This 10-week study plan prepares you for the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC/AGACNP-BC) certification exam. The plan is designed for working NPs who can dedicate 2-3 hours daily to preparation.

Exam Overview

• •Questions: 200 (175 scored + 25 pretest)
• •Time: 5 hours
• •Cost: $395 / $295 ANA member
• •Domains: Assessment/diagnosis (35%), Clinical management (35%), APRN professional role (18%), Healthcare systems (12%)

Week 1-2: Advanced Assessment and Diagnostics (35% of exam)

Daily Study (2-3 hours):

• •Review advanced health assessment by body system
• •Practice interpreting labs, imaging, and hemodynamic data
• •Take 30-40 practice questions daily

Key Topics:

• •Comprehensive physical assessment of acutely ill adults
• •Laboratory interpretation: CBC, CMP, ABGs, coagulation, cardiac enzymes
• •Imaging interpretation: chest X-ray, CT, ultrasound basics
• •Hemodynamic monitoring: CVP, PA pressures, cardiac output
• •ECG interpretation and dysrhythmia management

Week 3-4: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Management

Key Topics:

• •Acute coronary syndromes and heart failure management
• •Shock types and vasopressor selection
• •Mechanical ventilation management and weaning
• •ARDS, PE, and pulmonary hypertension
• •Arrhythmia pharmacology and cardioversion

Week 5-6: Renal, Endocrine, and Neurological Management

Key Topics:

• •Acute kidney injury and CRRT basics
• •DKA and HHS management
• •Thyroid emergencies
• •Stroke evaluation and thrombolytic therapy
• •Increased ICP management and sedation

Week 7-8: GI, Hematology, Infectious Disease, and Procedures

Key Topics:

• •GI bleeding and acute liver failure
• •Sepsis and septic shock (Surviving Sepsis guidelines)
• •Antimicrobial stewardship and selection
• •Common NP procedures: central lines, intubation, arterial lines, lumbar puncture
• •Blood product transfusion and coagulopathy

Week 9: Professional Role and Healthcare Systems

Key Topics:

• •APRN scope of practice and collaborative agreements
• •Billing, coding, and reimbursement
• •Quality metrics and patient safety
• •Ethical dilemmas in acute care
• •Interprofessional collaboration

Week 10: Practice Exams and Final Review

• •Days 1-2: Full-length 200-question practice exam (5 hours)
• •Days 3-4: Targeted review of weak domains
• •Days 5-6: Second full-length practice exam
• •Day 7: Light review and rest

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ACNP-BC exam?

The ACNP-BC exam has 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored + 25 pretest). You have 5 hours to complete it.

How long should I study for the ACNP-BC?

Most candidates need 8-12 weeks of dedicated study. If you’re currently working in an acute care NP role, 8 weeks may suffice. If you’re transitioning from primary care, plan for 12+ weeks.

What is a passing score on the ACNP-BC?

ANCC uses a criterion-referenced passing standard. The specific scaled score is not published, but candidates typically need approximately 70-75% correct answers to pass.