TCRN Certification: Overview and FAQ

A Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) credential is for registered nurses working in trauma care settings, such as emergency departments (EDs), medivacs, and intensive care units (ICUs). The TCRN certification validates nurses’ expertise and helps improve patient outcomes, making it a valuable asset.

Looking to get TCRN-certified? You’re in the right place. This article will explain what this certification is, break down the steps to get it, and explain why it’s worth having.

What Is TCRN Certification?

TCRN certification is a specialized credential that’s awarded to nurses who undergo advanced training in trauma care. It’s administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) and covers six content categories:

• Clinical practice: head and neck
• Clinical practice: trunk
• Clinical practice: extremity and wound
• Clinical practice: special considerations
• Continuum of care for trauma
• Professional issues

These content areas cover a range of trauma-care topics. Here are a few examples:

• Neurologic trauma
• Thoracic, abdominal, genitourinary, and obstetrical trauma
• Musculoskeletal, surface, and burn trauma
• Shock (e.g., hypovolemic, obstructive, distributive, cardiogenic)
• Hemostatic resuscitation
• Substance use
• Trauma quality improvement and disaster management
• End-of-life issues (e.g., advanced directives, palliative care, brain death)
• Psychosocial issues related to trauma (e.g., post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, coping)

How to Get TCRN Certification

Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as a TCRN-certified nurse:

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria

So how do you meet TCRN certification requirements? All you need to sit for the exam is to have a current, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license. Although BCEN suggests you gain two years of experience in your specialty before you attempt to take the TCRN exam, it’s not a requirement.

2. Start Preparing for the Exam

Familiarize yourself with the TCRN exam content by using study resources such as:

• Certificate handbook
• Preparation checklist
• Content outline
• Sample questions
• Practice exams

3. Submit Your Application

Ready to test? Start by creating an online application by clicking “certify” on the BCEN website and select TCRN. Then, provide all the necessary information, such as your name and license details. You’ll then be prompted to pay the exam fee, which can be done online or by mail.

After your payment is processed, you can schedule your exam. You’ll have two options to take it: live remote proctoring, or in one of the numerous PSI test centers. Keep these tips in mind when scheduling your exam:

• You need to schedule and take your TCRN exam within the 90-day window after completing your application.
• Book your spot early, as seats are first come, first served. Walk-ins aren’t allowed.

4. Pass the TCRN Exam

Wondering about the exam process? Here’s a quick preview:

• The exam includes 175 questions — 150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items.
• You’ll have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete it.
• You’ll need to correctly answer 104 of the 150 scored questions to pass.
• You’ll start with 5 practice questions to help you get used to the exam format.

When will you receive results? If you’re taking the test remotely, you’ll see your score right after finishing your exam. If you’re taking it at a testing center, you’ll get your score report from the administrator shortly after completion. You’ll also receive an email with your test results.

5. Maintain the Certification

Your certification is valid for four years. To renew it, you have two options:

• Complete 100 contact hours of continuing education during your certification period, with 75 being clinical and specialty-specific, and up to 25 being non-clinical. Additionally, 50 of these hours must come from an accredited source like American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
• Retake the exam within a 90 day window.

TCRN Certification Cost

You have the option to pick one of two payment plans when applying. Here’s the breakdown:

• Single take: $380
• BCEN test assurance: $450 (gives you two attempts)

If you need to retake the exam, BCEN offers a discount that can be applied within a year of your original test date. It also offers lower fees for STN-members and military personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions: TCRN Certificate

How hard is the TCRN exam?

In 2023, 1,093 of 1,760 test-takers passed the exam, giving it a 62% pass rate. With the right preparation and dedication, you can successfully earn the TCRN credential.

TCRN vs. TNCC: Which one is better?

Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is an educational course designed to teach nurses the essential skills for managing trauma patients, focusing on hands-on training and evidence-based practices.

TCRN, on the other hand, is a certification that validates a nurse’s expertise in trauma care through a comprehensive exam. In short, TNCC is a training course, while TCRN is a professional certification.

TCRN vs CCRN: Which one is better?

Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is an advanced credential for nurses who work in critical care settings, such as ICUs or emergency departments, and covers a broader range of acute care topics. On the other hand, TCRN is specifically designed for nurses who specialize in trauma care.

What happens if I fail the TCRN exam?

You can retake the BCEN exam as many times as needed, but you’ll need to wait 90 days before trying again. After the wait, just submit a retest application online through your BCEN account.

What textbooks are recommended to prepare for the exam?

One way to prepare for the exam is by reviewing a BCEN practice exam, which gives you a good idea of the types of questions you’ll see on the actual test. While the BCEN doesn’t officially endorse any study resources, it does provide a list of over 15 materials you can use while preparing for the exam.

How do I verify my TCRN certificate?

You can verify your TCRN certification in one of two ways:

• Digital badging: You can retrieve your digital badge from Credly. Once you have the badge, you can share it through your Credly account via email or social media.
• Credential verification request: Log in to your BCEN account. Under the My Account tab, find the Credential Verification Request. Enter your employer’s email to send them your certification details, including type, status, and expiration date.

What are the benefits of a TCRN certificate?

The TCRN credential is key for proving your expertise in trauma care. Here’s how it can benefit you:

• Expertise validation: Certification demonstrates your specialized knowledge and skills, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle complex trauma situations.
• Stronger resume: Certification shows dedication to your field, enhancing your trauma nurse resume and making you more competitive in the job market.
• Higher earning potential: Certification may lead to a higher nursing salary.
• Improved care quality: Certification helps build a culture of excellence, driving high-quality care in healthcare facilities and boosting patient satisfaction.
• Career growth: Certified nurses often have more opportunities for leadership and management roles.

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