How to study for Gerontology exam

It pays to be mentally prepared for what’s to come on exam day! Here, we outline what you can expect on the RN Gerontology nursing exam—from format to timing and everything in between.

 

The RN Gerontology certification exam covers content knowledge and the application of professional nursing regarding gerontology at an entry-level competency and is updated regularly by the ANCC. Its purpose is to tell whether you’re competent to assess the strengths of older adults to facilitate their highest quality of life and, when appropriate, a “good death.”

 

The Format

Offered only as a computer-based exam, the ANCC exam format allows you to take the test in one sitting and get your score as soon as you’re finished. It is one inclusive exam featuring 175 multiple-choice questions with four possible answers (and only one correct one).

 

The Questions and Time

According to the ANCC, of the 175 questions you’ll encounter, only 150 will be counted toward your score; the additional 25 questions are “pilot” questions used to validate new questions for future exams.

 

ANCC Exam Domains






































Topic Area# of Questions% of QuestionsAssessment2617.33Plan of Care3523.33Person-Centered Care4328.67Professional Practice2114.00Health Promotion2516.67TOTAL150100%
 

Click here to view the ANCC RN Gerontology Test Content Outline!

You will have 3.5 hours to complete the exam and no breaks are allotted. You’ll be able to take a restroom break according to the instructions given at the testing center; however, this time will be deducted from your 3.5-hour testing limit. No questions may be asked during the exam, but don’t worry—there’s no penalty for guessing, so do try to answer every question! You can always skip questions and come to them back later.

Also, be punctual: You must arrive 15 minutes before the test begins; if you don’t get there early, you forfeit your appointment and will have to reapply.

Click here to take our free practice quiz for the Gerontology nursing exam. For more study options, choose from our book and app products, featuring 500 practice questions to help you make the grade!

 

The Results

The RN Gerontology nursing exam is pass/fail and you’ll receive your results before leaving the testing center. If you fail, you’ll get a diagnostic explanation for each content area.

If you pass, you’ll be given a certificate, pin, and an identification card acknowledging ANCC certification within about eight weeks. Your certification is good for five years.

 

Resources

American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Test Content Outline. Retrieved September 28, 2018, from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4acbba/globalassets/certification/certification-specialty-pages/resources/test-content-outlines/gerontologicalnursing-tco.pdf

The Gerontological Nursing Board Certification Exam is computer-based, and consists of a total of 150 questions. While only 125 of these questions are scored, you will not know beforehand, which individual questions will or will not be scored, so you should answer all of them. The exam is 3 hours in length.

Examinees who have conditions covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that require special accommodations, must make this request in writing. This request should be on the physician’s letterhead, and include the date of the diagnosis, findings that support the diagnosis, a description of the examinee’s limitations, and accommodation recommendations.

How to study for Gerontology exam

How to study for Gerontology exam

Accommodations can vary from country-to-country, but some common ones include extra time, separate room, anti-glare screen, left-handed mouse, screen magnifier, and adjustable-height table.

How to study for Gerontology exam

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What domains of practice, categories, and topics are covered on this exam?

Domain: Assessment and Diagnosis (35 questions)

  • Assessment tools and techniques for physical examination, pharmacotherapy, risk factor identification, and more.

Domain: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (50 questions)

  • Evidence-based interventions, treatment modality contraindications, safety intervention implementation, and more.

Domain: Professional Foundation (40 questions)

  • Theoretical frameworks, disease prevention and health promotion, self-management strategies, and more.

What is the most convenient way to register for this exam?

Online registration is the most convenient way. You can pay using a major credit card. If you are unable to pay via credit card, contact the test center to inquire about paying via personal check, bank check, money order, or wire transfer.

What is the cost of the exam?

As a member of the American Nurses Association, you will pay $295. Non-members will pay $395.

What are the testing dates and locations?

Once your registration has been approved, you will have a 90-day testing window opened to you. You must schedule and complete your exam within this window.

Testing is offered at various sites, year-round.

What should I do the day of the exam?

Arrive at the testing center on time. If you are late, you may not be allowed to test.

Be sure to bring one valid, non-expired form of identification with you. This identification must include your name, signature, and photo.

Various personal items are not allowed in the testing area. Some of these include food/drink, brief case, cell phone, and study materials.

What happens after I take the exam?

Before leaving the testing center, you will receive an unofficial report that indicates whether you have passed or failed the exam. If you pass the exam, within four weeks of your score being released, you will receive your certificate and lapel pin.

What happens if I do not pass the exam?

You are permitted to re-take the exam after a 60-day waiting period. You are allowed to take this exam a maximum of three times in a 12-month period. You must submit a new application before taking the exam each time.

How Can I Prepare for the Gerontological Nurse Test?

That’s a great question.  We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.

  1. Do yourself a favor and study.  Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try.  Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
  2. Take care of yourself.  Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping.  All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance.  If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
  3. Get a study guide or set of flashcards.  Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them.  We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!

Online Gerontological Nurse Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online Gerontological Nurse Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The Geron Nurse Course includes:

  • Review Lessons Covering All the Topics
  • 450+ Gerontological Nurse Practice Questions
  • More than 600 Digital Flashcards
  • Over 80 Instructional Videos
  • Money-back Guarantee
  • Free Mobile Access
  • and More!

The Gerontological Nurse Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their Gerontological Nurse exam; click below to check it out.

What is the study of gerontology?

Definition of Gerontology Gerontology is the study of aging and older adults. The science of gerontology has evolved as longevity has improved. Researchers in this field are diverse and are trained in areas such as physiology, social science, psychology, public health, and policy.

Why is it important to study gerontological nursing?

Gerontological nursing is important to meet the health needs of an aging population. Due to longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates, the proportion of the population that is considered old is increasing.

What is the difference between geriatrics and gerontology?

While geriatrics deals with the care of the elderly and their needs, gerontology is the study of aging and its impacts on the population. Gerontologists perform a support function in educating and understanding aging, while geriatricians deal with the care of these older adults.

What are the core elements of gerontological nursing practice?

The findings of this study showed that the most important gerontological nursing competencies included patient and family centered care; process-oriented care; and self-care and continuing professional development.