CEN Exam for Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) Latest Update

The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) exam, offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), is a credentialing exam designed to validate the specialized knowledge and skills of nurses working in emergency care settings. For more than three decades, BCEN has been the leading organization for emergency nursing certification, and the CEN certification remains one of the most respected designations for registered nurses in emergency care. The CEN exam is recognized globally as a standard for expertise in emergency nursing and is taken by nurses who seek to demonstrate their ability to provide high-quality care in fast-paced, often critical environments.

Overview of the CEN Exam

The CEN exam assesses a nurse’s proficiency in various areas of emergency nursing. These include topics such as patient assessment, emergency intervention, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and various other critical situations that emergency nurses face daily. The exam is designed to evaluate the comprehensive and technical knowledge of an emergency nurse, ensuring that they are prepared to respond to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the emergency room environment.

Eligibility Criteria for the CEN Exam

To be eligible for the CEN exam, candidates must meet several key requirements. First and foremost, applicants must hold a valid and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license from an accredited nursing board in the United States, U.S. territories, Canada, Australia, or other equivalent jurisdictions. While the CEN exam is open to nurses from various countries, those from outside the United States may be required to verify their credentials to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

Additionally, BCEN recommends that applicants have a minimum of two years of clinical experience in emergency nursing before taking the CEN exam, although this is not a strict requirement. Nurses who have less than two years of experience may still apply for the exam, but BCEN encourages candidates with the recommended experience to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge and practical exposure to emergency nursing situations.

How to Apply for the CEN Exam

Applying for the CEN exam involves a straightforward process that can be completed online through the BCEN website. To start, candidates must create an account with BCEN, which will allow them to submit their application and track their progress throughout the certification process.

Once the account is created, candidates must complete the CEN exam application form. This form requires candidates to provide basic personal information, confirm their eligibility based on licensing and experience, and choose their preferred testing method. The CEN exam is available both through in-person testing at PSI testing centers and via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP), a convenient option that allows candidates to take the exam from the comfort of their home or another secure location.

After submitting the application, candidates are required to pay the exam fee, which varies depending on the method of exam delivery (in-person or remote proctoring). Once the application and payment are processed, candidates will receive an eligibility email from BCEN. This email includes detailed instructions on how to schedule the exam, including a 90-day window during which candidates must complete the exam.

Structure of the CEN Exam

The CEN exam is designed to evaluate a nurse’s competency across a wide range of topics essential to emergency nursing practice. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored and 25 of which are unscored pretest items. These unscored items are included for research purposes and to help BCEN assess the validity and reliability of future questions.

The topics covered on the exam include:

1. Cardiac Emergencies: Assessment and management of patients with acute cardiac issues such as arrhythmias, chest pain, myocardial infarction, and other cardiovascular crises.
2. Trauma Care: The care of patients with traumatic injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and abdominal trauma, along with skills for triage and prioritization of care.
3. Medical Emergencies: Management of various medical conditions that present as emergencies, such as strokes, seizures, respiratory distress, and diabetic emergencies.
4. Pediatric and Geriatric Care: Specialized care for patients across the age spectrum, including neonates, children, and elderly patients with unique needs in emergency settings.
5. Environmental Emergencies: Understanding how to treat patients affected by environmental factors, such as heat stroke, hypothermia, and poisoning.
6. Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies: Care for patients presenting with pregnancy-related emergencies, including complications during labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
7. Professional Issues and Legal/Ethical Considerations: Understanding the ethical and legal considerations specific to emergency nursing, as well as the professional standards of practice.

The exam is time-limited, with candidates having 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the entire test. Candidates must correctly answer at least 106 out of the 150 scored questions to pass the exam and earn their CEN credential.

Preparing for the CEN Exam

To prepare for the CEN exam, candidates are encouraged to utilize a variety of study resources. BCEN offers a number of official preparation materials, including study guides, practice exams, and review courses. These resources are designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the types of questions they will encounter on the exam and to reinforce key concepts and procedures.

In addition to BCEN’s resources, many nurses choose to join study groups or seek out online forums where they can share insights, strategies, and experiences with others who are preparing for the exam. Nurses may also consider attending review courses offered by various professional organizations, which can provide in-depth instruction and focus on challenging topics.

Taking the CEN Exam

The CEN exam can be taken either in-person at a PSI testing center or remotely through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). Live Remote Proctoring is a popular option for those who prefer to take the exam from the comfort of their own homes. Candidates who choose this option will need a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection, as well as a quiet, private space free from distractions.

Once candidates are ready to take the exam, they will be required to schedule a testing session within their eligibility window. During the exam, candidates must answer the 175 multiple-choice questions within the allotted 3-hour time frame. The questions are randomly selected from a pool of items, ensuring that no two candidates receive the same exam.

Certification Maintenance

After passing the CEN exam, nurses must maintain their certification to ensure their skills and knowledge remain current. The CEN certification is valid for 4 years, and nurses must complete 100 hours of continuing education or re-take the exam before the certification expires. Continuing education can be earned through courses, conferences, and other professional development activities relevant to emergency nursing.

Conclusion

Becoming a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is an achievement that reflects a nurse’s commitment to excellence in emergency care. It not only enhances a nurse’s professional standing but also contributes to the overall quality of patient care in emergency settings. By demonstrating their proficiency in areas such as cardiac care, trauma management, and pediatric emergencies, nurses can show their dedication to providing the highest level of care in some of the most challenging and dynamic healthcare environments.