Who is responsible for the CEN exam and credential?
The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), a non-profit organization, was established in the early 1980’s to develop and administer the certification for emergency nurses (CEN). BCEN also manages the certification for flight registered nurses (CFRN), and the certification for critical care ground transport registered nurses (CTRN). BCEN maintains the highest standards for certification.
Who is eligible to take the CEN exam?
To qualify for the exam, the applicant must be a registered nurse with a current unrestricted license. A nursing certificate that is equivalent to a registered nurse in the United States is also acceptable.
How many years of experience do I have to have in emergency nursing?
BCEN recommends two years experience in the ED, however it is not required.
Is a BSN required?
No, it is NOT required to have a BSN to take the certification exam.
Can LPNs take the exam?
The CEN certification and examination was developed for the RN and is not currently available for LPNs.
I don’t work in the clinical setting anymore; can I still take the exam?
Yes, as long as you have a current RN license.
If I am a retired nurse can I still use the CEN credential?
The CEN credential can be used up until your CEN expiration date.
Is the exam hard?
There is a level of difficulty which is assessed throughout the entire exam. Studying is recommended prior to taking the exam. Create a study plan
.
What is the passing score for the exam?
The current passing score is approximately 73%.
What is the percentage of passing participants?
The percentage of passing participants is in the 70 percentile.
How can I apply for the CEN examination?
CEN examination applications can be requested online at: www.ena.org/bcen/application/
When will BCEN offer on-line registration?
Online registration will be available in 2008.
Can I join ENA at the time of signing up for the exam?
Yes, you may join ENA on the CEN Exam Application form.
I don’t want to take a computer exam. How can I complete my certification without using the computer?
BCEN offers paper and pencil exams that can be administered at a hospital or school in your local area. For minimum attendance requirements and more information visit: www.ena.org/bcen/cen/AlternateTestSites.asp
Where are the review courses?
Review courses are administered independently from BCEN. Although BCEN does not endorse review courses BCEN will post the information on the website for your convenience. You may find a course listed at: www.ena.org/bcen/cen/resources.asp
Where can I purchase review manuals?
CEN study materials can be purchased from ENA or Mosby Publishing at: ena.org/store/ or www.us.elsevierhealth.com(BCEN does not endorse any publications).
Can I receive CEs for taking the exam?
No, you do not receive CEs for taking the computerized exam.
Are Sylvan Learning Centers used for testing?
No, BCEN sites are provided by Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP).
I have a physical or mental impairment; can I make special testing arrangements?
Yes, complete the form located in the testing handbook which you will receive with your authorization letter and return it to the AMP office.
Can I earn college credit by completing my CEN
Yes, you can earn three nursing elective credits toward your Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College. For more information go to www.nursing.excelsior.edu
How many times can I test?
Unlimited testing is available if you are unsuccessful; however you are required to wait 90 days before re-testing.
How long is the certification term?
Upon successful completion of the certification exam, the CEN credential is valid for a period of four years. Every four years, the CEN can maintain certification by choosing one of three options; the CEN exam (CEN-RO by exam), continuing education (CEN-RO by CE), or by successfully completing the internet based test - (CEN-RO by IBT).
How and where is the exam administered?
The CEN exam is administered via computer five days a week at AMP Assessment Centers. There is a minimum of one computer site per state with each site maintaining an environment conducive to testing.
How many questions are on the examination?
The exam is 175 items, of which 25 items are pretest items that are not calculated within your score.
How much time is allocated to complete the examination?
A maximum of 3 hours is allowed to complete the exam.
What is the next date for the exam?
Testing is available Monday through Friday, twice a day, and special Saturday testing hours are available by checking with AMP at: www.goAMP.com
What is the cost for the exam?
The cost varies depending on membership status and certification status. Please go to the following page for all fees: www.ena.org/bcen/cen/CENFeeSheet.asp
When can I schedule a testing appointment?
A testing appointment can be scheduled with AMP once you have received your testing authorization letter.
What is necessary to schedule my appointment?
A testing authorization letter with your authorization number is necessary to schedule a testing appointment with AMP.
Can I contact Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) directly to schedule my testing appointment?
AMP is not capable of scheduling a testing appointment for you until you have completed the registration process with BCEN and you have received your testing authorization letter.
Where is the test site?
Testing centers are located throughout the nation. For specific information you may go to: www.goamp.com/info/aspen_tc_web.Pick_Exam
Can I take the computerized exam at home?
No, the computerized exam is only held at specific testing centers.
If I decide not to test can I receive a refund?
Refunds have to be requested in writing prior to the close of your testing window date. No refunds will be issued after the window date is closed.
When will I receive my score report?
A score report will be presented to you prior to leaving the testing center.
What is the cost for a re-test?
Upon unsuccessful completion of the examination you will receive a letter from BCEN with a discount coupon to be use towards your reapplication fee.
What types of CEN renewal options are available?
CEN certification can be renewed one of three ways; 1. CEN-RO by computer exam, 2. CEN-RO by CEs, or 3. CEN-RO by IBT.
How many CEs are required to renew?
A minimum of 100 contact hours must be submitted; 75 of the contact hours must be in the Clinical category, and up to 25 may be in the Other category. It is acceptable to have more than 75 of the contact hours in the Clinical category.
Can I register for CEN-RO on line?
Yes, on line registration is available for all CEN Renewal Options (CEN-RO) at: www.ena.org/bcen/cen/CEN-RO_default.asp
Why is the CEN examination revised?
The CEN examination is revised approximately every four years to ensure that the examination is representative of current nationwide practices of emergency nursing professionals.
How did the exam content outline change on July 1, 2007?
The major change is in the content allocation. It is also now task oriented providing more information regarding specific emergency nursing tasks as it pertains to the CEN examination. Revised CEN Content Outline
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