Key Takeaways
- ANCC PMHNP-BC uses 175 total questions with 25 unscored pretest items and a 3.5-hour appointment.
- ANCC reports a 2024 first-time pass rate of 83% for PMHNP-BC candidates.
- Current domain weighting comes from the ANCC PMHNP Test Content Outline updated September 9, 2025.
- NIMH estimates 59.3 million U.S. adults (23.1%) had any mental illness in 2022.
Last updated: February 2026
ANCC PMHNP-BC Exam Overview (2026 Prep)
The ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) exam validates advanced psychiatric NP competence across science, assessment, diagnosis/treatment, psychotherapy, and legal-ethical practice.
Current Exam Structure
| Component | Current ANCC Information |
|---|---|
| Total items | 175 |
| Scored items | 150 |
| Unscored pretest items | 25 |
| Time limit | 3.5 hours |
| Format | Computer-based testing |
| Most recent ANCC first-time pass rate published | 83% (2024) |
Domain Weights (ANCC PMHNP Test Content Outline)
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Scientific Foundation | 22% |
| Advanced Practice Skills | 27% |
| Diagnosis and Treatment | 22% |
| Psychotherapy and Related Theories | 11% |
| Ethical and Legal Principles of Care | 17% |
2026 Demand Context
NIMH reports that 23.1% of U.S. adults (about 59.3 million people) experienced any mental illness in 2022, supporting strong ongoing demand for psychiatric NP roles.
What This Guide Prioritizes
- Psychiatric diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification
- Psychopharmacology decision quality and monitoring
- Psychotherapy selection and integration
- Legal-ethical documentation and safety planning
Use this guide with case-based practice blocks to simulate board-style sequencing under time pressure.
Test Your Knowledge
Which PMHNP-BC domain has the highest weight in the current ANCC outline?
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Test Your Knowledge
How many ANCC PMHNP-BC questions are unscored pretest items?
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B
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D