If you need help studying for the Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free COHN practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the COHN exam, you’ll have to meet the following requirements:
- You need a current, unrestricted RN license
- You need at least 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing practice within the last five years
If you meet these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 160 multiple-choice questions total, but only 135 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 3 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 COHN exam.
1. Clinical Practice and Case Management
72 scored questions
- Work-related injuries and illnesses
- Non-work-related injuries and illnesses
- Nursing standards of care
- Nurse practice laws and regulations
- Clinical care counseling and education
- Infection control standards of care protocols
- Cultural competence and considerations
- Medical documentation
Case Management (30 scored questions)
- Fit for duty
- Case management counseling and education
- Disability case management
- Workers compensation
- Return to work
- Restricted/modified duties and accommodations
- Referrals and resources
2. Risk and Compliance
40 scored questions
- Worker, worker population, and workplace settings assessments
- Worker job requirements
- Ergonomics and work design
- Environmental health and industrial hygiene
- Disaster panning and emerging health issues
Compliance (20 scored questions)
- Ethical, legal, and regulatory compliance
- Occupational health surveillance programs
- Drug and alcohol programs
3. Program Management and Quality Assurance
23 scored questions
- Health, safety, and workplace education and training programs
- Worker/employee assistance programs
- Wellness and health promotion programs
- Surveillance/regulatory compliance testing programs
- Stakeholder education and collaboration
How to Register
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on ABOHN’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any necessary ID documentation (among other things). When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the application fee, which is $150.
Once your application is approved, the next step is to pay the $400 testing fee and schedule an appointment to take the exam.
COHN Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The COHN test is scored using two methods: The Angoff method and scaled scoring.
Here’s how they work:
A group of subject-matter experts take an educated guess at the percentage of candidates who would correctly answer each question on the test. These estimates are then averaged to set a cut-off score, which test-takers must meet or exceed to pass. This method aims to ensure the pass threshold reflects the level of knowledge or skill that is deemed minimally acceptable for a particular profession or field.
Scaled Scoring
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exam 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.
The passing score isn’t made public, but you should aim to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can re-register to take the exam again.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the COHN exam?
The exam contains 160 questions.
What is the time limit for the COHN exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the COHN exam?
You should answer at least 70% of the questions correctly. The exact passing score is unknown.
How much does the COHN exam cost?
The testing fee is $400.