How I Passed the AANP & ANCC on the First Attempt: A SMNP Reviews Success Story

Preparing for NP boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re completing your program, studying for two different exams, and trying to figure out which resources you can actually trust.

Hear from Alma, a new real-deal FNP, share her full journey of how SMNP Reviews gave her the structure, clarity, and confidence she needed—not just to pass one exam, but both the AANP and ANCC on her first attempts!

Below is her story, in her own words:

Why I Decided to Take Both the ANCC and AANP Exams

I took both the ANCC and AANP exams for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). I originally planned to take only the ANCC and scheduled it for December. After completing the live review, I felt extremely prepared and wanted to test right away, but I didn’t want to pay the fee to change my ANCC exam date.

[So,] I decided to take the AANP as well, especially after seeing online discussions about exam difficulty and knowing that each exam can only be taken a limited number of times per year. I scheduled the AANP for the soonest date available [and] passed both exams on the first attempt.

My Experience Taking the SMNP Reviews 6-Week Live Study Group

I finished my NP program on November 9, 2025 and started the 6-Week Live Study Group on November 6, 2025 through December 20, 2025. I took the AANP on December 18, 2025 and the ANCC on December 23, 2025, passing both on the first attempt.

Why I Chose SMNP Reviews

I chose SMNP Reviews because it was consistently recommended as high-yield, well organized, and focused on what appears on boards. I wanted structured guidance, live teaching, and clear explanations rather than trying to piece everything together on my own. And that’s exactly what I got from this amazing review.

What My Prep Looked Like Before SMNP Reviews

Before the course, I attempted to self-study, but it felt overwhelming and unfocused. During my final quarter of NP school, I read the entire Leik book cover to cover, completed practice exams from the book, and did daily question practice using the FNP Mastery and Leik apps.

Once I finished school, I shifted my focus entirely to SMNP Reviews. The course worked because it provided clear structure, accountability, and well-defined priorities, making my studying far more efficient and effective.

How the Live Study Group Improved My Test-Taking

The course helped me truly understand concepts rather than just memorize information. It consistently tied content directly to board-style questions and emphasized strong test-taking strategies, which made a huge difference on exam day. The material was presented in a clear, organized, and high-yield way, helping me recognize patterns, eliminate distractors, and confidently choose the best answer.

Because of this approach, I walked into both exams feeling prepared, focused, and confident in my clinical reasoning.

Transforming My Anxiety Into Confidence

Before the course, my anxiety was high and I felt unsure if I was studying the right material. As the course progressed, my confidence steadily increased, and by the time I sat for both exams, I felt overly prepared, calm, and focused.

My Favorite Parts of the SMNP Reviews Experience

I loved the live sessions, real-time Q&A, and the way complex topics were broken down into manageable, test-relevant pieces. The lectures, high-yield reviews, and board-style question breakdowns were the most helpful resources. They helped reinforce concepts and improved how I approached exam questions.

I absolutely loved [my instructors] Caroline and Brittney. They were knowledgeable, approachable, encouraging, and explained content in a way that was easy for me to understand and remember.

My Advice to Other NP Students Considering SMNP Reviews

I would recommend it 100%. It is well worth the investment and truly prepares you to pass boards with confidence. I have recommended it to so many classmates and friends who are in NP programs too.

In Conclusion…

I am now a board-certified FNP, having passed both the AANP and ANCC on my first attempt. I initially wanted to do ANCC so I could get a position in academia. I am now a nursing instructor and do medical aesthetics as I was doing as an RN too but now I am able to do GFE’s and prescribe too!

SMNP Reviews gave me the structure, confidence, and preparation I needed to successfully transition from student to certified NP.

Alma’s journey highlights what so many NP graduates feel: the content is massive, the stakes are high, and studying without structure is overwhelming. SMNP Reviews didn’t just give her information—it also gave her confidence, clarity, accountability, and a focused plan that led to passing both major certification exams in the same week. Congrats on becoming a real-deal NP, Alma! 🥳

Dealing with test anxiety before NP boards? Exam prep doesn’t have to be an uphill battle! Join the fun and learn from our team of NP experts in our AANP & ANCC prep courses—with a passing guarantee!