Exam Formats
The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) exam is available in two formats: Paper and Pencil (P&P) or Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Before choosing a test format on the application, make sure there is a P&P testing site or CBT testing center in your area. Click here information about P&P testing sites and CBT testing centers.
| Paper and Pencil (P&P) | Computer-Based Testing (CBT) |
|---|---|
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Frequency: This exam format is administered four times a year. Dates and Locations: It is administered at over 50 testing sites across the country on a specific date in May and October. Special sites are arranged by a facility to administer the exam at their location on the nationally scheduled testing date. It is also administered at the end of the AMSN national convention in the fall. Exam: The P&P exam consists of 150 scored questions and 25 experimental questions which are not scored. The time allotted for the exam is 4 hours. A standard score of 95 (approximately 71%) is required to pass. Results: Results of paper exams will be mailed approximately 8 weeks after the exam. Any problem questions are examined and eliminated from scoring, if necessary. The remaining questions are then scored two more times to verify total scores. All candidates receive a total score report. Those candidates who fail the exam also receive a detailed report of their performance in all the major test areas of concentration. All tests are kept by the testing agency for five (5) years, the period of certification. |
Frequency: This exam format is available throughout the year. Dates and Locations: It is administered at over 250 specified computer testing centers around the country. The candidate will receive a letter confirming eligibility and will be given a specific 90-day date range in which to test. Do not adjust your personal and/or work calendar until you officially schedule a test appointment. Exam: The CBT exam consists of 150 scored questions. There are no experimental questions in this format. The time allotted for the exam is 3 hours. A standard score of 95 (approximately 71%) is required to pass. Results: Results of the CBT exams are provided immediately upon completion of the exam. All candidates receive a total score report. Those candidates who fail the exam also receive a detailed report of their performance in all the major test areas of concentration. All tests are kept by the testing agency for five (5) years, the period of certification. |
