What to Expect on PMHNP Exam Day: Your 20-Point Survival Guide

Exam day can feel like a blur — unless you’re ready. Here’s what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring to walk in confident.

🧠 BEFORE THE EXAM:

1. ✅ Confirm your ANCC or AANPCB exam date/time/location at least 5 days before.
2. ✅ Print or save your confirmation email.
3. ✅ Review test center rules (ProctorU or Pearson).
4. ✅ Pack valid photo ID that exactly matches your registration.
5. ✅ Practice a full-length timed Q-Bank simulation 2–3 days prior.
6. ✅ Do your brain dump sheet every day the week before.

🧳 WHAT TO BRING:

7. ✅ Photo ID
8. ✅ Non-electronic watch (if allowed)
9. ✅ Healthy snack + water
10. ✅ Light sweater (centers run cold!)

⏰ ON EXAM DAY:

11. ✅ Arrive 30–45 mins early
12. ✅ Palm scan, glasses check, locker required
13. ✅ You’ll get a whiteboard (no scratch paper)
14. ✅ You can leave the room, but the clock doesn’t stop
15. ✅ Expect 150–175 questions (format varies slightly by certifier)

💬 COMMON SURPRISES:

16. ✅ Some questions seem vague — they *want* you to pick the safest or most urgent
17. ✅ Don’t panic if the content feels unfamiliar — it’s normal
18. ✅ You may feel you’re doing poorly — most pass anyway
19. ✅ You won’t get your score immediately (ANCC delays ~1 week)
20. ✅ Your Success Coach can help you with next steps as soon as you’re done

🎯 LMR walks you through the full exam-day mindset — and gives you pre-exam rituals and strategy checklists.

👉 Join LMR and be fully ready →