Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
Certification Study Notes
Overview of the CEN Certification
The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential is administered by the Board of
Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is a specialty certification that validates an
RN’s expertise and advanced knowledge in emergency department (ED) nursing. The CEN
credential demonstrates mastery in the assessment, stabilization, and management of patients
experiencing acute or life-threatening conditions across the lifespan.
CEN-certified nurses work in high-acuity environments, requiring strong clinical judgment,
rapid assessment skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The exam tests a nurse’s ability to
integrate evidence-based practices into fast-paced, unpredictable emergency scenarios.
Exam Format and Structure
Administered by: BCEN
Format: 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 25 unscored pretest)
Duration: 3 hours
Delivery: Computer-based, at Pearson VUE centers or online proctored
, Passing Score: Based on scaled scoring (usually around 70%)
Credential Earned: CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)
Recertification: Every 4 years via CE credits or retesting
Content Domains (by percentage):
1. Cardiovascular Emergencies – 18%
2. Respiratory Emergencies – 10%
3. Neurological Emergencies – 10%
4. Gastrointestinal Emergencies – 7%
5. Psychosocial and Medical Emergencies – 9%
6. Maxillofacial, Ocular, Orthopedic, and Wound Emergencies – 8%
7. Environmental, Toxicology, and Communicable Diseases – 9%
8. Shock and Multi-System Emergencies – 10%
9. Obstetrical and Gynecological Emergencies – 5%
10. Professional Issues – 4%
1. Cardiovascular Emergencies
Key Concepts:
Assessment: Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, diaphoresis, hypotension.
Common Conditions:
o Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Includes unstable angina and MI.
Certification Study Notes
Overview of the CEN Certification
The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential is administered by the Board of
Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It is a specialty certification that validates an
RN’s expertise and advanced knowledge in emergency department (ED) nursing. The CEN
credential demonstrates mastery in the assessment, stabilization, and management of patients
experiencing acute or life-threatening conditions across the lifespan.
CEN-certified nurses work in high-acuity environments, requiring strong clinical judgment,
rapid assessment skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The exam tests a nurse’s ability to
integrate evidence-based practices into fast-paced, unpredictable emergency scenarios.
Exam Format and Structure
Administered by: BCEN
Format: 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 25 unscored pretest)
Duration: 3 hours
Delivery: Computer-based, at Pearson VUE centers or online proctored
, Passing Score: Based on scaled scoring (usually around 70%)
Credential Earned: CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)
Recertification: Every 4 years via CE credits or retesting
Content Domains (by percentage):
1. Cardiovascular Emergencies – 18%
2. Respiratory Emergencies – 10%
3. Neurological Emergencies – 10%
4. Gastrointestinal Emergencies – 7%
5. Psychosocial and Medical Emergencies – 9%
6. Maxillofacial, Ocular, Orthopedic, and Wound Emergencies – 8%
7. Environmental, Toxicology, and Communicable Diseases – 9%
8. Shock and Multi-System Emergencies – 10%
9. Obstetrical and Gynecological Emergencies – 5%
10. Professional Issues – 4%
1. Cardiovascular Emergencies
Key Concepts:
Assessment: Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, diaphoresis, hypotension.
Common Conditions:
o Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Includes unstable angina and MI.
