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100+ Free CANS Practice Questions

Pass your PSNCB Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus8) combines two mechanisms. Which best describes its primary action?

A
B
C
D
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PSNCB CPSN Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CANS Exam

150

Total Questions

3-hour exam

75%

Passing Score

PSNCB/C-NET

55%

Injectable Content

Largest blueprint domain

1,000 hrs

Min Practice Hours

PSNCB eligibility

$325-495

Exam Fee

PSNCB 2026

3 years

Recertification Cycle

45 CE hours required

The CANS exam is 150 questions over 3 hours, with a 75% passing score. The injectable domain is dominant at 55% of exam content. Eligibility requires current RN license plus 2 years and 1,000 hours of aesthetic practice. The credential is renewed every 3 years. PSNCB CANS is the leading certification for RNs performing cosmetic injectables and energy-based aesthetic treatments.

Sample CANS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CANS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient asks why Botox causes muscle relaxation. Which mechanism best explains onabotulinumtoxinA's action?
A.Blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors postsynaptically
B.Inhibits SNARE protein complex, preventing acetylcholine vesicle fusion
C.Depletes presynaptic acetylcholine stores permanently
D.Competitively inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the NMJ
Explanation: OnabotulinumtoxinA cleaves SNAP-25, a SNARE protein required for docking and fusing acetylcholine vesicles to the presynaptic membrane. Without vesicle fusion, acetylcholine cannot be released, causing reversible flaccid paralysis. It does not block postsynaptic receptors or inhibit acetylcholinesterase.
2Which neurotoxin has the longest published duration of effect at approximately 6 months per treatment cycle?
A.OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
B.AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport)
C.IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin)
D.DaxibotulinumtoxinA (Daxxify)
Explanation: DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm (Daxxify) incorporates a stabilizing peptide excipient that extends muscle relaxation to approximately 6 months in clinical trials, compared with 3-4 months for other FDA-approved neurotoxins. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin share similar duration profiles.
3When reconstituting onabotulinumtoxinA 100-unit vials for facial aesthetics, which diluent volume yields a concentration of 4 units per 0.1 mL?
A.1 mL
B.2.5 mL
C.4 mL
D.10 mL
Explanation: Adding 2.5 mL of preservative-free normal saline to a 100-unit vial produces 4 units/0.1 mL (100 units ÷ 25 = 4 u/0.1 mL). A 1 mL diluent yields 10 u/0.1 mL; 4 mL yields 2.5 u/0.1 mL; 10 mL yields 1 u/0.1 mL.
4A nurse is treating the glabella with onabotulinumtoxinA. Which artery runs directly below the supratrochlear notch and is a vascular danger zone for this injection site?
A.Superficial temporal artery
B.Angular artery
C.Supratrochlear artery
D.Infraorbital artery
Explanation: The supratrochlear artery exits the supratrochlear foramen/notch at the medial brow and courses superiorly in the subcutaneous plane. Inadvertent intravascular injection in the glabellar region can occlude this artery, risking skin necrosis. The angular and infraorbital arteries are relevant to nasal and midface injections.
5During a nasolabial fold filler injection, the nurse suspects intravascular injection. Immediate management includes stopping the injection and injecting hyaluronidase. What is the recommended initial hyaluronidase dose for vascular occlusion (VO)?
A.10-20 units at the site
B.50-100 units at the site
C.200-600 units flooded throughout the affected region
D.30 units IV push
Explanation: Current consensus protocols recommend flooding the entire distribution of the compromised vessel with 200-600 units of hyaluronidase immediately upon suspecting vascular occlusion. Lower doses (10-100 units) are insufficient to rapidly dissolve filler in a vascular emergency. Hyaluronidase is never given IV.
6A patient 48 hours post-lip filler develops a dusky, mottled gray-white patch on the philtrum with pain disproportionate to the procedure. Which vessel is most likely occluded?
A.Superior labial artery
B.Facial artery
C.Angular artery
D.Infraorbital artery
Explanation: The superior labial artery branches from the facial artery and runs within the lip submucosa. It directly supplies the philtrum and Cupid's bow; occlusion produces characteristic dusky discoloration and ischemic pain in this precise distribution. The angular artery supplies the nasal sidewall; the infraorbital artery supplies the midface.
7Bluish superficial discoloration of the skin after hyaluronic acid filler placement in the tear trough is called:
A.Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
B.Tyndall effect
C.Biofilm formation
D.Erythema migrans
Explanation: The Tyndall effect occurs when HA filler is placed too superficially; light scatters off filler particles, producing a blue-gray hue. Treatment is hyaluronidase dissolution. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is brown, not blue; biofilm presents with nodules or recurrent swelling.
8Which hyaluronic acid filler property determines how well it resists deformation under stress and correlates with its lifting capacity?
A.Concentration (mg/mL)
B.Cohesivity
C.G-prime (elastic modulus)
D.Degree of cross-linking alone
Explanation: G-prime (elastic modulus) measures a filler's resistance to deformation. High G-prime fillers (e.g., Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft) provide structural support for volumizing deep compartments. Concentration and cross-linking influence properties but G-prime is the direct measure of lift capacity.
9A patient returns 6 months after calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) filler and asks if it can be dissolved. The nurse's best response is:
A.Hyaluronidase will dissolve it quickly
B.Collagenase injections are the reversal agent
C.There is no reliable enzymatic reversal agent; management is supportive with massage and time
D.Corticosteroid injection dissolves CaHA reliably
Explanation: Unlike HA fillers, CaHA (Radiesse) has no established enzymatic dissolving agent. Hyaluronidase works only on HA. Management of CaHA complications relies on warm massage, dilution with normal saline, and in persistent nodules, small-gauge needle aspiration or corticosteroids for inflammation—not dissolution.
10Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) achieves volume restoration primarily by:
A.Immediate gel volume upon injection
B.Direct cross-linking of hyaluronic acid chains
C.Stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen over 3-6 months
D.Calcium salt microspheres providing an immediate scaffold
Explanation: PLLA (Sculptra) is a biostimulator: its microparticles trigger a foreign-body inflammatory response that activates fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen. Volume increase is gradual over weeks to months—not immediate. Calcium salt microspheres describe Radiesse.

