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Key Facts: CEN Exam
175
Total Items
BCEN CEN exam page
150 + 25
Scored + Unscored
BCEN CEN exam page
106/150
Passing Standard
BCEN CEN exam page
3h
Exam Time
BCEN CEN exam page
$285/$380
Member / Nonmember Fee
BCEN CEN FAQ + CEN Exam Cost page
$195
Military Fee
BCEN CEN FAQ + CEN Exam Cost page
Jul 6, 2026
Current Content Outline Effective Date
BCEN CEN Exam Content Outline
4 years
Recertification Cycle
BCEN CEN FAQ
BCEN lists the CEN exam at 175 total items (150 scored + 25 unscored), 3-hour test time, and a passing standard of 106 scored items. BCEN's updated CEN Exam Content Outline became effective July 6, 2026 and defines 11 weighted domains across core emergency care and professional issues. BCEN's current posted CEN fees are $285 for professional-association members and $380 for non-members ($195 military). BCEN recommends two years of emergency nursing practice before testing.
About the CEN Exam
CEN is BCEN's board certification for emergency nurses. The exam tests emergency clinical judgment across cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, GI/GU/OB, trauma, toxicology, communicable disease, and professional emergency-practice domains.
Questions
175 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
106 out of 150 scored items
Exam Fee
$285 professional-association members / $380 non-members (BCEN / PSI)
CEN Exam Content Outline
Cardiovascular Emergencies
ACS recognition, dysrhythmias, shock patterns, resuscitation priorities, and time-critical cardiac pathways
Respiratory Emergencies
Airway compromise, respiratory failure, PE/pneumothorax red flags, and escalation of oxygenation support
Neurologic Emergencies
Stroke pathway activation, seizure emergencies, altered mentation differentials, and ICP/herniation concerns
GI/GU/GYN/OB Emergencies
Abdominal catastrophes, GU emergencies, pregnancy-related instability, and hemorrhage recognition
Mental Health + Medical Emergencies
Behavioral crisis safety, suicide risk, sepsis, endocrine crises, and metabolic/electrolyte emergencies
Trauma/HEENT/Environmental/Toxicology
Trauma priorities, wound and limb threats, eye/ENT emergencies, poisoning, heat/cold illness, and communicable threats
Professional Issues
Triage systems, legal/ethical emergency care, disaster operations, communication, and quality/safety practice
How to Pass the CEN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 106 out of 150 scored items
- Exam length: 175 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $285 professional-association members / $380 non-members
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CEN Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CEN exam?
BCEN lists 175 total items: 150 scored items and 25 unscored pretest items.
What score do I need to pass CEN?
BCEN lists the CEN passing standard as 106 correct out of 150 scored items.
How long is the CEN exam?
BCEN lists a 3-hour testing appointment for CEN.
What changed for CEN in 2026?
BCEN released an updated CEN Exam Content Outline effective July 6, 2026 with 11 weighted domains, including cardiovascular (18 items), respiratory (17), neurologic (17), and professional issues (12).
How much does CEN cost?
BCEN's current CEN FAQ/cost pages list $285 for professional-association members, $380 for non-members, and $195 for military candidates.
Who can take the CEN exam?
BCEN lists active unrestricted RN licensure as required. Two years of emergency nursing practice is recommended before testing.
How often do I renew CEN?
BCEN certifications follow a 4-year recertification cycle.