The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) administers the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) exam for those pursuing certification as a pediatric oncology nurse.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free CPHON practice test!
CPHON Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the exam, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You must hold a current and unencumbered license as an RN.
- You must have at least two years of RN experience within the last four years.
- You must have at least 2,000 hours of pediatric hematology oncology practice within the last four years.
- You must have completed at least 10 contact hours of nursing continuing education or an academic elective in oncology nursing within the last three years.
CPHON Exam Outline
The CPHON exam contains 165 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which are unscored, and you will be given a 3-hour time limit. The 20 unscored questions are called “pretest” questions, and these are used to validate questions for future versions of the exam. You will not know which questions are scored and which are unscored.
The exam is split into six content areas:
The questions in this area focus on the transition of care in its various stages, survivorship, and the promotion of health and maintenance.
II. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nursing Practice (18%)
The questions in this area focus on clinical trials, the various aspects of pediatric cancers and hematologic disorders, and the education and guidelines involved in professional performance.
III. Treatment Modalities and Side Effects (21%)
The questions in this area focus on the therapies and surgeries that pertain to hematology and oncology.
IV. Symptom Management and Supportive Care (26%)
The questions in this area focus on the acute, chronic, and late effects associated with specific systems, as well as general effects.
V. Pediatric Hematologic and Oncologic Emergencies (21%)
The questions in this area focus on infection, extravasation, hypersensitivity reactions, and emergencies in the gastrointestinal, metabolic, vascular, cardiopulmonary, and neurologic areas.
VI. Psychosocial Dimensions of Care (8%)
The questions in this area focus on the principles of growth and development, socioeconomic issues, sexuality and gender identity, social relationships and family dynamics, grief and bereavement, cultural considerations, and community resources.
Check out Mometrix's CPHON Study Guide
Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons
Get Your Study Guide
CPHON Exam Registration
To register for the exam, you must fill out an application on the ONCC website. This application should include any necessary documentation to prove your eligibility, as well as the $420 examination fee ($300 for ONS/APHON members).
Once your application is approved, which should take 2-4 weeks, you will be sent an email with an Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive the ATT, you will have 90 days to schedule and take the exam.
Test Day
On the day of the exam, you should arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early to allow time for the check-in process. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, you will not be able to take the exam.
Once you arrive, your photo will be taken and you will be asked to provide two forms of valid ID, one of which must be a photo ID.
After the check-in process is complete, you will be asked to store all personal items (wallet, keys, phone, bag, coat, etc.) in a secure locker. You will also be asked to roll up your sleeves, roll up your pant legs, and turn out your pant pockets.
Once all of the security procedures have concluded, you will be led to the testing area, where you will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and then take a practice exam. The exam will begin once the practice exam has ended.
How the CPHON Exam is Scored
Your CPHON score is calculated using a scaled scoring system. This system awards one point for every question you answer correctly, which collectively creates your raw score. This raw score is then converted into a numerical scaled score on a range from 25 to 75. The passing score on this scale is 55.
You will receive a score report immediately following the exam, which will indicate your pass/fail status. If you pass, you will be provided with feedback on your performance in each area of the exam, but you will not receive your numerical score. If you fail, you will be shown your exact numerical score and given feedback that estimates which areas you should focus on studying if you wish to retake the exam.
Retaking the CPHON Exam
If you fail the exam and wish to retake it, you may apply for the exam at any point. Note that you must wait at least 90 days before taking the exam again. After three failed attempts, the waiting period is increased to one year.
Check out Mometrix's CPHON Flashcards
Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts
Get Your Flashcards
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the CPHON exam?
A
There are 165 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the CPHON exam?
A
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the CPHON exam?
A
To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 55.
Q
How much does the CPHON exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $300 for ONS/APHON members and $420 for nonmembers.
