CNRN Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) is a professional credential awarded to registered nurses who demonstrate expertise in caring for patients with neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. With neurological conditions being the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, this certification is a valuable asset for any nurse dedicated to making a meaningful impact in this specialized field.
Thinking about taking your career to the next level? This guide covers everything you need to get started — eligibility requirements, exam details, and top study tips.
What Is CNRN Certification? Snapshot
- Eligibility: You need to have an active RN license and at least 1 year (2,080 hours) of specialty experience within the past 3 years.
- Preparation: Review the candidate handbook, take a review course, practice answering sample test questions, read recent reference text, study clinical practice guidelines, and use Adventures in Neuroscience DVDs.
- Application process: Create an online account, fill out the application for your certification type, and pay the fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 220 questions, and you’ll have 4 hours to answer them.
- Cost: You’ll pay between $300–$425 depending on your payment method and membership status.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 5 years.
CNRN Meaning
CNRN stands for certified neuroscience registered nurse. This certification is a specialized credential awarded by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN), which recognizes RNs with specialized knowledge and skills in caring for patients with neurological conditions, such as the following:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Seizure disorders
- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s disease
- Brain tumors
- Neurological infections, such as meningitis
Achieving this certification requires meeting the eligibility standards and passing a specialized exam. It’s specifically designed for experienced neurology nurses working in these acute and post-acute care settings:
- Ambulatory care centers
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Long-term care facilities
- Neurology units in hospitals
- Neurorestorative care facilities
- Palliative care facilities
- Research institutions
- Stroke centers
Certification Exam Outline
Wondering what you’ll be tested on? Here’s a brief glimpse of the exam outline:
| Knowledge Areas: | Examples of Specialty-Specific Topics: |
|---|---|
| Disorders |
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| Interventions |
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CNRN Requirements: 6 Steps to Get Certified
Curious about how to become a CNRN nurse? Let’s go over the key steps to get certified.
1. Fulfill Eligibility Requirements
Your first step is meeting the eligibility requirements for the exam. Before submitting your application, make sure you’ve checked off the following:
- Hold an active, current RN license in the U.S. or Canada.
- Have at least 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time experience in stroke nursing (direct or indirect) within the past 3 years.
Your experience may include clinical practice, research, administration, education, or consulting. It can fall into one of two categories:
- Direct neuroscience nursing: You havedelivered patient care in a hands-on role.
- Indirect neuroscience nursing: You have worked in areas such as administration, consulting, or research.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Now that you’ve met the eligibility requirements, it’s time to prepare for the exam. Take advantage of these ABNN-recommended resources:
- Candidate handbook with a detailed content outline
- Self-paced CNRN review course
- Self-assessment examination
- AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing book
- Adventures in Neuroscience DVDs
- Clinical practice guidelines
Need a comprehensive plan? ABNN’s all-inclusive prep package combines a reference text, a self-paced course, and a set of practice questions.
3. Submit Your Application
You can apply for the exam during one of three windows per year, each with specific deadlines. Start by creating an online ABNN account, filling out your application, and uploading your license, education, and experience records. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll be all set to schedule your exam.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
Certification is an investment in your career, and knowing the expenses ahead of time can help you budget effectively. If you’re an American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) member, you’ll benefit from reduced rates. Here’s a summary of the costs:
- Paying by credit card: $300 for AANN members, and $400 for nonmembers
- Paying by check: $325 for AANN members, and $425 for nonmembers
You may choose to invest in additional study tools. Optional fees include:
- Exam prep package: $475 for AANN members, and $725 for nonmembers
- Review course: $300 for AANN members, and $450 for nonmembers
- Practice questions: $75 for AANN members, and $100 for nonmembers
- Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing book: $175 for AANN members, and $255 for nonmembers
- Adventures in Neuroscience DVDs: Around $50 each
5. Pass the CNRN Exam
What can you expect on test day? Here’s a snapshot of what your exam experience will be like:
- You’ll have 3 windows of time throughout the year to choose your CNRN exam dates.
- You’ll take the exam either at a PSI testing center or online with a proctor.
- Your exam will consist of 220 questions — 200 count toward your score, and 20 are unscored.
- You’ll have 4 hours to finish the test.
6. Maintain the Certification
Just like your nursing skills, your certification needs to stay current. You must renew it every five years to keep it valid. Here’s a quick look at the ways you can maintain your certification:
- Option 1: Acquire 4,160 hours of neuroscience nursing experience and pass the certification exam again.
- Option 2: Acquire 4,160 hours of neuroscience nursing experience and earn 50 continuing education hours.
- Option 3: Acquire 2,500 hours of neuroscience nursing experience and earn 100 continuing education hours.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNRN Certification
What is the typical CNRN salary?
On average, neurology nurses in the U.S. bring home around $78,000 a year, but your salary could be higher or lower depending on your experience, education, and work setting. Having a professional certification can help you earn more, as employers often factor it into salary negotiations.
Your location matters too. If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, look into job opportunities in high-paying states for RNs, such as:
CNRN vs. SCRN: What’s the difference?
The Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) certification is specifically focused on stroke care and is designed for nurses who specialize in treating stroke patients, from acute care to rehabilitation. In contrast, the CNRN certification covers a broader range of neurological conditions.
How hard is the exam?
It’s a challenging exam, as shown by the 62% pass rate. However, thorough preparation — such as mastering all the topics outlined in the content guide and reinforcing your understanding through sample questions — can significantly improve your chances of success.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass, don’t worry — you can reapply for future exam windows. You can take the exam once per window and up to three times within a 12-month period. Just keep in mind that each attempt requires a new application and exam fee.
How do I verify my credentials?
You can confirm your certification status using the ABNN Certificant Search. Just enter your name and state to view the details.
Related Certifications
Curious about other certifications? Here are some additional credentials to consider:
- Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN)
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
- NIH Stroke Certification
Looking for a Nursing Career Upgrade?
CNRN certification is a great step forward, but there’s more to explore. IntelyCare can match you with quality nursing jobs based on your individual needs and ambitions. Let’s find your next exciting opportunity together.