EPIC CLN251/252
Inpatient Nursing Certification Examination
Academic Year 2026–2027
75 Questions | 5 Domains | 120 Minutes
Hyperspace | eMAR | BCMA | CPOE | NoteWriter | Flowsheets | CarePlan
Page 1 of 37
,Examination Overview
Exam Title EPIC CLN251/252 Inpatient Nursing Certification Examination
Academic Year 2026–2027
Total Questions 75
Multiple Choice (MCQ), Select All That Apply (SATA), Workflow
Question Types
Scenario
Time Limit 120 minutes
Passing Score 80% (60/75 correct)
Domains Assessed 5
Domain Breakdown
Domain Topic Area Questions Weight
1 System Navigation, Q1–Q10 (10) 13.3%
Security &
Preferences
2 eMAR & Medication Q11–Q30 (20) 26.7%
Administration
3 CPOE & Order Q31–Q45 (15) 20.0%
Management
4 Clinical Q46–Q60 (15) 20.0%
Documentation &
Care Plans
5 Bedside Management Q61–Q75 (15) 20.0%
& Flowsheets
Examination Instructions
1. This examination consists of 75 questions covering five domains of Epic Hyperspace Inpatient
Nursing (CLN251/252).
2. Question types include Multiple Choice (MCQ), Select All That Apply (SATA), and Workflow
Scenario questions.
3. For MCQ questions, select the ONE best answer.
4. For SATA questions, select ALL correct answers. Partial credit may be awarded.
5. For Workflow Scenario questions, select the answer that best describes the correct Epic
workflow.
6. The passing score is 80% (60/75 correct).
7. You have 120 minutes to complete the examination.
8. Record your answers on the Answer Key table provided at the end of the examination.
9. Use the Domain Score Tracker to evaluate your performance by content area.
10. All rationales reference specific Epic Hyperspace features, workflows, and best practices.
Page 2 of 37
,Examination Questions
Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
[Q1] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q1. A nurse is searching for a patient in Epic Hyperspace using the Patient Station
search bar. Which of the following search criteria provides the MOST unique and
reliable patient identification in Epic?
A. Patient's date of birth and room number
B. Patient's first and last name
C. Medical Record Number (MRN)
D. Patient's home phone number
Rationale: The Medical Record Number (MRN) is the most unique and reliable
identifier in Epic Hyperspace because it is system-generated and never duplicated across
the patient database. While a patient's name and date of birth can be shared by multiple
individuals, the MRN is a single unique key tied to one patient record. Searching by room
number may return the correct patient but is not a direct identifier and changes with bed
assignments. The Epic Patient Station search bar accepts MRN, name, or encounter
number, but MRN is always the preferred method to ensure the correct chart is accessed,
supporting patient safety and accurate documentation.
[Q2] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q2. A nurse logs into Epic Hyperspace at the beginning of a shift and notices the
patient banner displays a yellow background with a warning icon. What is the MOST
appropriate first action?
A. Click the banner to acknowledge and dismiss the alert so it does not interfere with
charting.
B. Review the patient banner details to identify the safety alert, such as allergy,
fall risk, or isolation precautions, before proceeding with care.
C. Contact the charge nurse to ask what the yellow banner means.
D. Proceed with routine assessments because the banner is informational only.
Rationale: The patient banner in Epic Hyperspace displays color-coded alerts to
communicate critical safety information at a glance. A yellow banner with a warning
icon typically indicates a moderate-level alert such as a fall risk, allergy, or isolation
precaution. The nurse must review the specific banner details by clicking or hovering over
the alert before providing any patient care, as these alerts are designed to prevent
adverse events. Dismissing the alert without reviewing it compromises patient safety. The
charge nurse does not need to be contacted for standard banner interpretation; Epic
training covers banner color coding, and all nurses are expected to act on these alerts
independently as part of their clinical workflow.
[Q3] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q3. A nurse wants to create a SmartPhrase in Epic to quickly insert frequently used
text into nursing notes. Which of the following is the correct format for typing a
SmartPhrase in a text field?
A. .smartphrasename (dot followed by the phrase name)
B. @smartphrasename (at symbol followed by the phrase name)
C. #smartphrasename (hash symbol followed by the phrase name)
D. *smartphrasename (asterisk followed by the phrase name)
Rationale: In Epic Hyperspace, SmartPhrases are triggered by typing a dot (.) followed
by the phrase name. When the nurse types .smartphrasename and presses the Spacebar
Page 3 of 37
, or Enter key, Epic auto-expands the stored text into the active text field. SmartPhrases are
a powerful efficiency tool that reduces repetitive charting and promotes consistent
documentation. They can be created by navigating to the SmartPhrase activity under the
Tools menu in the Epic toolbar. Nurses should familiarize themselves with their
organization's SmartPhrase library and naming conventions to maximize charting
efficiency while maintaining documentation standards.
