TCRN® Certification Requirements

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Steps to Getting Your Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) Certification

With excerpts from Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) Examination Review, by Kendra Menzies Kent MS, RN-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, TCRN

Get moving toward the next chapter in your career by taking the following steps to earn your Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

According to the Board of Certification in Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the following criteria must be met for TCRN® certification:

Required

  • A current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in any U.S. state or territory
    OR

  • A nursing certificate that is equivalent to a Registered Nurse in the United States

Recommended

  • Two years working as a certified emergency nurse, flight nurse, or ground transportation nurse

  • Two years of practice (an average of 1,000 practice hours per year) across the trauma continuum. Trauma practice includes direct patient care, supervision, education, and advocacy for patients and families.

  • A total of 20–30 hours of trauma-specific coursework across the trauma continuum

Step 2: Apply for the Exam

The TCRN® exam covers the care of trauma patients from prevention and injury through rehabilitation, across all ages (pediatrics through geriatrics).

Applying is simple:

  1. Create a profile and account on the BCEN website (or log in if you already have one).

  2. Click the “Applications” link, select the TCRN® exam application, and complete all questions.

  3. Submit payment online by check or credit card.

Once your application and payment are processed, BCEN will send you an exam eligibility email with:

  • A 90-day test window

  • Instructions on scheduling your exam

  • Access to the Candidate Handbook

  • Resources to help you prepare for exam day

See also  So, What's the TCRN® Exam Like?

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

Exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers.

To schedule:

  1. Go to the Pearson VUE website.

  2. Select “for test takers” in the menu and click “schedule an exam.”

  3. Follow the prompts to book your exam date and location.

⚠️ Important: Your exam must be scheduled within your designated 90-day testing window.

Step 4: Start Studying

Most candidates take at least 2–3 months to prepare, given the wide range of content.

Helpful study resources include:

  • TCRN exam preparation products

  • The Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) Examination Review book

  • Practice questions, flashcards, and review courses

Resources

👉 Trauma Certified RN Certification Overview

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