FNP-C Exam Study Plan: A 6-Week Success Roadmap

Preparing for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-C) Exam requires a strategic approach to cover all essential topics effectively. This 6-week study plan provides a structured roadmap to maximize your preparation and boost your confidence before exam day.

📅 Study Plan Overview

This study schedule is designed for candidates who can dedicate **15-20 hours per week** to studying. If you have less time, consider extending the plan to 8-10 weeks.

📆 Week-by-Week Breakdown

✅ Week 1: Exam Overview & Cardiovascular System

• Review the **FNP-C Exam Blueprint** and test format.
• Study high-yield cardiovascular conditions: **hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease**.
• Practice ECG interpretation.
• 📖 **Resources:** UpToDate, AHA Hypertension Guidelines, practice questions.

✅ Week 2: Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Master **diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2), thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism), and adrenal conditions**.
• Understand lab values (A1C, TSH, cortisol levels).
• Practice medication selection (metformin, insulin, levothyroxine).
• 📖 **Resources:** ADA Diabetes Guidelines, question bank practice.

✅ Week 3: Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal & Renal

• Review **asthma, COPD, pneumonia, GERD, PUD, IBD, and CKD**.
• Study diagnostic tests (spirometry, ABGs, renal function tests).
• 📖 **Resources:** GOLD COPD Guidelines, USPSTF screening recommendations.

✅ Week 4: Musculoskeletal, Neurology & Hematology

• Focus on **osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, headaches, stroke, anemia, and clotting disorders**.
• Learn common orthopedic exam maneuvers (e.g., Lachman’s, McMurray’s test).
• 📖 **Resources:** ACR Osteoarthritis Guidelines, NIH Stroke Scale.

✅ Week 5: Psychiatry, Women’s Health, and Infectious Diseases

• Understand **depression, anxiety, perinatal care, menopause, STIs, and common infections (UTI, cellulitis, pneumonia, sepsis).**
• Practice psychiatric screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7).
• 📖 **Resources:** DSM-5 criteria, CDC STI Guidelines.

✅ Week 6: Review & Full-Length Practice Exams

• Take **two full-length timed practice exams** under real testing conditions.
• Review incorrect answers and weak areas.
• Practice **test-taking strategies and time management techniques**.
• 📖 **Resources:** Question bank, online practice exams.

🕒 Recommended Study Hours

To optimize your preparation, aim for the following weekly study schedule:

📚 Best Study Resources

Using high-quality study materials can significantly enhance your preparation. The best resources include:

• 📖 **Books:** Fitzgerald’s NP Review, Leik’s FNP Review
• 💻 **Online Courses:** Comprehensive FNP prep programs
• 📝 **Question Banks:** Over 1,000 practice questions with rationales

🔥 Best Online Study Tool for the FNP-C Exam

For a complete, expert-designed prep course covering all key topics, check out:

🎯 Final Thoughts

By following this structured **6-week study plan**, focusing on high-yield topics, and using top-quality resources, you can set yourself up for **FNP-C exam success**.

💬 Have any study tips or questions? Drop a comment below and let us know how your preparation is going!