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CNA Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Exam for RNs — Information & Free Practice

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About CNA Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Exam for RNs

CNA Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Exam for RNs · CA

Key exam facts

Provider
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) owns the certification program and specialty exam. Specialty exam committee sets the pass mark with testing consultants; Meazure Learning provides testing/statistical services and in-person delivery, and ProctorU provides remote proctoring.
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination for registered nurses/nurse practitioners: independent questions (60-75%) and case-based questions (25-40%). Remote proctoring at home through ProctorU or in-person Meazure Learning test centres in selected Canadian cities. This practice bank uses four-option single-answer questions.
Exam questions
Total questions: 160–165.
Time limit
Four hours (240 minutes) to answer the examination questions. The delivery tutorial does not affect examination timing; booking/check-in procedures are separate.
Passing score
No public numerical pass mark: CNA explicitly states that it is not published. Each specialty committee uses a modified Angoff method, with testing consultants checking fairness and validity. Results are pass or unsuccessful; no percentage or scaled-score cutoff is asserted.
Exam fee
CNA Canadian initial-exam fee schedule: $588 for CNA members or $780 for non-members, plus applicable taxes; includes a non-refundable $130 administrative fee. Separate appointment fee: $85 for remote ProctorU or $110 for an in-person Meazure Learning centre. Eligible unsuccessful candidates may rewrite for $378 (member) or $500 (non-member) over the next two calendar years, plus appointment fees and taxes. Amounts are shown in dollars in CNA's Canadian domestic fee table.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

