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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 Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (WHNP-BC) credential is a certification for nurse practitioners specializing in women's health, administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). It covers primary care, gynecology, obstetrics, and reproductive health across the lifespan.

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 (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.

30%

Primary Care and Gynecology

Well-woman care, gynecologic assessment, common gynecologic conditions, and preventive health screening.

25%

Obstetrics

Prenatal care, antepartum management, labor and delivery considerations, and postpartum care.

25%

Reproductive Health

Contraception, fertility, menopause management, and reproductive endocrinology.

20%

Professional Practice

Evidence-based practice, pharmacology, patient education, and professional role development.

Preparing for the WHNP-BC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/Fail (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), not ANCC. NCC remains the primary certifying body for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners, and the credential continues to be required for WHNP licensure and scope of practice in most U.S. states.

How many questions are on the WHNP-BC exam?

The WHNP-BC exam has 175 multiple-choice questions and you are given 3 hours to complete it. Content covers primary care and gynecology (30%), obstetrics (25%), reproductive health (25%), and professional practice (20%).

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

NCC uses a pass/fail scaled scoring model and does not publish a specific percentage cutoff. The cut score is determined through psychometric review of each form, and results are reported as pass or fail.

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

Most new graduates study for 3-6 months after completing their WHNP program. Focus on primary care and gynecology (30%, the largest domain), pharmacology, contraception, and prenatal care. Complete several hundred practice questions and review NCC's content outline systematically.

What is the WHNP-BC exam fee?

The WHNP-BC exam fee is $325 through NCC. Eligibility requires graduation from an accredited WHNP master's, post-master's, or doctoral program and a current, unencumbered RN license.