[Q4] SATA — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q4. A nurse is reviewing their InBasket messages in Epic Hyperspace. Which of the
following message types can appear in the InBasket? Select ALL that apply.
A. Results notification messages for ordered labs and imaging
B. Patient care messages from other healthcare team members
C. Pharmacy clarification requests for medication orders
D. Automated appointment reminders for outpatient follow-up
E. Discharge instruction review requests
Rationale: The Epic InBasket is a centralized messaging hub that aggregates multiple
types of clinical communications for the nurse. Results notification messages (A) appear
when lab, imaging, or other diagnostic results are available for review. Patient care
messages (B) allow secure communication between healthcare team members regarding
patient status, handoffs, and care coordination. Pharmacy clarification requests (C) are
routed through InBasket when a pharmacist needs additional information about a
medication order before it can be processed. While outpatient appointment reminders are
sent through the patient portal (MyChart), not through the inpatient InBasket. Discharge
instruction review requests may appear depending on the organization's build but are
less standard. The InBasket is essential for timely communication and should be checked
regularly throughout the shift.
[Q5] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q5. A nurse is finishing a shift and prepares to sign out of Epic Hyperspace. Which
action correctly completes the sign-out process and protects patient information?
A. Simply close the web browser window to end the session.
B. Click the user icon in the top-right corner and select 'Sign Out' from the
dropdown menu.
C. Turn off the computer monitor to prevent unauthorized access.
D. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and lock the workstation without signing out.
Rationale: The correct sign-out procedure in Epic Hyperspace is to click the user icon or
name in the top-right corner of the screen and select 'Sign Out' from the dropdown menu.
This action properly terminates the Epic session, invalidates the security token, and
returns the browser to the login screen. Simply closing the browser window does not
guarantee the session is terminated on the server side, potentially leaving patient data
accessible. Locking the workstation without signing out leaves the Epic session active and
accessible to anyone who unlocks the computer, creating a significant HIPAA violation
risk. Proper sign-out is a critical security practice that nurses must perform every time
they leave a workstation, even briefly.
[Q6] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q6. A nurse needs to review a patient's chart from a previous admission. In Epic
Hyperspace, which activity allows the nurse to access historical encounters and
compare data across admissions?
Page 4 of 37
Inpatient Nursing Certification Examination
Academic Year 2026–2027
75 Questions | 5 Domains | 120 Minutes
Hyperspace | eMAR | BCMA | CPOE | NoteWriter | Flowsheets | CarePlan
Page 1 of 37
,Examination Overview
Exam Title EPIC CLN251/252 Inpatient Nursing Certification Examination
Academic Year 2026–2027
Total Questions 75
Multiple Choice (MCQ), Select All That Apply (SATA), Workflow
Question Types
Scenario
Time Limit 120 minutes
Passing Score 80% (60/75 correct)
Domains Assessed 5
Domain Breakdown
Domain Topic Area Questions Weight
1 System Navigation, Q1–Q10 (10) 13.3%
Security &
Preferences
2 eMAR & Medication Q11–Q30 (20) 26.7%
Administration
3 CPOE & Order Q31–Q45 (15) 20.0%
Management
4 Clinical Q46–Q60 (15) 20.0%
Documentation &
Care Plans
5 Bedside Management Q61–Q75 (15) 20.0%
& Flowsheets
Examination Instructions
1. This examination consists of 75 questions covering five domains of Epic Hyperspace Inpatient
Nursing (CLN251/252).
2. Question types include Multiple Choice (MCQ), Select All That Apply (SATA), and Workflow
Scenario questions.
3. For MCQ questions, select the ONE best answer.
4. For SATA questions, select ALL correct answers. Partial credit may be awarded.
5. For Workflow Scenario questions, select the answer that best describes the correct Epic
workflow.
6. The passing score is 80% (60/75 correct).
7. You have 120 minutes to complete the examination.
8. Record your answers on the Answer Key table provided at the end of the examination.
9. Use the Domain Score Tracker to evaluate your performance by content area.
10. All rationales reference specific Epic Hyperspace features, workflows, and best practices.
Page 2 of 37
,Examination Questions
Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
[Q1] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q1. A nurse is searching for a patient in Epic Hyperspace using the Patient Station
search bar. Which of the following search criteria provides the MOST unique and
reliable patient identification in Epic?
