PracticeVideosBlogFlashcards
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for WHNP-BC

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
133+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More NCC Nursing Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

C-EFM Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Practice Questions100 questionsStudy Guide21 topicsCheat Sheet84 factsFlashcards50 cardsVideos1 videoBlogs2 blogsFree CE

RNC-NIC Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Practice Questions100 questionsStudy Guide27 topicsCheat Sheet117 factsFlashcards50 cardsBlogs1 blogFree CE

RNC-OB Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Practice Questions100 questionsStudy Guide23 topicsBlogs1 blogFree CE

NCC Low Risk Neonatal Nursing (RNC-LRN)

Practice Questions296 questionsStudy Guide49 topicsFlashcards50 cardsFree CE

NCC Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)

Practice Questions230 questionsStudy Guide68 topicsFree CE

C-OBE Obstetric Emergencies

Practice Questions192 questionsStudy Guide48 topicsFree CE

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

VideoFREE C-EFM Exam Guide 2026: Pass NCC Fetal Monitoring CertArticleFREE C-EFM Exam Guide 2026: Pass NCC Fetal Monitoring Cert24 min readArticleFREE RNC-OB Exam Guide 2026: NCC Inpatient OB Nursing Cert30 min read

Sample WHNP-BC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the WHNP-BC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 133+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient is prescribed a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone. Which of the following is a potential side effect the patient should be counseled on?
A.Hypokalemia
B.Hyperkalemia
C.Hyponatremia
D.Hypernatremia
Explanation: Drospirenone is a progestin with anti-mineralocorticoid effects, which can lead to potassium retention and an increased risk of hyperkalemia. It is important to monitor potassium levels in patients at risk.
2Which medication is recommended for the treatment of chlamydia in a non-pregnant patient?
A.Metronidazole
B.Doxycycline
C.Penicillin
D.Fluconazole
Explanation: The CDC recommends doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days as a first-line treatment for chlamydia in non-pregnant individuals. Azithromycin is an alternative.
3A 28-year-old patient with PCOS is prescribed metformin. What is the primary mechanism of action of metformin in this condition?
A.It increases insulin secretion from the pancreas.
B.It decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
C.It directly stimulates ovulation.
D.It reduces androgen levels by inhibiting their production.
Explanation: Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing agent that works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving peripheral insulin sensitivity. This helps to lower insulin levels, which in turn can reduce androgen production and improve menstrual cyclicity in patients with PCOS.
4A patient is seeking emergency contraception. Which of the following is the most effective oral option?
A.Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)
B.Ulipristal acetate (Ella)
C.Combined oral contraceptives (Yuzpe method)
D.Mifepristone
Explanation: Ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel, especially on the day of the LH surge, and remains effective for up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. The copper IUD is the most effective overall method of emergency contraception but is not an oral option.
5Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of combined hormonal contraceptives?
A.History of migraine without aura
B.Well-controlled hypertension
C.History of deep vein thrombosis
D.Family history of breast cancer
Explanation: A personal history of VTE (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) is a major contraindication to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives due to the increased risk of thrombosis. Other contraindications include smoking over age 35, uncontrolled hypertension, and certain types of migraines.
6A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation is diagnosed with a UTI. Which antibiotic should be avoided?
A.Nitrofurantoin
B.Cephalexin
C.Amoxicillin
D.Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Explanation: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should be avoided in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. In the third trimester, it can cause kernicterus in the newborn. Nitrofurantoin should be used with caution near term.
7What is the primary purpose of adding progestin to an estrogen replacement therapy regimen for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus?
A.To enhance the effect of estrogen on vasomotor symptoms
B.To prevent endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
C.To reduce the risk of breast cancer
D.To improve bone density
Explanation: Unopposed estrogen therapy in women with a uterus increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. Progestin is added to oppose the effects of estrogen on the endometrium and prevent these complications.
8A 45-year-old woman presents with a palpable breast mass. The initial diagnostic procedure of choice is:
A.Fine-needle aspiration
B.Excisional biopsy
C.Diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound
D.MRI
Explanation: For a palpable breast mass in a woman over 40, a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound are the first-line imaging studies to characterize the mass. Further steps, such as biopsy, are guided by the imaging results.
9According to the American Cancer Society, at what age should women with an average risk for cervical cancer begin screening?
A.18
B.21
C.25
D.30
Explanation: The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its guidelines in 2020 to recommend that cervical cancer screening begin at age 25 with a primary HPV test every 5 years.
10A patient presents with symptoms of hypothyroidism. Which lab results would confirm this diagnosis?
A.Low TSH, high T4
B.High TSH, low T4
C.Normal TSH, low T4
D.Low TSH, low T4
Explanation: Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by the thyroid gland's inability to produce enough thyroid hormone. The pituitary gland responds by increasing the production of TSH to stimulate the thyroid. Therefore, a high TSH and low free T4 are indicative of primary hypothyroidism.

About the WHNP-BC Exam

The Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (WHNP-BC) credential is the national certification for women's health nurse practitioners, awarded by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). The exam tests gynecologic and reproductive health, obstetrics, primary care, assessment and diagnostics, pharmacology, and professional practice issues.

Exam sponsor: National Certification Corporation (NCC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

175 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Pass/fail (criterion-referenced scaled score)

Exam / Certification Fees

$325

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

33%

Gynecologic and Reproductive Health

Reproductive anatomy and physiology, menarche and menopause, gynecologic disorders, fertility awareness and contraception, unintended pregnancy, and sexual and reproductive health for males and LGBTQ+ individuals.

29%

Obstetrics

Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, prenatal care, assessment of fetal well-being, medical and obstetric complications, and postpartum care and complications.

13%

Primary Care

Problem recognition, management, and referral by body system, plus health screening, education, and counseling.

12%

Assessment, Diagnostic Testing and Interpretation

Health history, female and male physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies, biopsies, and genetic testing.

10%

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, side effects, interactions, contraindications, patient education, and pregnancy and lactation safety.

3%

Professional Practice Issues

Legal issues, ethical principles, safety and interprofessional communication, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.

Preparing for the WHNP-BC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail (criterion-referenced scaled score)
  • Exam length: 175 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $325 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 133 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WHNP-BC exam still active in 2026?

Yes. The WHNP-BC examination is administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), which published a 2026 Candidate Guide for the exam. NCC certification is not a license: state boards of nursing regulate APRN practice and decide whether national certification is required.

How many questions are on the WHNP-BC exam?

The WHNP-BC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 items are scored and 25 items are unscored pretest questions used for psychometric validation. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination.

What score do I need to pass the WHNP-BC exam?

NCC utilizes a criterion-referenced standard-setting model. Results are reported on a pass/fail basis. The passing threshold is determined by a panel of clinical experts based on the minimum competency required for safe advanced practice.

How long should I study for the WHNP-BC exam?

NCC does not publish a recommended study time. Build a plan around the blueprint weights: gynecologic and reproductive health (33%) and obstetrics (29%) deserve the most time, followed by primary care (13%), assessment and diagnostics (12%), pharmacology (10%), and professional issues (3%).

What is the WHNP-BC exam registration fee?

The WHNP-BC exam costs $325, which includes a $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $275 testing fee. Candidates upload a diploma and an official transcript showing completion of an accredited graduate WHNP program and must test within 8 years of graduation.