The Certified Nephrology Nursing (CNN) Exam is a rigorous certification exam offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). It is intended for candidates who are already fully licensed registered nurses with plenty of on-the-job experience. The test measures a candidate’s command of the most important day-to-day skills and knowledge needed in nephrology nursing.
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CNN Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the exam, you must be a registered nurse with at least 3,000 hours of experience related to nephrology. Additional criteria that you will need to meet in order to be eligible for the exam include:
- You must have at least 3,000 hours of nephrology-related experience within the last three years
- You must have at least a baccalaureate or a master’s degree in nursing
- You must have completed at least 30 contact hours of approved continuing education, specifically in nephrology nursing, within the last three years
CNN Exam Outline
The CNN exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours.
The exam contains two dimensions: content areas and objective areas. Each question on the exam belongs to one content area and one objective area.
Content Areas
Objective Areas
| Objective | Percentage of Questions |
|---|---|
| 1. Recognize pathologic processes and complications that occur with kidney disease and/or treatment modalities. | 18% |
| 2. Select interventions appropriate to the pathologic processes and complications that occur with kidney disease and/or treatment modalities. | 15% |
| 3. Apply physiologic and technical principles of kidney replacement therapies. | 10% |
| 4. Select appropriate teaching/learning strategies to educate client, family, other health professionals, and the public. | 14% |
| 5. Select appropriate actions in administering medication(s) to the patient being treated for kidney disease. | 12% |
| 6. Recognize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to promote optimum functioning across the continuum of care. | 7% |
| 7. Select interventions appropriate to the psychological and sociocultural effects of kidney disease. | 6% |
| 8. Apply principles of infection control. | 12% |
| 9. Recognize the importance of professional nursing practice in promoting patient outcomes. | 6% |
CNN Online Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online CNN prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!
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- 50+ Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
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Everyone learns differently, so we’ve tailored the CNN online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the CNN exam.
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CNN Exam Registration
To register for the CNN exam, you must fill out an application and mail it to the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), along with the $350 examination fee.
Once your application is approved, you will receive further information on how to schedule your exam date.
Test Day
You should arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before the exam appointment. When you arrive, you must present a valid form of photo ID to the proctor. After that, you will be photographed and asked to sign a roster and other rule forms.
Any personal items should be left at home, locked in your car, or stored in a secure locker in the testing center because they are not allowed in the testing room. All electrical devices, including cell phones, are prohibited.
Just before the exam starts, you will receive a brief tutorial outlining the test setup and keyboard key functions once you are situated at your computer.
How the CNN Exam is Scored
A group of technologists who are subject matter experts (SMEs) determines the passing score for the CNN test. The SME panel makes an evaluation of the standard necessary to find candidates with a sufficient degree of expertise and knowledge for the role. Therefore, the test results are evaluated against a predetermined benchmark.
Your score report will be provided to you at the end of the exam. To pass the CNN exam, you must get 70% or more of your questions right.
Retaking the CNN Exam
If you fail the exam, you may retake it one time within one year, and you must pay a $200 retake fee.
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FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the CNN exam?
A
There are 150 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the CNN exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the CNN exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.
Q
How much does the CNN exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $350.
