The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN) certification examination was designed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide board certification for individuals who are interested in becoming certified psychiatric and mental health nurses.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free PMHN practice test!
Eligibility
To be eligible for the exam, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold an RN license in the United States or equivalent from another country
- Have a minimum of two years of experience (or its equivalent) as a full-time RN
- Have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice within the last three years in psychiatric–mental health nursing
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education within the last three years in psychiatric–mental health nursing
All of your verification to prove your eligibility must be sent to the ANCC along with a validation of education form before registering for the exam. The proper form and submission documents can be found on the ANCC website.
PMHN Exam Outline
The PMHN exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions, 25 of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours.
The exam is split into four content domains, each of which includes knowledge and skill items.
I. Assessment and Diagnosis (28 scored questions)
The questions in this domain test your ability to use various assessment tools and techniques. You will also be tested on your knowledge of the following:
- Psychiatric disorders
- Developmental stages
- Coping and defense mechanisms
- Physiological causes of psychiatric symptoms
II. Planning (26 scored questions)
The questions in this domain test your treatment planning and communication barrier management skills. You will also be tested on your knowledge of the following:
- Educational concepts
- Client-centered care
- Cultural competence
III. Implementation (58 scored questions)
The questions in this domain test your knowledge of various treatment modalities and complementary interventions. You will also be tested on your skills in the following areas:
- Therapeutic communication
- Therapeutic environment management
- Emergent situation and crisis management
- Care coordination
- Psychoeducational group facilitation
- Medication management
- Health promotion
IV. Evaluation (13 scored questions)
The questions in this domain test your outcome measurement skills. You will also be tested on your knowledge of the following:
- Ethical and legal considerations
- Intervention effectiveness
- Process improvement
Check Out Mometrix's PMHN Study Guide
Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons.
Top 5 Most Challenging PMHN Questions
Now that you know more about the exam, try your hand at some targeted practice!
Over the last year, we’ve compiled the data from about 1,000 test-takers who tried their hand at the practice test at the top of this page. According to the data, around 76% of people answered these five questions incorrectly.
Answer each question and read through the answer explanation, whether you got the answer right or wrong. This will help you ensure you’ve got the topic mastered.
Whether you struggled with these questions or aced them on your first try, be sure to take the full practice test to get a better idea of how prepared you really are!
1. The most commonly cited barrier to psychiatric treatment for mental health patients at all levels of severity is:
2. Typical behavior associated with intoxication from inhalant use includes:
3. A patient whose partner has left him for someone else and who spends an hour discussing all of the positive aspects of being single is probably utilizing the ego defense mechanism of:
- Intellectualism: Using rational intellectual processes to deal with stress and loss, such as by discussing positive aspects of being single.
- Displacement: Transferring feelings from one person or thing to another, such as being angry with a boss and taking the anger out on a spouse.
- Denial: Completely refusing to acknowledge a situation that is stressful, such as ignoring a child’s drug use.
- Rationalization: Attempting to find excuses for unacceptable behavior or feelings, such as drinking to relieve the stress of work.
4. Typical behavior associated with intoxication from inhalant use includes:
5. Which of the following is most likely to negatively impact a patient’s experiential readiness to learn?
Registration
Registering for and scheduling your PMHN exam can be done online. You must first submit an application, and you receive authorization to test once the application has been approved.
The cost of the examination is $395 (active ANA members will pay $295).
Test Day
On the day of your appointment, you should arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to begin. Once you arrive, you will be asked to show valid identification, which must include your name, signature, and photo.
Personal items are not allowed in the testing area, so you will be asked to place such items in a secure locker before the exam begins.
How the Test is Scored
You will be able to see your preliminary scores as soon as you complete the exam, and your final score report will be made available when you log in to your ANCC account.
You will need to achieve a score of 350 to pass, with the maximum score possible being 500.
Retaking the Exam
If you fail, you can take the test again after waiting 60 days and paying all associated fees. You may take the test up to three times in a 12-month period.
Check Out Mometrix's PMHN Flashcards
Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
PMHN Online Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online PMHN prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!
Here’s what you’ll find in the PMHN course:
- 70+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- 750 PMHN Practice Questions
- 550+ Digital Flashcards
- 30+ Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Mobile Access
Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the PMHN online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the PMHN exam.
Click below to check it out!
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the PMHN exam?
A
There are 150 multiple-choice questions on the exam, 25 of which are unscored.
Q
How long is the PMHN exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the PMHN exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 350.
Q
How much does the PMHN exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $395 for non-members.
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