How to Choose the Perfect NP Board Review Option for You

It’s no secret that prepping for board exams is daunting for most NP students, but what about finding your prep materials? You may be surprised that one of the hardest parts of board prep is figuring out what to study and which resources to use!

With so many review options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is here to help you figure out which NP board review option is right for you. Whether you’re drawn to self-study resources, online courses, or live study groups, we’ll dive into the details of each option for you to make your decision.

Why Choosing the Right NP Board Review Matters

Choosing the right NP board review option can significantly impact your chances of passing your exam. And passing on the first try means becoming a real-deal NP, ASAP!

So, it’s important to take a step back and think about which option is best for you. The ideal course will match your learning preferences, schedule, and budget to make sure you’re thoroughly prepared and confident on exam day.

Of course, some options are more popular than others. According to our 2024 learner survey, 77% of respondents said they’re interested in self-study resources (like Qbanks and practice exams), 65.7% said they’re interested in a self-paced online course, and 60.4% said they were interested in a live online course led by an instructor.

So, with these insights, let’s explore the benefits of all three options (plus a secret fourth option 😲)!

1. Qbanks

What Are Qbanks?

Qbanks, or question banks, are collections of practice questions designed to simulate the types of questions you’ll encounter on the ANCC or AANP exams.

Benefits of Qbanks

Qbanks offer several benefits:

– Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at answering exam questions by getting used to the question format. Plus, you can review explanations after completing practice questions, which helps to solidify your knowledge while studying.
– Flexibility: Using a Qbank requires self-discipline, but it allows you to curate your own study schedule and study on your own time.
– Analytics: Most Qbanks offer analytics to help you track your progress, so you can identify any areas of weakness and go back to review questions on just those topics.

📈 SMNP Reviews offers specialty Qbanks for various NP specialties, including FNP/AGPCNP, AGACNP, ENP, PMHNP, CPNP-PC, and WHNP. These Qbanks come with practice questions, personal analytics, detailed explanations, and more!

2. Self-Paced Courses

What Are Self-Paced Courses?

Self-paced courses offer the structure of a traditional course with the flexibility to learn at your own pace. They include pre-recorded video lectures, and often come with additional materials like interactive quizzes and comprehensive study materials.

Benefits of Self-Paced Courses

– Asynchronous: Study whenever and wherever you want without having to attend a live session.
– Structure: Self-paced courses have an instructor teaching the concepts rather than complete self-led learning that you would find in a Qbank.
– In-Depth Content: Access hours of detailed content tailored to the ANCC or AANP exams.

👩‍💻 Our 3-course online prep bundle for FNP/AGPCNP prep includes access to over 16 hours of content covering 250+ topics, video trainings on non-clinical content, study guides, and more. Plus, you can earn 17 contact hours upon completion!

3. Live Study Groups

What Are Live Study Groups?

In a live study group, you’ll learn with others in a synchronous live session led by an instructor. Not only do live study groups help give the most structure before your exam, they can also boost confidence by making you feel less alone in your prep!

Benefits of Live Study Groups

If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, live study groups might be the perfect fit. These sessions offer:

– Structured Plan: Live sessions can help increase your accountability to show up and prepare for your exam, since they have designated sessions to attend rather than self-led study.
– Interactive Learning: Engage with instructors and peers in real-time to feel supported throughout your board prep.
– Access to Extra Materials: Many live study groups offer other materials like study guides and practice questions so you can learn synchronously and review asynchronously.

🧠 The SMNP Live Study Group for FNP/AGPCNP includes live study sessions, access to our Qbank and Self-Paced Course mentioned above, study guides, expert support, and more!

4. 1-Day Prep Course

What Is a 1-Day Prep Course?

So…what is this “secret fourth option?”

Introducing our 1-day prep course, an intensive, application-based live-review session designed to test essential topics in just one day. It’s perfect for students who have already been studying and want to identify any lingering gaps before exam day!

Benefits of a 1-Day Prep Course

– Intensive Learning: Cover a few highly tested topics in all body systems and other key topics in one day.
– Flexibility: Ideal for students with busy schedules who still want guided instruction.
– Expert Support: With live instruction, you can get support from two certified NPs to help answer your questions.

🏃‍♀️ The SMNP Reviews 1-Day Prep Course includes a live study session, access to all course materials, and 10 contact hours!

So, Which NP Board Review Option Is Right For You?

When making your decision about which NP board prep option is right for you, consider the following:

1. Flexibility

Is it important that your prep materials are flexible to your schedule? Consider:

– Self-Study (Qbanks & Self-Paced Courses): Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace.
– Live Sessions (Live Study Group & 1-Day Prep): Offers more structure, but requires scheduling a specific time/date for the session.

2. Time Commitment

How much time do you have before your exam? If you have several months, a more comprehensive course may be ideal. If your exam date is approaching rapidly, consider shorter, intensive options. If you’re considering a Qbank, think critically about how much time you have to complete the questions included in your subscription.

3. Variety

If you’re stuck, remember that you don’t have to choose just one method! A mix of synchronous and asynchronous materials can offer the best of both worlds—in fact, many students find success by combining different options, such as using a Qbank alongside a self-paced course or participating in a live study group that offers asynchronous materials.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NP board review course is crucial for your success. Whether you prefer Qbanks, live study groups, self-paced courses, or even the 1-day prep session, there’s an option out there that fits your needs! Take the time to assess your schedule and budget to make an informed decision.

💜 Remember, you’re not alone—our community and resources are here to support you every step of the way. Check out our Facebook group to see what worked well for other students if you’re stuck!

Looking for even more guidance? Check out these (free!) articles on the SMNP Reviews blog:

• Online vs. In-Person NP Board Prep: Which Should You Choose?
• How to Study for Nurse Practitioner Boards
• Tips for Managing Test Anxiety Before Your NP Boards