So, What’s the CNE®cl Exam Like?

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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Be Mentally Prepared for the CNE®cl Exam Day

Preparing for the Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) exam isn’t just about studying—it’s also about knowing what to expect on test day. From format to timing, here’s a breakdown to help you feel confident and ready.

What Is the CNE®cl Exam?

Offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN), the CNE®cl exam recognizes specialized knowledge, skills, and excellence in clinical teaching. Certification is valid for five years, underscoring a nurse educator’s professional credibility and commitment to excellence.

The exam is administered through PSI, making it widely accessible in computer-based testing centers.

The Exam Format

  • Computer-Based Test (CBT): Taken in one sitting with your results provided immediately.

  • Score Report: Shows Pass/Fail along with raw scores by content area.

  • Question Structure: 150 multiple-choice questions at recall, application, and analysis levels.

Questions and Time

Of the 150 questions:

  • 130 questions count toward your score.

  • 20 questions are unscored pretest items, included to validate future exam questions (you won’t know which ones they are).

Content Breakdown:

  • Facilitate learning in the healthcare environment – 19%

  • Function within the education and healthcare environments – 19%

  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and collaborative interprofessional relationships – 15%

  • Apply clinical expertise in the healthcare environment – 15%

  • Facilitate learner development and socialization – 15%

  • Implement effective clinical assessment and evaluation strategies – 17%

Timing:

You’ll have three hours to complete the exam. A short computer tutorial is available before you begin (this does not count against your time).

Exam Tips

  • Answer every question. There’s no penalty for guessing.

  • Bookmark questions you’re unsure of and return to them later.

  • Use the navigation arrows to move back and forth through the exam.

  • You can also leave comments on questions if desired.

See also  Free Infographic Download: 10 Tips For Your Best Score

Results

  • At the end of your exam, you’ll complete a short evaluation.

  • You’ll receive your Pass/Fail report onsite after turning in your scratch paper and pencil.

  • Raw scores by content area are included to help identify strengths and weaknesses.

  • If successful, you’ll receive your official certificate and CNE®cl pin in the mail within 4–6 weeks from the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program.

Resources

  • National League for Nursing. Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Candidate Handbook.
    Download the Handbook (PDF)

  • PSI. Test Center List – National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Exam.
    View Testing Centers

  • Wittmann-Price, R. A., Wilson, L., & Gittings, K. K. (2019). Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl) Review Manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

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