Pass rates on the certification exams for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) decreased for the fifth consecutive year in 2023, marking a 13% drop since 2018. The ANCC had a stable pass rate of 86% for the FNP exam in 2023 and the AANPCB had a 73% pass rate in 2023. Most FNP students 67% (17,362) chose to take the AANPCB exam while 33 % (8,530) took the ANCC exam. The 2022 FNP AANPCB exam pass rate was 74% and the 2022 FNP ANCC exam pass rate was 86%. What is Behind This Downward Trend? NP education specialists and faculty consultants point to several factors contributing to this decline: Changing academic delivery models Varying admission requirements Preceptor challenges Increased patient complexity These issues, while significant, can be addressed to produce better-prepared NP graduates. This article outlines strategies to improve exam success. FNP Certification Exams: Facts and Figures FNP candidates can choose bet...