Hello, I literally just passed the ANCC PMHNP exam on my first try yesterday. Like others, I checked this site to get advice on how to prepare for the exam and I want to pass on my experience. I ordered the online exams from the ANA, as well as the PMHNP study book. I also ordered the online test taking strategies from ANA. I ordered Mometrix flash cards and the 30 day Board Vitals questions... I NEVER used the Mometrix flash cards so that was a waste of money for me. The test taking strategies didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know, so I could have saved money by not ordering that as well. I ordered Board Vitals a week before my exam and out of the 1700+ questions, I probably only did 200. I got tired of reading and answering questions after a couple of days so I stopped using Board Vitals because I didn't want to get lazy with reading the questions on the exam. I read the ENTIRE PMHNP book from the ANA, highlighted, put tabs on pages, etc. I also went through the 100 questions in the back of the book multiple times. Any questions I got wrong, I wrote down and went back in the book and reviewed those areas. I completed the online ANA exams multiple times until I practically had the answers memorized. With all questions, be sure to read the rationales, that's what really helps. In my opinion, if you are short on $$, I would advise just ordering the PMHNP book and online questions from the ANA.
The exam was difficult and covered things from RN study like primitive reflexes in children, etc. I honestly thought I failed the exam, but it turns out I passed! After taking the exam, I didn't feel like there was really anything I could have done to REALLY prepare me for the exam. There are far less knowledge type questions and far more situational questions. Questions are situational and basically want you to decide how to act or react in specific situations. There were knowledge questions about things I had never even heard of in my education or studies.
I would advise paying attention to the big things like NMS, serotonin syndrome, EPS. Also remember safety first and initial action is usually ASSESS. Pay attention to popular drugs like Prozac, Zoloft, Lithium. Know contraindications with other meds and adverse effects. Review neurological exam, Piaget, Erikson, basic lab values. I think having a BROAD understanding of PMHNP practice is most helpful. Oh, and definitely review APRN advocacy, primary thru tertiary prevention and scope of practice.
I hope this helps!!!