A. Patient's date of birth and room number
B. Patient's first and last name
C. Medical Record Number (MRN)
D. Patient's home phone number
Rationale: The Medical Record Number (MRN) is the most unique and reliable
identifier in Epic Hyperspace because it is system-generated and never duplicated across
the patient database. While a patient's name and date of birth can be shared by multiple
individuals, the MRN is a single unique key tied to one patient record. Searching by room
number may return the correct patient but is not a direct identifier and changes with bed
assignments. The Epic Patient Station search bar accepts MRN, name, or encounter
number, but MRN is always the preferred method to ensure the correct chart is accessed,
supporting patient safety and accurate documentation.
[Q2] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q2. A nurse logs into Epic Hyperspace at the beginning of a shift and notices the
patient banner displays a yellow background with a warning icon. What is the MOST
appropriate first action?
A. Click the banner to acknowledge and dismiss the alert so it does not interfere with
charting.
B. Review the patient banner details to identify the safety alert, such as allergy,
fall risk, or isolation precautions, before proceeding with care.
C. Contact the charge nurse to ask what the yellow banner means.
D. Proceed with routine assessments because the banner is informational only.
Rationale: The patient banner in Epic Hyperspace displays color-coded alerts to
communicate critical safety information at a glance. A yellow banner with a warning
icon typically indicates a moderate-level alert such as a fall risk, allergy, or isolation
precaution. The nurse must review the specific banner details by clicking or hovering over
the alert before providing any patient care, as these alerts are designed to prevent
adverse events. Dismissing the alert without reviewing it compromises patient safety. The
charge nurse does not need to be contacted for standard banner interpretation; Epic
training covers banner color coding, and all nurses are expected to act on these alerts
independently as part of their clinical workflow.
[Q3] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q3. A nurse wants to create a SmartPhrase in Epic to quickly insert frequently used
text into nursing notes. Which of the following is the correct format for typing a
SmartPhrase in a text field?
A. .smartphrasename (dot followed by the phrase name)
B. @smartphrasename (at symbol followed by the phrase name)
C. #smartphrasename (hash symbol followed by the phrase name)
D. *smartphrasename (asterisk followed by the phrase name)
Rationale: In Epic Hyperspace, SmartPhrases are triggered by typing a dot (.) followed
by the phrase name. When the nurse types .smartphrasename and presses the Spacebar
Page 3 of 37
, or Enter key, Epic auto-expands the stored text into the active text field. SmartPhrases are
a powerful efficiency tool that reduces repetitive charting and promotes consistent
documentation. They can be created by navigating to the SmartPhrase activity under the
Tools menu in the Epic toolbar. Nurses should familiarize themselves with their
organization's SmartPhrase library and naming conventions to maximize charting
efficiency while maintaining documentation standards.
[Q4] SATA — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q4. A nurse is reviewing their InBasket messages in Epic Hyperspace. Which of the
following message types can appear in the InBasket? Select ALL that apply.
A. Results notification messages for ordered labs and imaging
B. Patient care messages from other healthcare team members
C. Pharmacy clarification requests for medication orders
D. Automated appointment reminders for outpatient follow-up
E. Discharge instruction review requests
Rationale: The Epic InBasket is a centralized messaging hub that aggregates multiple
types of clinical communications for the nurse. Results notification messages (A) appear
when lab, imaging, or other diagnostic results are available for review. Patient care
messages (B) allow secure communication between healthcare team members regarding
patient status, handoffs, and care coordination. Pharmacy clarification requests (C) are
routed through InBasket when a pharmacist needs additional information about a
medication order before it can be processed. While outpatient appointment reminders are
sent through the patient portal (MyChart), not through the inpatient InBasket. Discharge
instruction review requests may appear depending on the organization's build but are
less standard. The InBasket is essential for timely communication and should be checked
regularly throughout the shift.
[Q5] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q5. A nurse is finishing a shift and prepares to sign out of Epic Hyperspace. Which
action correctly completes the sign-out process and protects patient information?
A. Simply close the web browser window to end the session.
B. Click the user icon in the top-right corner and select 'Sign Out' from the
dropdown menu.
C. Turn off the computer monitor to prevent unauthorized access.
D. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and lock the workstation without signing out.
Rationale: The correct sign-out procedure in Epic Hyperspace is to click the user icon or
name in the top-right corner of the screen and select 'Sign Out' from the dropdown menu.
This action properly terminates the Epic session, invalidates the security token, and
returns the browser to the login screen. Simply closing the browser window does not
guarantee the session is terminated on the server side, potentially leaving patient data
accessible. Locking the workstation without signing out leaves the Epic session active and
accessible to anyone who unlocks the computer, creating a significant HIPAA violation
risk. Proper sign-out is a critical security practice that nurses must perform every time
they leave a workstation, even briefly.
[Q6] MCQ — Domain 1: System Navigation, Security & Preferences
Q6. A nurse needs to review a patient's chart from a previous admission. In Epic
Hyperspace, which activity allows the nurse to access historical encounters and
compare data across admissions?
Page 4 of 37
