CNE Practice Test

To be eligible for the CNE exam, you must hold a current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, you must meet one of the following educational and experience criteria (known as Option A or Option B):

• Option A (Education-Focused): Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing that includes a major emphasis in nursing education, OR a master's or doctoral degree in nursing plus a post-master’s certificate in nursing education, OR a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with nine or more graduate-level credit hours in education courses.
• Option B (Experience-Focused): Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (with a major emphasis in a role other than nursing education), AND have at least two years or more of employment as a nurse educator in an academic institution within the past five years.

The exam is organized around NLN’s competencies for nurse educators. It includes (but is not limited to):

• Facilitate Learning
• Facilitate Learner Development & Socialization
• Use Assessment & Evaluation Strategies
• Participate in Curriculum Design & Evaluation of Program Outcomes
• Function as Change Agent & Leader
• Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement
• Engage in Scholarship, Service, & Leadership
• Function within the Organizational Environment & Academic Community

You must apply through the National League for Nursing's (NLN) certification division. The process involves creating an account on the NLN website, submitting an online application with your educational and employment details, and uploading required documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email to schedule your exam.

Yes, the exam is available via live remote proctoring from your home computer, in addition to in-person testing centers. For remote testing, you'll need a quiet space, a webcam, microphone, and stable internet; minimum specs include Windows 10 (or equivalent for Mac) and Google Chrome. No breaks are allowed, and proctors monitor via audio/video. Technical checks are required beforehand—visit Meazure Learning for a system test. Accommodations for disabilities are only available at centers, not remotely.

The NLN offers several official Certified Nurse Educator study resources including the CNE Candidate Handbook with sample questions, the Certified Nurse Educator Review Book, Prephow Practice Tests and Self-Assessment Examinations (SAE). These materials cover all eight core competencies and provide practice questions similar to those on the actual exam.

You must present a valid government-issued photo ID with your first and last name exactly matching your application. Without it, you'll be considered a no-show, forfeit your fees, and need to reapply. No guests or personal items (like phones or notes) are allowed in the testing area.