CBCN Certification: Overview and FAQ
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in U.S. women, making up 30% of new cases each year. Today, over 4 million people are living with or have survived breast cancer, emphasizing the ongoing need for nurses with advanced training in this critical field. The Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) credential equips oncology nurses to provide exceptional care to breast cancer patients and reach new heights in their nursing careers.
Thinking about taking your credentials to the next level? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting certified, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and the exam details.
CBCN Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You need an active RN license, 10 contact hours of specialty-specific continuing education or academic electives within the past 3 years, 2 years of RN experience, and 2,000 hours of breast care nursing practice, all completed within the past 4 years.
- Preparation: Study the test content outline, take practice tests, read the test registration manual, review the resources mentioned in the list of references, and consider taking the review course.
- Application process: Fill out the online application, provide proof of your education, licensure, and experience, and pay the fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 165 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $420.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 4 years.
What Is CBCN Certification?
CBCN stands for Certified Breast Care Nurse. It’s a specialized credential for breast cancer nurses, achieved by meeting eligibility requirements and passing an exam. Awarded by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), a well-recognized organization dedicated to validating competence in oncology nursing, this credential is a true testament to advanced expertise in this critical area of care.
The certification exam is divided into five main content areas, covering key topics in the specialty that you’ll need to study to succeed.
- Care continuum includes topics like breast pathology, predisposition assessment, and early detection.
- Diagnosis and staging covers topics like the process of carcinogenesis, diagnostic procedures, and staging criteria.
- Treatment modalities include topics like surgical reconstruction, radiation therapy, and treatment consideration for special populations.
- Nursing practice focuses on topics like symptom management, oncologic emergencies, and palliative care.
- Psychosocial dimensions of care includes topics like the influence of culture, crisis management, and communication strategies and issues.
Curious about where these nurses can work? They can bring their expertise to various cancer care settings, including:
- Oncology units
- Cancer centers
- Breast health centers
- Specialized surgical centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Women’s health clinics
- Hospices
- Palliative care facilities
CBCN Certification Requirements
Ready to get started on your certification journey? Let’s break down the key steps to earning this prestigious credential.
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Getting ready for the certification exam starts with ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements. Think of this as your preparation blueprint — here’s a checklist of what you need to have in place before applying:
- Hold an active RN license.
- Have 2,000 hours of breast care nursing practice in the past 4 years.
- Have at least 2 years of RN experience within the past 4 years.
- Complete an academic elective or a minimum of 10 contact hours of continuing education in the specialty in the past 3 years.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Once you’re eligible for the exam, it’s time to hit the books. Here are some study materials recommended by the ONCC to help you get ready:
- CBCN study guide with content outline
- Certification test registration manual
- Test references
- Practice tests
- Review courses
- Sample test questions
- Role study summary
- ONCC study tips
Overwhelmed by the amount of material? Create a study schedule with specific daily goals. This is known as setting SMART goals, which can help you accomplish big tasks with steady and consistent actions.
3. Apply for the Exam
Start by creating an online ONCC account, picking your certification type, and submitting the required information, documentation, and fees. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive authorization to test with detailed instructions on how to schedule and take your exam within the 90-day window.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
The application process requires paying a $420 exam fee. If you’re part of one of these organizations, you might qualify for a discounted rate:
- Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses (APHON)
- Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)
5. Pass the Certification Exam
You’ll take your exam at one of the PSI test centers, and here’s a preview of how your exam will look like:
- You’ll answer 165 multiple-choice questions (145 scored and 20 unscored).
- You’ll have 3 hours to answer the test questions.
- You’ll need to score at least 50 to pass, with scores ranging from 25 to 75.
6. Maintain the Certification
To keep your credential active, you’ll need to renew it every four years. When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Current certification
- Active RN license
- At least one year of RN experience in the past 3 years
- 1,000 hours of specialty practice in the past 30 months
Once you’re eligible, you’ll need to select one of three renewal pathways and complete the required steps.
| Option 1: | Practice hours and professional development points |
| Option 2: | Practice hours and successful testing |
| Option 3: | Professional development points and successful testing |
Frequently Asked Questions: CBCN Certification
How hard is the exam?
The exam has a 72% pass rate, which means that most nurses who invest effort into studying are likely to succeed. Thorough preparation is the key to earning this certification.
What is the typical salary for a certified oncology nurse?
The typical oncology nurse salary in the U.S. is around $86,000 a year, though specialized credentials, work experience, and high-paying locations can increase your earnings.
Additionally, where you clock in on the map can have a big impact on your paycheck. Some of the high-paying states for RNs include:
What are my options if I fail the exam?
You’re allowed to retake the test once during a 90-day period. However, if you fail three times, you’ll need to wait a full year before trying again. If you’re feeling anxious about the possibility of not passing, the ONCC DoubleTake program offers an affordable backup plan, allowing you to retake the test for just $100 more if you don’t pass on your first attempt.
How do I verify my credentials?
ONCC publishes a list of certified nurses, so all you have to do is fill out an online verification form with your name, city, and state, and you’ll instantly have access to your certification information.
Related Certifications
Thinking about boosting your career with more certifications? These additional credentials could be a great fit:
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
- Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
- Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)
- Chemotherapy certification for nurses
- Registered Nurse Certification in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
- Registered Nurse Certification in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
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