Who is responsible for the CTRN exam and credential?
The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) is a non-profit organization responsible for the CEN, CFRN and CTRN exams and their renewal options
Who is eligible to take the CTRN 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. It is recommended, but not required that the CTRN applicant have two years experience in ground transport nursing.
Should I take the CTRN exam or the CFRN exam?
If you are a transport nurse that practices solely in the flight environment you still have the opportunity to obtain or maintain the CFRN credential. If you are a transport nurse practicing in critical care ground environments or if you practice in both ground and air environments, then you should choose whichever examination is most appropriate for your practice population or even become certified in both transport (CTRN) and flight (CFRN) nursing credentials.
How long is the certification term?
Upon successful completion of the certification exam, the CTRN credential is valid for a period of four years. Every four years, the CTRN can maintain certification by choosing one of two options; the CTRN exam (CTRN-RO by Exam), or continuing education (CTRN-RO by CE).
How and where is the exam administered?
The CTRN 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 conductive to testing. The exam is 155 items and each applicant is allowed 3 hours to complete the exam. The applicant receives their score report prior to leaving the testing center. Computer experience is not necessary to take the exam.
When is the next exam date?
Testing is available Monday through Friday, twice a day
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
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:CTRN Exam Fees
Can LPN’s take the exam?
No, only RN’s can take the exam.
How many years of experience do I have to have as a ground transport nurse to take the exam?
BCEN recommends two years experience as a ground transport nurse, however it is not required
How many questions are on the exam?
The exam consists of 155 questions of which 25 are pretest questions and are not included in your score
How much time is allowed to complete the exam?
A maximum of 3 hours is allowed for testing.
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:Review Courses
Where can I get review manuals?
CTRN study materials can be purchased from ASTNA at:www.astna.org
BCEN does not endorse any publications.
Is the exam hard?
There is a level of difficulty and is assessed throughout the entire exam. Studying is recommended prior to taking the exam.
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.
When will I get my results?
A score report is distributed prior to leaving the testing site.
If I am a retired nurse can I still use the CTRN credential?
The CTRN credential can be used up until your CTRN expiration date.
Do you receive CE’s for taking the exam?
No, you do not receive CE’s for taking the exam.
Can I join ENA or ASTNA at the time of signing up for the exam?
Yes, you may join ENA or ASTNA on the CTRN Exam Application
Is a BSN required?
No, a BSN is not required.
Can I take the computerized exam at home?
No, the computerized exam is only held at specific testing centers.
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 through out the year. Click here for a listing.
What types of CTRN renewal options are available?
The CTRN certification can be renewed one of two ways; CTRN-RO by Exam, or CTRN-RO by CEs
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 categor
When will BCEN offer on-line registration?
BCEN is currently reviewing on-line registration
Do you use Sylvan Learning Centers?
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
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.
What is the passing score for the exam?
The current passing score is approximately 75%.
