CDN Practice Test

To be eligible, you must:

• Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States or its territories.
• Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience as an RN in nephrology nursing within the two (2) years prior to applying.
• Be currently employed in nephrology nursing.

The examination content is based on a practice analysis of the dialysis nursing role. Key areas often include:

• Physiological and technical principles of kidney replacement therapies (e.g., hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis).
• Pathologic processes, signs, symptoms, and complications of kidney disease and its treatment.
• Selecting appropriate interventions and administering medications.
• Patient and family education strategies.
• Infection control, professionalism, and interdisciplinary approaches to care.

• The certification is valid for 3 years.
• To recertify, you need a combination of nephrology nursing practice hours and continuing education hours, or retake the exam.

The CDN certification is ideal for registered nurses working in dialysis facilities, including hemodialysis centers, peritoneal dialysis units, and acute dialysis settings. It demonstrates specialized knowledge and competency in providing care to patients with kidney disease requiring dialysis treatment.

Download the application from the NNCC website, complete it with proof of eligibility (e.g., RN license, experience verification, CE certificates), and submit by mail with the fee (mentioned at website). Processing takes 4-6 weeks; once approved, schedule your test through PSI Exams.

• Use the official preparation guide and test blueprint from NNCC.
• Practice with Prephow sample questions or a practice exam (timed format) to get familiar.
• Focus more on weak areas (e.g. peritoneal dialysis or acute therapies).
• Use core textbooks and references (e.g. ANNA’s Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing, Handbook of Dialysis).
• Consider study groups, review courses, consistent schedule.

The exam is challenging but passable with preparation, as it tests applied knowledge rather than rote memorization. Most candidates with 2-3 years of dialysis experience study 100-200 hours over 4-12 weeks. User reports indicate it's more clinical than expected, with success rates improving via targeted practice on hemodialysis complications.