CNRN® Certification Requirements

How to Apply for the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN®) Exam

Get moving toward the next chapter in your career by following these steps to earn your CNRN® certification.

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Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To qualify for the CNRN exam, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid RN license
   • Must be current and active in the U.S., Canada, a U.S. territory, or an equivalent license from another country (with English proficiency).
2. License validity
   • Your license must be valid through your exam date.
3. Professional experience
   • At least one year of full-time (2,080 hours) neuroscience nursing practice within the last three years (direct or indirect).
   • Direct practice: hands-on nursing care with accountability for patient outcomes.
   • Indirect practice: roles in teaching, supervision, research, or consulting.
4. Documentation
   • You must be able to provide supporting documentation of your experience if requested.
5. Application submission
   • Complete and submit your application (with payment) by the exam deadline on the ABNN website.

✅ If you answered “yes” to all of the above—you’re ready to apply!

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Step 2: Apply for the Exam

• Review the CNRN Candidate Handbook before applying (Download here).
• Submit your online application through the ABNN Certification Center.
• Applications (and fees) must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the deadline date.

💡 Tip: Apply early in case ABNN requests additional documentation during review.

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Step 3: Choose Payment Method

Application Fees:

Payment Type	AANN Member	Nonmember
Credit Card	$300	$400
Check	$325	$425

• Online (recommended): Pay securely by credit card with your application.
• By mail: Print your completed application and mail with check/money order (U.S. dollars only) to:

American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN)
8735 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60631

📌 Mailed applications must be received, not just postmarked, by the deadline.

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Step 4: Schedule Your Exam

Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility notice (via email or mail). Then:

• Schedule online through PSI Services.
• Or call PSI at 888-519-9901 with your candidate ID number.

Exams are computer-based and offered at hundreds of PSI testing centers across the U.S. and abroad.

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Step 5: Prepare for the Exam

Most candidates need 2–3 months of preparation. Plan ahead and gather study resources early.

📘 Recommended resource:

• Neuroscience Certification Review for Nurses – includes 450 practice questions and comprehensive clinical review.

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Quick Exam Snapshot

• Format: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Number of Questions: 220 (200 scored + 20 pretest)
• Time Allotted: 4 hours
• Testing Windows: Offered three times per year
• Renewal: Every 5 years (via CE credits or retaking the exam)

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Resources

• ABNN – Eligibility Requirements
• ABNN – Exam Dates and Deadlines
• CNRN Candidate Handbook