200+ Free CMSRN Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CMSRN Exam
150
Total Items
MSNCB CMSRN Candidate Handbook
125 + 25
Scored + Unscored
MSNCB CMSRN Exam Blueprint
3h
Exam Time
MSNCB CMSRN Candidate Handbook
95/125
Passing Score
MSNCB scaled scoring
71%
First-Time Pass Rate
MSNCB statistics
$267/$394
Member / Nonmember Fee
MSNCB 2026 fees
The CMSRN exam contains 150 items (125 scored + 25 unscored pilot questions) administered over 3 hours. MSNCB reports approximately 71% first-time pass rate. The 2023 exam blueprint emphasizes patient/care management (32%) and nursing teamwork/collaboration (21%). Certification is valid for 5 years with renewal through continuing education or re-examination.
About the CMSRN Exam
CMSRN certification validates expertise in medical-surgical nursing across five domains: Patient/Care Management (32%), Holistic Patient Care (15%), Elements of Interprofessional Care (17%), Professional Concepts (15%), and Nursing Teamwork and Collaboration (21%). It demonstrates competency in caring for adult medical-surgical patients across the care continuum.
Questions
150 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
95/125 scored (scaled score)
Exam Fee
$267 AMSN members / $394 non-members (MSNCB (Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board))
CMSRN Exam Content Outline
Patient/Care Management
Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, pharmacology, patient safety, infection prevention, emergency response, and care coordination for medical-surgical patients
Holistic Patient Care
Cultural competence, spiritual care, patient advocacy, family dynamics, grief and loss, comfort care, and supporting patients through health challenges
Elements of Interprofessional Care
Interprofessional collaboration, delegation, continuity of care, ethics, evidence-based practice, and working effectively with the healthcare team
Professional Concepts
Professional growth, quality improvement, research utilization, leadership, regulatory compliance, and advancing the nursing profession
Nursing Teamwork and Collaboration
Team building, conflict resolution, communication, mentoring, and effective collaboration to optimize patient outcomes
How to Pass the CMSRN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 95/125 scored (scaled score)
- Exam length: 150 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $267 AMSN members / $394 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
CMSRN Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMSRN pass rate?
MSNCB reports approximately 71% first-time pass rate for the CMSRN exam. Pass rates may vary by candidate preparation and experience level.
How many questions are on the CMSRN exam?
The CMSRN exam contains 150 total questions: 125 scored items and 25 unscored pilot items. The pilot questions are used for future exam development.
What is the CMSRN exam format?
The CMSRN is a computer-based exam administered at PSI testing centers. All questions are multiple-choice with four options. You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
What are the CMSRN eligibility requirements?
To sit for the CMSRN exam, you must have: 1) An active, unrestricted RN license, 2) 2 years (24 months) of full-time medical-surgical nursing experience, AND 3) 2,000 hours of practice in medical-surgical nursing within the past 3 years.
How much does CMSRN certification cost?
The CMSRN exam fee is $267 for AMSN members and $394 for non-members. This includes a $75 non-refundable application fee. Retest fees are reduced.
How long is CMSRN certification valid?
CMSRN certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal can be achieved through continuing education (90 contact hours) or by re-taking and passing the examination.
What is the difference between CMSRN and ANCC Med-Surg certification?
Both certifications validate medical-surgical nursing expertise. CMSRN is offered by MSNCB (affiliated with AMSN) while ANCC offers RN-BC in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Both are nationally recognized; some facilities may prefer one over the other.