SCRN Certification: Overview and FAQ
If you want to level up your nursing skills, consider becoming a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN). This professional credential is offered by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) and is designed to validate a nurse’s expertise in caring for stroke patients. Since stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a top cause of long-term disability in the U.S., this certification is a valuable tool for any nurse passionate about making a difference in this critical area of healthcare.
Excited to become an SCRN nurse? This guide has all the essentials you need to know, including eligibility requirements, exam details, and study resources.
What Is SCRN? Snapshot
- Eligibility: You’ll need an active RN license and at least 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time specialty experience within the past 3 years.
- Preparation: Review the candidate handbook, take a review course, use practice tests, and consider investing in a recent reference text.
- Application process: Create an online account, submit your application for the chosen certification type, and pay the application fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 175 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is between $300–$425 depending on membership status and payment method
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew every 5 years.
SCRN Meaning
SCRN stands for Stroke Certified Registered Nurse. The SCRN certification is a mark of excellence in the field of neurology nursing, validating a nurse’s expertise in caring for patients affected by strokes, including:
- Stroke prevention: Educating patients about stroke risk factors like hypertension, smoking, and poor diet.
- Acute care: Treating patients during and immediately after a stroke to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.
- Post-acute care: Supporting rehabilitation after a stroke and managing complications to optimize patients’ quality of life.
- Long-term care: Addressing chronic conditions or disabilities resulting from strokes and helping patients reintegrate into their lives.
To receive this credential, a nurse must meet eligibility requirements and pass a specialized exam administered by the ABNN. It’s open to nurses with direct or indirect experience in stroke care, including those working in the following:
- Neurology units
- Neurorestorative care facilities
- Emergency departments
- Stroke centers
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Palliative care facilities
Certification Exam Outline
Curious about what you’ll be tested on? The exam outline is divided into five main knowledge areas, each encompassing a range of testable topics related to stroke care.
| Knowledge Areas: | Examples of Testable Topics: |
|---|---|
| Anatomy, physiology, and etiology of stroke |
|
| Hyperacute care |
|
| Acute care |
|
| Post-acute care |
|
| Primary and secondary preventative care |
|
Stroke Certified Registered Nurse: 6 Steps to Get Certified
Curious about how to add these respected credentials to your name? Let’s go over the key steps to get certified.
1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
Your first step is to fulfill the eligibility requirements for the exam. Before submitting your application, ensure the following tasks are completed:
- Have an active and current RN license in the U.S. or Canada.
- Accumulate 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time experience in direct or indirect stroke nursing practice within the past 3 years.
Your experience can be in clinical practice or in consultant, researcher, administrator, or educator roles. It can also be either direct or indirect — here’s the difference:
- Direct stroke nursing, meaning hands-on care in clinical settings.
- Indirect stroke nursing, including activities like supervision, consultation, or research.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Your next step is to prepare for the exam. Here are some ABNN-recommended resources to help you get ready for the exam:
- SCRN study guide with exam content outline
- SCRN practice questions
- AANN Comprehensive Review for Stroke Nursing book
- AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing book
- Self-paced review course
Looking for a comprehensive study solution? Consider investing in the ABNN exam preparation package, which includes the book, a review course, and practice questions.
3. Submit Your Application
Ready to test? There are three application windows each year with associated deadlines. During your chosen window, set up an online ABNN account, create an application for the certification, and submit proof of your license, education, and experience. ABNN will review your application and might request extra documents to confirm eligibility. Once you’re approved, you’ll be ready to schedule your exam.
4. Pay the Exam Fee
Getting certified comes with costs, so planning your budget ahead of time can help reduce financial pressure. If you’re a member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), you’ll get a discount. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to expect:
- Paying by credit card: $300 for AANN members, and $400 for non-members
- Paying by check: $325 for AANN members, and $425 for nonmembers
Optional fees include:
- Exam prep package: $380 for AANN members, and $545 for nonmembers
- Review course: $220 for AANN members, and $320 for nonmembers
- Practice questions: $75 for AANN members, and $100 for nonmembers
- Comprehensive Review for Stroke Nursing book: $130 for AANN members, and $185 for nonmembers
- Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing book: $175 for AANN members, and $255 for nonmembers
5. Pass the Exam
What can you expect on test day? Here’s a snapshot of your exam experience:
- You’ll take the test either at a PSI testing center or remotely with a proctor.
- You’ll have 3 annual windows where you can choose your SCRN exam dates.
- You’ll have to answer 170 questions (150 scored and 20 unscored).
- You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- You’ll need a scaled score of at least 200 to pass.
- You’ll receive your official certificate within 4–6 weeks of passing.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your certification doesn’t last forever — you’ll need to renew it every five years. Here’s a breakdown of the renewal options:
| Option 1: | Option 2: | Option 3: |
|---|---|---|
| Accumulate 4,160 hours of stroke nursing experience and retake the certification exam. | Accumulate 4,160 hours of stroke nursing experience and complete 50 continuing education hours. | Accumulate 2,500 hours of stroke nursing experience and complete 100 continuing education hours. |
Frequently Asked Questions: SCRN Certification
How hard is the SCRN exam?
Some nurses may find this test challenging, while others may not — it all depends on your level of preparation. However, the 71% pass rate proves that many nurses successfully earn this credential. Prepare strategically by studying the key topics thoroughly and building your critical thinking skills with practice questions to boost your chances of success.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass, you can reapply for future exams. You’re allowed one attempt per exam window and up to three tries in 12 months. A new application and exam fee are required each time.
How do I verify my credentials?
You can verify your credentials through the ABNN Certificant Search. Simply enter your first and last name, along with your state, and you’ll be able to view the certification details. This can be done by you or your employer to confirm certification status.
What is the typical SCRN nurse salary?
The average salary for neurology nurses in the U.S. is about $78,000 per year. However, your pay may be higher or lower based on factors like your education, experience, and the setting in which you work. Certified nurses often earn more, as certification can play a role in salary negotiations.
Salary can also vary by location. To maximize your earnings, consider applying to jobs in these high-paying states for RNs:
What are the benefits of specialty certification?
Specialty certification offers numerous advantages for nurses looking to enhance their careers and skills, including:
- Better pay: You may earn a higher salary due to your advanced skills and qualifications.
- Career advancement: You may qualify for promotions and leadership roles, such as nursing supervisor or manager.
- Improved patient outcomes: You’ll upgrade your knowledge of the latest advances in stroke care, which can lead to better patient outcomes in your unit or facility.
- Enhanced professional credibility: You’ll validate your expertise as a stroke care expert, which can give your confidence a boost.
Related Certifications
Want to explore more certifications? Check out these additional credentials:
- Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
- NIH Stroke Certification
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