content
There are 135 scored questions on the AANP PMHNP exam, each of which is
distributed across two domains: Practice (Domain I) and Patient Age (Domain II). Of the questions in Domain I, 33%
are related to assessment, 21% are related to diagnosis, 26% are related to planning, and 20% are related to
evaluation. In Domain II, 6% of questions related to infants and childrens, 8% are about pre-adolescents, 16% for
adolescents, 50% relate to adults, and 20% relate to elderly patients.
The seven knowledge areas covered on the AANP PMHNP exam are: scientific foundations, pharmacology, nonpharmacological therapies, psychotherapies, assessment and diagnosis, care practices, and the PMHNP’s professional role.
AANP also reports that test questions may be related to clinical disorders from the current version of the DSMl which are categorized based on the general frequency of related questions across different exam versions. For example, questions about disorders such as depressive, trauma, and substance-related disorders are most frequently included. Less common are questions about neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive disorders, and even less frequent are questions about parasomnias or dissociative disorders. More information about these categories and topics can be found on the AANP website!
Factors to Consider
Now that you’re familiar with the content of your chosen exam, let’s
examine a few factors that should
guide your decision when picking a review course. Keep in mind that a course that comprehensively covers each of the
topics discussed above will always be a great choice.
1. Accreditation and Credibility
Now that you’re familiar with the content of your chosen exam, let’s examine a few factors that should
guide your decision when picking a review course. Keep in mind that a course that comprehensively covers each of the
topics discussed above will always be a great choice.
2. Comprehensive Content
The ideal review course should cover all of the major content areas tested on the PMHNP exam. A
comprehensive curriculum will better prepare candidates for the breadth of topics they may encounter during the
exam.
3. Interactive Learning Resources
Engaging and interactive learning resources can enhance the effectiveness of a review course. Look for
courses that offer a variety of resources such as video lectures, case studies, practice questions, and interactive
quizzes. These tools not only reinforce the material but cater to different learning styles, making the study
process more dynamic and engaging.
4. Experienced Instructors
The expertise and experience of the instructors leading the review course play a significant role in
the quality of the education provided. Try to find courses taught by instructors who have a background in nursing
and a proven track round of success in preparing students for board exams. Additionally, instructor accessibility
for questions and clarifications can significantly contribute to a positive learning experience.
5. Reviews and Testimonials
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to learning and studying, but feedback from previous
students can offer valuable insight into the effectiveness and quality of a review course. Look for user reviews and
testimonials to gauge the experiences of others who have taken the same course.
6. Practice Exams and Performance Analytics
Practice exams are a cornerstone of effective exam preparation. A good review course should offer multiple practice
exams that simulate the conditions of the actual PMHNP board exam. Performance analytics, including detailed
feedback on strengths and weaknesses, can help students fine-tune their study strategies and focus on areas that
require a little more attention.
7. Accessibility and Convenience
Consider the flexibility and accessibility of the review course. Online courses with on-demand content offer the
convenience of studying at your own pace, which allows NP students to balance their exam preparation with other
responsibilities. Look for courses that offer mobile compatibility, enabling students to study anytime, anywhere.
8. Bang for Your Buck
The cost of a review course shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in your decision, but it undoubtedly is
something to consider. Try to consider the value for the money, taking into account the comprehensiveness and
quality of the content. Some courses may offer a higher upfront cost but provide extensive support and resources,
making them a worthwhile investment.
Beyond The Review: Preparing Yourself for Test Day
Success on the PMHNP board exam relies heavily upon academic preparation, but it’s also so important to realize that
success isn’t solely determined by the hours spent buried in textbooks. A holistic approach to preparation can
significantly impact your performance on test day. The pressure of exam day can take a toll on your mental
wellbeing; don’t forget to prioritize your mental health! Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as
meditation and deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine. These techniques can help manage stress and
improve focus. Take breaks to recharge. Overloading your brain with information without giving it time to rest can
lead to burnout. Engage in activities you enjoy! A great choice is physical activity in whatever form you choose.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a quick home workout, exercise enhances cognitive function in addition
to its physical benefits.
In conclusion, we know that selecting the best PMHNP exam review course for you is not an easy decision on your path to become a PMHNP. By considering factors such as accreditation, comprehensive content, and the experience of your instructors, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your learning preferences and needs. By adequately preparing both your mind and your health, you are sure to achieve success on exam day!