  • Neurological System — Official range: 7–11% (Practice allocation: 9.09%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) neuromuscular diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, ALS, MS); b) altered levels of consciousness; c) cerebrovascular incidences (e.g., transient ischemic attacks, cerebrovascular accidents); d) with seizures/status epilepticus; e) spinal cord injuries; f) head injuries (e.g., concussions, hematomas); g) headaches (e.g., cluster, tension, migraines); and h) cancers (e.g., brain, spinal cord, non-malignant).
    • Cares for clients undergoing the following neurological procedures: a) lumbar punctures; b) diagnostics (e.g., MRI, CT, angiograms, EEG); and c) neurological surgeries (e.g., craniotomies, discectomies).
    • Assesses the neurological system for subtle changes using: a) trending of vital signs and neurological vital signs; b) motor sensory assessments; c) cognitive screenings; d) laboratory results; and e) information obtained from the client and family.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with neurological needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor neurological status by: a) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; b) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; c) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; d) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, seizure precautions, behavioural management); and e) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs (e.g., body image, sexuality).
    • Recognizes and manages potential neurological complications (e.g., bleeding/hemorrhage, headaches, seizures, anxiety, depression).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with neurological care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with neurological care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat (EENT) System — Official range: 3–7% (Practice allocation: 5.05%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) inflammatory and infectious processes (e.g., stomatitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis sinusitis); b) hearing impairment (e.g., sensorineural, conductive); c) visual impairment (e.g., macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma); d) facial trauma (e.g., fractures, reconstructions); e) epistaxis; and f) cancers (e.g., oral-pharyngeal, thyroid, esophageal).
    • Cares for clients undergoing the following EENT procedures: a) incision and drainage; b) nasal packing; c) swallowing assessments; d) eye surgery (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma); and e) neck and throat surgery (e.g., tonsillectomy, thyroidectomy, tracheotomy).
    • Assesses the EENT system using: a) trending of vital signs; b) assessment of the respiratory system and airway patency; and c) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with EENT needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor EENT status by: a) maintaining adequate airway; b) optimizing ventilation; c) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; d) providing nutritional support and monitoring; e) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; f) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; g) providing safe client environment (e.g., wire cutters, tracheostomy tray, fall risk prevention); h) addressing impaired communication (e.g., oral, visual, auditory); and i) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs (e.g., body image, sexuality).
    • Recognizes and manages EENT complications (e.g., bleeding/hemorrhage, airway patency).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with EENT care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with EENT care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, health promotion, community resources).
  • Cardiovascular System — Official range: 10–14% (Practice allocation: 12.12%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) heart failure (e.g., pulmonary edema); b) venous thromboembolism; c) acute coronary syndromes; d) heart conduction disturbances; e) infectious and inflammatory processes (e.g., endocarditis, pericarditis, systemic sepsis); f) hypertension/hypotension; g) shock; h) peripheral vascular disease; and i) cardiac arrest.
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following cardiovascular procedures: a) vascular access devices; b) diagnostic tests (e.g., exercise tolerance test, non-stress test, electrocardiograms); c) pacemaker; d) angiograms/angioplasty; and e) surgery (e.g., femoral popliteal bypass, stenting, CABG).
    • Assesses the cardiovascular system using: a) trending of vital signs; b) cardiac and peripheral vascular assessments; and c) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with cardiovascular needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor cardiovascular status by: a) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; b) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents (e.g., high alert medications); c) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; d) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, hypotension); and e) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs.
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential cardiovascular complications (e.g., embolisms, bleeding/hemorrhage, shock).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with cardiovascular care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with cardiovascular care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Respiratory System — Official range: 10–14% (Practice allocation: 12.12%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) partial or complete airway obstruction (e.g., foreign bodies, mucus plugs); b) restrictive lung diseases (e.g., pneumonia); c) obstructive lung diseases (e.g., COPD, emphysema, asthma); d) interstitial lung diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis); e) pulmonary emboli; f) empyema/pleural effusion; g) sleep apnea; h) hemo/pneumothorax and atelectasis; and i) cancer (e.g., lung, esophageal).
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following procedures: a) chest tube (e.g., insertion, removal); b) pleurocentesis; c) pleurodesis; d) diagnostic tests (e.g., bronchoscopy, pulmonary function test); and e) surgery (e.g., lobectomy, tracheostomy, pneumonectomy, thoracotomy).
    • Assesses the respiratory system using: a) trending of vital signs; b) arterial blood gases; c) respiratory assessments; and d) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with respiratory needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor respiratory status by: a) maintaining adequate airway including non-invasive positive pressure ventilation devices (e.g., CPAP, Bi-PAP); b) optimizing gaseous exchange (e.g., positioning, mobilizing, pain management, oxygen, incentive spirometry); c) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; d) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; e) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; f) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, isolation precautions); and g) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs.
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential respiratory complications (e.g., embolisms, bleeding/hemorrhage, infection).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with respiratory care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with respiratory care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Gastrointestinal System — Official range: 6–10% (Practice allocation: 8.08%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) mechanical gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., bowel obstruction, constipation/diarrhea, hernia, dysphagia); b) gastrointestinal/dietary disorders (e.g., pancreatitis, GERD, appendicitis, pernicious anemia); c) liver diseases (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatic failure); d) inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis); e) gallbladder diseases (e.g., cholelithiasis, cholecystitis); f) gastrointestinal bleeds (e.g., esophageal varices, peptic ulcers, upper and lower bleeds); and g) cancer (e.g., bowel, pancreatic).
    • Cares for clients undergoing the following gastrointestinal procedures: a) diagnostic imaging (e.g., upper and lower GI series); b) scopes (e.g., gastroscope, sigmoidoscope, colonoscope, ERCP); c) insertion of enteral feeding tubes (e.g., PEG); d) paracentesis; and e) surgery (e.g., ostomies, resections, bariatric).
    • Assesses the gastrointestinal system using: a) trending of vital signs; b) weight gain/loss; c) abdominal assessments; d) nutritional assessments; and e) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with gastrointestinal needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor gastrointestinal health by: a) optimizing gastrointestinal function; b) managing nasogastric tubes, enteral feeding, drains and ostomies; c) performing abdominal assessment (e.g., rigidity, distention, tenderness); d) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; e) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; f) providing and monitoring nutritional support (e.g., total parenteral nutrition, therapeutic diets); g) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; h) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, safe patient handling); and i) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs.
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential gastrointestinal complications (e.g., obstructions, paralytic ileus, wound dehiscence/evisceration, perforation).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with gastrointestinal care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with gastrointestinal care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Genitourinary and Reproductive Systems — Official range: 4–8% (Practice allocation: 6.06%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) acute/chronic renal failure (e.g., rhabdomyolysis); b) infections (e.g., UTI, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, cystitis); c) incontinence, urinary retention and obstruction; d) benign prostatic hypertrophy; e) prolapse; f) urolithiasis; and g) cancer (e.g., renal, prostate, ovarian, breast).
