ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certification Exam Update, Effective December 16, 2019
Q: I heard that there are upcoming changes to the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) Certification Exam. What are they and how can I make sure that I am prepared to take the exam in late December?
A: The ANCC PMHNP test content will be updated on December 16, 2019. On or before December 13, 2019, the current test content outline will be in effect. The good news is that the current Fitzgerald PMHNP Certification Exam Review prepares you for both the new and current PMHNP Certification Exam. Major changes in the ANCC PMHNP exam update include shortened test time and questions, changes in content domains, and fewer questions on professional issues. Important differences between the new, updated exam and the current exam are highlighted below:
NEW, UPDATED ANCC PMHNP Exam: Effective December 16, 2019
3.5 hours to answer 175 questions (150 scored plus 25 pre-test questions that are not scored).
NEW ANCC PMHNP Test Content Domains
| Category | Content Domain | Number of questions | Percentage |
|---|
| I |
Scientific Foundation |
30 |
20% |
| II |
Advanced Practice Skills |
38 |
25% |
| III |
Diagnosis and Treatment |
37 |
25% |
| IV |
Psychotherapy and Related Theories |
22 |
15% |
| V |
Ethical and Legal Principles |
23 |
15% |
|
TOTAL |
150 |
100% |
CURRENT ANCC PMHNP Exam: On or before December 13, 2019
4 Hours to answer 200 questions (175 scored plus 25 pre-test questions that are not scored).
CURRENT ANCC PMHNP Test Content Domains
| Category | Domains of Practice | Number of questions | Percentage |
|---|
| I |
Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing |
51 |
29% |
| II |
Professional Role and Policy |
70 |
40% |
| III |
Independent Practice Competencies |
54 |
31% |
|
TOTAL |
175 |
100% |
Please note: the update is specific to the ANCC PMHNP exam. For more details, go to ANCC: https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/