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Mandatory APEA Predictor Exam on Certification Success in a Family Nurse Practitioner Program: A Retrospective Cohort
Tal Sraboyants1, Catherine Tanner1, Shelitha R Campbell1
1Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, California.
Background:
National certification pass rates remain a benchmark for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program success. This study examined whether requiring APEA (Advanced Practice Education Associates) Predictor exams as a mandatory, graded summative assessment improves first-time certification outcomes.
Method:
This retrospective cohort study analyzed results of APEA Predictor exams and AANP/ANCC pass rates for FNP graduates from 2019-2023. Phases included no APEA exam (2019-2020), pilot (2021), and mandatory APEA exam (2022-2023). Predictor scores and certification pass rates were compared before and after implementation using a two-sample t test.
Results:
First-time certification pass rates increased from 69% in the no-exam phase to 87% in the mandatory phase, with test-taking rates rising from 77% to 82%. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p = .4).
Conclusion:
Although the findings were not statistically significant, positive trends indicate meaningful improvements in FNP certification pass rates and an increase in the number of test takers. Findings support the continued use of mandatory predictor exams to enhance student readiness.
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