    • Cares for clients undergoing the following procedures: a) diagnostic imaging/procedure (e.g., IVP, cystoscopy); b) urinary diversions (e.g., neobladder, ileal conduit); c) continuous bladder irrigation (CBI); d) tubes and drains (e.g., nephrostomy, suprapubic, urethral); e) dialysis (e.g., peritoneal, hemodialysis); f) nephrectomy; g) male-specific surgical procedures (e.g., TURP, radical prostatectomy, orchiectomy); h) female-specific surgical procedures (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy, hysterectomy, transvaginal taping, uterine artery embolization); and i) reconstructions (e.g., breast, urologic).
    • Assesses the genitourinary and/or reproductive systems using: a) trending of vital signs; b) intake/output; c) urine/vaginal flow characteristics; d) voiding patterns; and e) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with genitourinary and reproductive needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor genitourinary and/or reproductive status by: a) optimizing genitourinary function (e.g., early catheter removal, bladder training); b) assessing the effects of nephrotoxic agents or delayed clearance (e.g., diuretics, vasopressors, antibiotics, radiographic dyes); c) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; d) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; e) monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance; f) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, infection control); and g) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs (e.g., body image, sexuality, impotence issues).
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential genitourinary and/or reproductive complications (e.g., bleeding/hemorrhage, shock, infection).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with genitourinary and/or reproductive care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with genitourinary and/or reproductive care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7.07%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) osteoarthritis; b) pathological/traumatic fractures (e.g., osteoporosis, falls); c) muscle, soft tissue and/or ligament injuries; d) infections (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, abscesses); e) skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema); f) ulcers (e.g., pressure, venous, arterial); and g) cancers (e.g., skin, bone).
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following: a) joint replacements; b) casts/braces (e.g., backslabs, splints); c) internal/external fixations (e.g., traction, pinning, plating, fusions); d) amputations; e) wounds (e.g., surgical wounds, skin grafts, pressure ulcers, burns); and f) biopsies.
    • Assesses the musculoskeletal/integumentary system using: a) rending of vital signs; b) neuro/peripheral vascular assessments; c) skin assessments; d) mobility assessments; and e) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with musculoskeletal and integumentary needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor musculoskeletal or integumentary status by: a) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; b) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; c) monitoring fluid and electrolytes balance; d) managing changes in neurovascular assessment; e) managing assistive devices (e.g., braces, walkers, prostheses); f) promoting healthy skin (e.g., pressure redistribution strategies); g) managing wounds (e.g., negative pressure therapy, wound care protocol); h) promoting optimal nutrition; i) providing safe client environment (e.g., fall risk prevention, use of Braden Scale, safe patient handling); and j) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs (e.g., body image).
    • Manages actual or potential musculoskeletal/integumentary complications (e.g., embolisms, bleeding/hemorrhage, infection, compartment syndrome).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with musculoskeletal/integumentary care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with musculoskeletal/integumentary care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, safety, health promotion, community resources).
  • Immunological, Hematological and Endocrinological Systems — Official range: 6–10% (Practice allocation: 8.08%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) diabetes; b) thyroid conditions; c) adrenal gland conditions (e.g., Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), diabetes insipidus); d) blood dyscrasia (e.g., multiple myeloma, hemophilia, anemia, sickle cell crisis, polycythemia, thrombocytopenia); e) immunosuppression; f) autoimmune disorder (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout); and g) cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma).
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following: a) thyroidectomy; b) anti-neoplastic agents; c) bone marrow aspirate; and d) blood and blood product transfusion.
    • Assesses the immunological, hematological or endocrinological systems using: a) trending of vital signs; b) skin inspection; c) weight gain/loss; d) nutritional assessments; e) neuro/peripheral vascular assessments; and f) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with immunological, hematological or endocrinological needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor hematological or endocrinological status by: a) managing blood glucose levels; b) administering blood and blood products; c) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents (e.g., cytotoxic agents, insulin pumps); d) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; e) initiating precautions (e.g., isolation); f) promoting optimal nutrition; g) providing and promoting safe client environment (e.g., infection prevention and control, fall risk prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE)); and h) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs.
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential immunological, hematological or endocrinological complications (e.g., allergies, bleeding/hemorrhage, septic shock, infection).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with immunological, hematological or endocrinological care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with immunological, hematological or endocrinological care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, medication regimens, health promotion, community resources).
  • Infectious Diseases — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7.07%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with: a) drug-resistant organisms (e.g., MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, ESBL); b) non-communicable infections (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis); c) communicable infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV/AIDS); d) severe respiratory infection (e.g., SARS, TB, influenza); e) systemic inflammatory response syndrome (e.g., sepsis); f) emerging infections (e.g., hemorrhagic fevers, bioterrorism agents); and g) sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis).
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following: a) diagnostic tests (e.g., swabs, blood cultures); b) wounds (e.g., grafts, surgical debridements); and c) infection control precautions (e.g., isolation, condoms, hand hygiene).
    • Assesses client risk factors related to infectious diseases (e.g., lifestyle, previous hospitalization, laboratory results).
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with infectious disease care needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor clients with infectious disease by: a) initiating and maintaining isolation precautions for nurse and/or family; b) notifies appropriate infection prevention and control practitioner and/or public health agency; c) specimen collection; d) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; e) implementing non-pharmacological strategies; f) providing safe client environment (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), fall risk prevention); and g) managing psychosocial implications of living with communicable disease.
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential complications related to infectious diseases (e.g., allergies, systemic complications, shock).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with infectious disease care needs (e.g., recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with infectious disease care needs (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, medication regimens, health promotion, community resources).
  • Pain — Official range: 9–13% (Practice allocation: 11.11%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation and cares for clients with acute or chronic: a) neuropathic pain (e.g., trigeminal pain, phantom limb); b) visceral pain (e.g., referred pain); c) somatic pain (e.g., sprains, lacerations); and d) psychogenic pain (e.g., emotional distress).
    • Cares for clients with or undergoing the following: a) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA); b) nerve blocks; c) epidurals; and d) intrathecals.
    • Assesses pain (e.g., functional limitations, physical examinations, psychosocial evaluations, pain scales, vital signs, pain history, pain management, subjective health status).
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with pain care needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor clients dealing with pain by: a) implementing and reassessing pain management regimens (e.g., breakthrough, mode of delivery); b) administering adjuvant therapies (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, sedatives); c) implementing non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., relaxation, deep breathing, massage); d) managing and monitoring side effects (e.g., constipation, nausea); and e) addressing client’s/family’s psychosocial needs (e.g., palliative/end-of-life care, cultural care, spiritual care).
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential complications related to pain (e.g., allergies/sensitivities, respiratory distress).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with pain care needs (e.g., age-related medication considerations, recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients experiencing pain (e.g., client’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, elimination, medication regimens, end-of-life care, health promotion, community resources).
  • Mental Health — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7.07%)

