What to expect on your PMHNP certification exam
The PMHNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of psychiatric mental health across the life span.
Competency-based
The exam is designed to assess essential competencies required for entry-level Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
150 questions
The test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions evaluating readiness for advanced nursing practice.
Here’s the Breakdown
| Domain I | Number of items: | % items |
|---|---|---|
| 01 – Assess | 45 | 33% |
| 02 – Diagnose | 28 | 21% |
| 03 – Plan | 35 | 26% |
| 04 – Evaluate | 27 | 20% |
| Total | 135 | 100% |
| Domain II – Patient Age Category* | Number of items: | % items: |
|---|---|---|
| Infant and Child | 8 | 6% |
| Pre-Adolescent | 11 | 8% |
| Adolescent | 22 | 16% |
| Adult | 67 | 50% |
| Older Adult | 27 | 20% |
| Total | 135 | 100% |
Age Parameters are not defined for any population. AANPCB uses growth and development for constructing the certification exams.
Knowledge Areas
Scientific Foundations
- Anatomy and physiology
- Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
- Pathophysiology
- Epidemiology of psychiatric disorders
- Psychiatric and medical comorbidities
- Growth and development
Pharmacology
- Pharmacologic therapies, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics
- Psychopharmacology
- Interactions between classes of medication
- Medication monitoring
- Polypharmacy
- Pharmacogenetic testing
- Complementary and alternative medicine
Nonpharmacological Therapies
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- Complementary and alternative therapies
Psychotherapies
- Psychotherapeutic foundations
- Individual psychotherapy theories and methods
- Group psychotherapy theories and methods
- Family psychotherapy theories and methods
- Theories of change
Assessment and Diagnosis
- Clinical interviewing
- Components of a psychiatric evaluation
- Components of a targeted physical assessment
- Mental health screening and assessment instruments
- Diagnostic and laboratory tests
- Diagnostic decision-making using DSM
Care Practices
- Developmentally- and age-appropriate care practices
- Mental health promotion and preventive health
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Harm reduction
- Crisis management and de-escalation techniques
- Least restrictive interventions
- Vulnerable populations
- Trauma-informed care
- Cultural awareness and humility
- Social determinants of health
Professional Role
- Evidence-based practice
- Ethical issues and legal requirements
- Scope and standards
- Interprofessional practice
- Professional boundaries
- Provider self-care and wellness
- Therapeutic communication
- Implicit biases
- Health systems and levels of care
- Quality improvement
- Electronic medical records and informatics
- Billing and coding schemes
- Telehealth
Get Started
The PMHNP certification examination is an entry-level competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge of psychiatric mental health across the life span.