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200+ Free CNN Practice Questions

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Questions by Category

Cnn-Hemodialysis81 questions
Cnn-Renal-Disease-Pathophysiology40 questions
Cnn-Peritoneal-Dialysis34 questions
Cnn-Transplant-Home-Therapies25 questions
Cnn-Professional-Issues20 questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CNN Exam

150

Exam Questions

NNCC

70%

Passing Score

Scaled score 95

3 hrs

Exam Duration

NNCC

$350

Exam Fee

NNCC

45%

Hemodialysis

Largest section

3 years

Certification Validity

NNCC

The CNN exam has 150 questions in 3 hours with a passing score of 70% (scaled score 95). The five content areas are: Renal Disease and Pathophysiology (20%), Hemodialysis (45%), Peritoneal Dialysis (15%), Transplantation and Home Therapies (10%), and Professional Issues (10%). Requires RN license and 2,000+ hours nephrology experience. Certification valid for 3 years. Exam fee is $350.

About the CNN Exam

The CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) exam validates expertise in nephrology nursing care. It covers renal disease pathophysiology, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation and home therapies, and professional issues. The exam tests knowledge of acute and chronic kidney disease, dialysis principles, vascular access, complications management, and patient education.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70% (Scaled score 95)

Exam Fee

$350 (NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission))

CNN Exam Content Outline

45%

Hemodialysis

Dialysis principles, vascular access, machine operation, treatment delivery, complications management, patient assessment, water treatment, and dialyzer reuse

20%

Renal Disease and Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, anemia management, and bone disease

15%

Peritoneal Dialysis

PD modalities, catheter care, infection control, complications, and patient education

10%

Transplantation and Home Therapies

Transplant evaluation, immunosuppression, complications, home hemodialysis, and nocturnal dialysis

10%

Professional Issues

Patient education, ethics, legal issues, quality improvement, infection control standards, and regulatory requirements

How to Pass the CNN Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% (Scaled score 95)
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $350

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CNN Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master hemodialysis (45%) — dialysis principles, vascular access types, and complications management
2Study renal pathophysiology — AKI, CKD stages, ESRD progression, and disease processes
3Know electrolyte imbalances — hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and management strategies
4Understand vascular access — AV fistula (preferred), AV graft, central venous catheters
5Review peritoneal dialysis — CAPD vs APD, catheter care, peritonitis prevention and treatment
6Learn transplant basics — immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, mycophenolate), rejection types, infection prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CNN certification?

CNN (Certified Nephrology Nurse) is a certification from the NNCC for registered nurses specializing in nephrology. It validates expertise in renal disease management, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation, and professional nursing issues in dialysis settings.

How many questions are on the CNN exam?

The CNN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit. The passing score is 70% (scaled score of 95). Hemodialysis is the largest content area at 45% of the exam.

What are the prerequisites for the CNN exam?

You need an active RN license, at least 2,000 hours of nephrology nursing experience, and 30 hours of continuing education in nephrology within the last 3 years. Experience must be within the last 2 years.

What is the most heavily tested topic on the CNN exam?

Hemodialysis accounts for 45% of the exam — nearly half of all questions. Focus on dialysis principles, vascular access (AVF, AVG, catheters), machine operation, complications (hypotension, cramping, air embolism), and water treatment.

How should I prepare for the CNN exam?

Plan for 150-200 hours of study. Master hemodialysis principles (45% of exam). Study renal pathophysiology, electrolyte management, and acid-base disorders. Know peritoneal dialysis modalities and complications. Understand transplant immunosuppression basics. Complete 200+ practice questions with detailed explanations.