Free Practice Questions for NEA-BC

The NEA-BC exam has 150 questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions used for future exam development. Pretest items are indistinguishable from scored items, so answer every question.

ANCC allows 3 hours to answer the 150 questions. That is an average of about 1.2 minutes (72 seconds) per item, so a rehearsed pacing plan matters.

ANCC reports scores on a scale with a maximum of 500, and an examinee must achieve a scaled score of 350 or higher to pass. Scoring is criterion-referenced, with the minimum passing score set by a panel of subject matter experts using the Modified Angoff method, so you are measured against a fixed standard rather than against other candidates.

Initial certification is $395 for non-members and $295 for American Nurses Association members, and both prices include a $140 non-refundable administrative fee. ANCC does not publish the five-year renewal fee on its certification or renewal pages; the Certification Renewal Handbook lists only "pay the renewal fee," so confirm the current amount in your ANCC account at renewal time.

ANCC publishes four criteria: hold a current active RN license or the legally recognized equivalent; hold a graduate degree with either the baccalaureate or the graduate degree in nursing; complete at least 2,000 hours in a leadership, management, or administration position with primary responsibility for organization-wide or system-wide operations within the last 3 years; and complete 30 hours of continuing education in leadership, management, or administration within the last 3 years.

The Test Content Outline effective November 11, 2025 divides the 125 scored questions into four domains: Leadership (42 questions, 34%), Quality and Safety (32 questions, 26%), Human Capital Management (26 questions, 21%), and Health Care Delivery (25 questions, 20%).

Yes. You may apply to retest 60 days after the date you last tested, and you may not test more than three times in any 12-month period. Each retest requires a new application and meeting the eligibility requirements in effect at that time.