If you need help studying for the NBCSN exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free NBCSN practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the NBCSN exam, you’ll have to meet all of the requirements below:
- You need a current RN license in the US
- You need a BSN
- You need at least 1,000 hours of school nurse practice
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the NBCSN Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 200 multiple-choice questions total, but only 175 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 4 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the NBCSN exam.
1. Health Appraisal
26% of the exam
- General physical health
- General psychosocial health
- Systems of the body
2. Health Problems and Nursing Management
27% of the exam
- Emergency care
- Acute, episodic, and chronic conditions
- Communicable diseases
3. Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
20% of the exam
- Immunizations
- Risk reduction and infection control
- Counseling/conflict resolution
- Community health needs
- Cultural considerations
- Environmental concerns
- Safety education
- Disaster preparedness
4. Special Health Issues
14% of the exam
- Special health needs
- Educational/heath management
5. Professional Issues
13% of the exam
- Code of Ethics (ANA/NASN)
- Nurse Practice Act
- Licensure/certification
- Scope and standards of practice
- Administrative
- Consultation to administration on health issues
- Electronic and hard copy health records
- Medication
- Treatment policy
- Legal issues
- Research and evidence-based practice
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application to NBCSN. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the application fee, which is $390. If you apply early, you’ll only have to pay $370.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be sent an Authorization to Test. At this point, you’ll be able to register for a testing appointment.
NBCSN Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You’ll need a score of 620 to pass the test.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can reapply to take the test at the beginning of the next testing window.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full application fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NBCSN exam?
The exam contains 200 questions.
What is the time limit for the NBCSN exam?
The exam is timed at 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the NBCSN exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 620 to pass.
How much does the NBCSN exam cost?
The application fee is $390.