Get Ready with ANCC's Readiness Tests

Q: Whom should I contact with questions about ANCC's Readiness Tests?
A: Email anccproductsupport@ana.org

Q: Who can take the Readiness Test?
A: Anyone who is considering applying for a certification, planning to retest for a certification, or wanting the experience of taking a test administered by Prometric.

Q: Are there any requirements to schedule a Readiness Test?
A: There are no eligibility requirements to take a Readiness Test.

Q: Is the Readiness Test the same length as the certification exam?
A: The Readiness Test consists of 60 questions that must be completed in 75 minutes. This is a shortened version of the certification exam, but provides an opportunity to get a preview of the testing logistics and environment, the types of questions that may appear on the certification exam, and feedback about strengths and areas that may need more studying.

Q: What is the difference between the ANCC Readiness Tests and Certification Preparation?
A: The ANCC Readiness Tests include questions previously used on ANCC’s certification exams. The tests are administered in the same timed, live-proctored testing environment as the actual certification exam, and upon completion, test takers receive scoring feedback to gauge their strengths and gaps and guide their studying efforts. Readiness Tests are managed by the Measurement Services department.

Certification preparation products include the PracticeIQ, Test Prep Essentials, Interactive Online Review Courses, and Review and Resource Manuals. These products are managed by the Education and Resources department.

Q: What payment methods are accepted when scheduling a Readiness Test?
A: Prometric accepts all major credit cards and the test costs $85.00.

Q: Is there a discount for faculty and other customers who want to purchase many Readiness Tests?
A: Yes. To purchase Readiness Tests in bulk, send a request to anccproductsupport@ana.org. Tiered pricing is as follows:

Q: Does the Readiness Test have to be completed in one sitting?
A: Yes, the Readiness Test must be completed in one sitting. The test is administered in a timed, live-proctored environment.

Q: Can I request special testing accommodations?
A: Accommodations can only be requested when applying for your certification exam. Readiness test takers should select ‘No’ to the testing accommodations question when scheduling with Prometric. If you have any questions, please contact anccproductsupport@ana.org.

Q: If I purchase the Readiness Test more than once, will it have the same questions each time?
A: Yes, the questions will be the same.

Q: How many times can I take a Readiness Test?
A: Each purchase allows the customer to take the Readiness Test one time. Customers can purchase a Readiness Test as many times as they like.

Q: How do I reschedule or cancel my Readiness Test?
A: If you wish to change your test date or time, you must do so by the second calendar day prior to your appointment. Rescheduling and canceling appointments can be accomplished via the Web site (www.prometric.com/anccr), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or by calling Prometric's Call Center at 1- 800-350-7076.

Important Note: There is no fee to reschedule or cancel an appointment if the change is made more than 15 days prior to your appointment. If you reschedule or cancel 8 – 14 days prior to your appointment, you will be charged a $20 fee. If you reschedule or cancel 2-7 days prior to your appointment, you will be charged a $25 fee. If an appointment is cancelled in less than 2 calendar days of your appointment, you will forfeit your entire fee.

Q: How do I find the Prometric Test Center location closest to me?
A: Please visit www.prometric.com/anccr and select "Locate."

Q: I have not been able to find available appointments at a Prometric testing site. What can I do?
A: We recommend that you continue to check for testing center availability via https://www.prometric.com/anccr. It is possible that you may need to travel farther than usual to the closest available test center.

Q: Can ANCC help me with scheduling my Readiness Test?
A: ANCC staff are unable to assist with scheduling your Readiness Test. Please visit https://www.prometric.com/anccr to schedule your exam. If you are unable to schedule via the link above, you may call the Prometric Registration and Scheduling line at 1.800.688.5805.

Q: I cannot reach anyone at Prometric for assistance. What can I do?
A: You may send an email to candidatecare@prometric.com. You may also call the Prometric Candidate Care line at 1.800.853.6769. 

Q: What should I do if I purchased the wrong Readiness Test?
A: Please contact Prometric's Call Center at 1- 800-350-7076.

Q: I scheduled my Readiness Test at a Prometric testing center. How can I switch my appointment to a Live Remote Proctoring appointment?
A: You will need to cancel your existing appointment at the testing center and then schedule a different appointment for a Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) session.

Q: Why does Live Remote Proctoring have such strict security protocols for a practice test?
A: Live Remote Proctoring is designed to closely mirror the real certification exam, including the check-in process, identity verification, and environment requirements. It gives you a preview of exam-day conditions and upholds the test security standards for the certification exam. Note that the certification exam can only be taken at a Prometric testing center (see "Step 2: Schedule Your Readiness Test" above), so if you'd like to preview that specific experience, consider scheduling your Readiness Test at a center instead. We recommend reviewing the ProProctor user guide and completing a system readiness check before scheduling, so you know what to expect on test day.

Q: What are the system requirements for Live Remote Proctoring?
A: To review Prometric’s ProProctor Guide for important information about Live Remote Proctoring, please click here. It includes the specific system requirements necessary for using the Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) function. To conduct a system readiness check, please click here.

Q: What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?
A: If you need any technical assistance with launching your test, click here to engage with a representative from Prometric’s Global Help Desk.

Q: Will I be able to take notes during my Live Remote Proctoring session?
A: Prometric offers a Scratchpad, which opens as a floating window for test takers to capture digital notes during their Readiness Test. Any notes that the test taker includes on the Scratchpad will be retained for the entire duration of the test and purged at the conclusion of the test. This scratchpad will replace the opportunity for candidates to have blank pieces of scratch paper to use during the test.

Q: When will I receive my score report for the Readiness Test?
A: Your score report will be sent within an hour to the email address you used when scheduling your appointment. Click here to view your score report.

Q: How is the Readiness Test scored?
A: The score report for the Readiness Test provides the number of questions answered correctly and the total number of questions in each subdomain of the test content outline. This information is best viewed as a general indicator of your strengths and areas for further review, rather than a precise measure of your readiness. Strength in one domain may compensate for domains where additional study is needed. As such, continued review and further study of all content areas may be helpful prior to taking the certification exam.  

While the score report contains information that will assist in the assessment of the test taker’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the Certification exam, the performance on the Readiness Test is not an exact prediction of performance on the certification exam.