About the CANS Exam

The CANS certification validates specialized knowledge in non-surgical aesthetic nursing. The exam covers three domains: Aesthetic Injectables (55%)—the dominant domain covering neurotoxins, HA/CaHA/PLLA/PMMA fillers, and complication management; Laser, Light, and Energy-Based Therapies (30%)—covering laser physics, device-specific protocols, and safety; and Clinical Skin Care (15%)—covering chemical peels, Fitzpatrick typing, scar management, and aesthetic ethics. The exam is 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, administered by C-NET.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

75% (approximately 113/150 scored correct)

Exam Fee

$325-495 (Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) / C-NET)

CANS Exam Content Outline

55%

Aesthetic Injectables

Neurotoxin pharmacology and techniques (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify), hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm Vycross/Ultra, Restylane NASHA, Belotero, RHA, Versa), biostimulators (Radiesse, Sculptra), PMMA (Bellafill), facial anatomy and danger zones, vascular occlusion emergency management, hyaluronidase protocol, Tyndall effect, biofilm, and nodule management

30%

Laser, Light, and Energy-Based Therapies

Selective photothermolysis principles, PDL (595 nm) vascular targets, KTP (532 nm), Nd:YAG (1064 nm), Er:YAG (2940 nm) and CO2 (10600 nm) ablative/fractional resurfacing, IPL, HIFU/Ultherapy, RF (Thermage/Morpheus8), microneedling, cryolipolysis, Kybella, sclerotherapy, laser safety (OD goggles, fire protocol), Fitzpatrick-adjusted parameters

15%

Clinical Skin Care

Fitzpatrick skin typing, Glogau photoaging classification, superficial/medium/deep chemical peels (glycolic, salicylic, TCA, phenol), scar management (keloid vs. hypertrophic, silicone sheeting, intralesional triamcinolone), informed consent and ethics, HIPAA, photography standards, scope of practice, contraindication assessment

How to Pass the CANS Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% (approximately 113/150 scored correct)
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $325-495

Keys to Passing

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

CANS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the three blueprint domains by weight: injectables (55%) first, then energy-based devices (30%), then skin care (15%)
2Know all FDA-approved neurotoxins by brand (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify), mechanism, unit conversions, and duration differences
3Memorize facial danger zones: supratrochlear, supraorbital, dorsal nasal, angular, and infraorbital arteries with their anatomical landmarks
4Learn vascular occlusion emergency protocol: stop injection → hyaluronidase 200-600 units → warm compresses → aspirin → monitor → emergency services if vision changes
5Understand filler product families: HA (Juvederm Vycross vs. Restylane NASHA vs. Belotero vs. RHA vs. Versa), CaHA, PLLA, PMMA and their reversal/management
6Study laser physics: selective photothermolysis, target chromophores (oxyhemoglobin/PDL, water/Er:YAG/CO2, melanin/Nd:YAG), and wavelength-specific applications
7Know Fitzpatrick types I-VI and how each affects laser parameters, chemical peel selection, and PIH risk
8Review chemical peel depths: superficial (glycolic/salicylic), medium (TCA 35%), deep (phenol) with their specific contraindications and pre/post-care
9Understand aesthetic ethics: informed consent requirements, scope of practice, HIPAA photography rules, contraindications for BDD and active lesions
10Practice with case-based scenarios covering complication recognition (VO blanching vs. bruising vs. Tyndall) and appropriate immediate management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSNCB CANS exam?

The CANS (Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist) is a specialty certification offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). It validates advanced knowledge and skills in non-surgical aesthetic nursing including neurotoxins, dermal fillers, energy-based treatments, and clinical skin care.

What are the CANS eligibility requirements?

To sit for the CANS exam you must: (1) hold a current unrestricted RN license in the US, territories, or Canada; (2) have a minimum of 2 years RN experience and at least 1,000 practice hours in aesthetic core specialties (Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, or Facial Plastic Surgery) within the prior 2 years; (3) currently collaborate with a board-certified core physician or CANS-certified NP; and (4) provide a letter of recommendation from your collaborating provider.

How many questions are on the CANS exam?

The CANS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions administered over 3 hours via computer-based testing through C-NET (Center for Nursing Education and Testing).

What is the CANS exam passing score?

The CANS passing score is 75% (approximately 113 of 150 questions correct). The exam is scored by C-NET and results are typically available within 4-6 weeks of testing.

What content areas are covered on the CANS exam?

The CANS exam covers three domains: Aesthetic Injectables (55%)—the largest domain covering neurotoxins, HA/CaHA/PLLA/PMMA fillers, and complication management; Laser, Light, and Energy-Based Therapies (30%); and Clinical Skin Care (15%) covering chemical peels, scar management, Fitzpatrick typing, and ethics.

How long is CANS certification valid?

CANS certification is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires 45 contact hours of continuing education in aesthetic nursing core specialties OR retaking the written examination. You must also continue to meet eligibility requirements.

What is the CANS exam fee?

The CANS exam fee is $325 for ISPAN (International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses) members and $495 for non-members, plus a non-refundable $25 application fee. Recertification fees are $200 (members) or $350 (non-members).