IAFN Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification
With excerpts from IAFN Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification, Jacqueline Callari Robinson, BSN, RN, SANE-A/P, Editor
Two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certifications are available from the Commission for Forensic Nursing Certification (CFNC), the credentialing arm of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN):
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SANE-A® (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Adult/Adolescent)
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SANE-P® (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner – Pediatric)
By passing one of these exams, you’ll join a highly specialized group of approximately 1,700 nurses who hold the SANE credential.
Exam Format
The SANE-A and SANE-P exams are computer-based and administered at designated testing centers. They are offered twice a year—in April and September.
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Applications open in February for the April exam.
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Applications open in July for the September exam.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for either exam, you must meet these criteria:
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Hold an active RN license
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Have practiced as an RN for at least two years
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Complete a minimum 40-hour SANE didactic course (from an accredited provider)
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Complete a SANE clinical preceptorship
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Accrue 300 hours of SANE-related practice within the past three years
Questions and Timing
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Up to 200 multiple-choice questions (including 50 unscored pretest items)
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Four hours allotted for completion
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Questions test at the levels of recall, application, and analysis
Tip: Answer every question. Even unscored questions help calibrate the exam.
The Exam Experience
If you’re new to computer-based testing, you can review an online tutorial provided by the testing company.
Test-taking strategies:
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Think of your answer before reviewing the options.
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Prioritize patient safety when evaluating answer choices—this is always a top concern.
Test Content Outline
Both SANE exams cover five domains, weighted slightly differently between the SANE-A and SANE-P exams:
| Domain | % of Questions (SANE-A) | % of Questions (SANE-P) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessment and Documentation | 32% | 34% |
| 2. Evidence Collection | 18% | 14% |
| 3. Patient Management | 28% | 30% |
| 4. Legal Issues and Judicial Process | 10% | 10% |
| 5. Professional Practice | 12% | 12% |
Results
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April exam results: released in late June (6–8 weeks after the testing window closes)
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September exam results: released in late November
Each test is unique; difficulty levels vary. Scores are scaled from 200 to 800, with 500 as the passing score.
Preparing for the Exam
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Begin studying at least 2–3 months in advance.
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Use practice questions and review resources, such as IAFN Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certification, which provides abundant test prep support.
Highest Standards
The SANE-A and SANE-P certifications formally recognize a nurse’s expertise in forensic nursing. Achieving certification demonstrates that you have met the highest professional standards in this specialized field.
Resources
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International Association of Forensic Nurses. (2020). Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A and SANE-P) 2020 Certification Examination Handbook. Elkridge, MD.
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