I have the option of taking my NP - Certified Naturopathic Physician exam online at home or going to a testing center. Trying to figure out which is better for me.
Arguments for online:
- No commute stress
- Familiar environment
- More flexible scheduling
Arguments for testing center:
- No home distractions
- More controlled environment
- Better equipment potentially
My main concern with the online version is proctoring — I've heard some certification exams have very strict rules about what's allowed in the room. One wrong move and you're flagged.
Has anyone taken NP both ways? Or specifically the online version? How was the experience? And does the difficulty or question format actually differ based on how you take it?
Also — any issues with the "NP" type content being harder in one format vs the other?
If you're looking for a starting point, the free np naturopathic philosophy principles is worth trying — the questions closely match what you'll see on test day.
Went through this exact question when I was prepping. The NP material on "NP" is actually not as bad as it looks — once it clicks it clicks.
What helped me was finding one resource that explained it from first principles instead of just giving me the "right answer." Made a huge difference on the scenario-based questions.
Also: don't underestimate the importance of reviewing your wrong answers more than your right ones. I learned more from 20 wrong answers than 200 correct ones.
For what it's worth from someone who's been through it:
The NP is one of those exams where the practice tests really do prepare you well. The style of questioning is pretty consistent. If you're comfortable with "NP" material under timed conditions, you'll be fine.
The one thing I'd add: read the question stems very carefully. They sometimes add a qualifier that completely changes the right answer and it's easy to miss when you're going fast.
Also check whether you need to schedule the exam in advance — some testing centers book up 2-3 weeks out.
The advice about understanding why wrong answers are wrong — not just memorizing right ones — is genuinely the best NP advice in this thread. Rebuilt my prep around that and it made a real difference.
Failed first attempt, came back to this thread. The consensus on np practice test being the make-or-break area is right. Focusing almost exclusively on applied questions this time around.
Related Discussions
- Which section of the ADM is hardest? My breakdown after taking it5 replies
- Struggling with Oar pill on CSR practice tests — any tips?5 replies
- Failed CSSD by 3 points — what should I change?5 replies
- BCH vs other certs in this field — is it worth it salary-wise?5 replies
- AOA vs other certs in this field — is it worth it salary-wise?5 replies