    • Recognizes clinical presentation of and cares for clients with: a) delirium; b) dementia; c) depression; and d) substance dependency (e.g., alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, cigarettes).
    • Assesses the mental health of clients using: a) trending of vital signs; b) screening tools (e.g., neurocognitive, affective, psychosocial); c) medication history; and d) laboratory results.
    • Determines the appropriate nursing diagnosis for clients with mental health care needs.
    • Plans appropriate interventions to manage and monitor mental health status by: a) utilizing behaviour management techniques; b) promoting the client’s independence and capabilities; c) providing safe client environment (e.g., crisis intervention, environmental modifications, constant care, minimizing risk factors, least restraints); d) administering and monitoring pharmacological agents; and e) implementing non-pharmacological agents to manage underlying cause of behaviours (e.g., therapeutic communication, complementary therapies, family involvement, visualization, relaxation techniques, support groups).
    • Recognizes and manages actual or potential complications related to mental health (e.g., safety, withdrawal, seizures, suicide, violence/aggression).
    • Evaluates interventions for clients with mental health care needs (e.g., age-related medication considerations, recognizing subtle changes, adapting plan, communicating/documenting plan).
    • Develops an individualized teaching plan for clients with mental health care needs (e.g., client’s and/or family’s readiness to learn, evaluating client’s understanding, discharge planning, medication regimens, health promotion, community support).
  • Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues — Official range: 5–9% (Practice allocation: 7.07%)

    • Ensures client confidentiality and privacy (e.g., electronic health records, social media, over-capacity facilities).
    • Demonstrates accountability in nursing practice (e.g., client assignment, responsibility for actions, understanding scope, documentation).
    • Prioritizes nursing care and adapts to varying or unexpected situations (e.g., staff shortages, skill mix changes, client acuity/intensity, working with unregulated health workers).
    • Provides interprofessional care (e.g., collaboration, communication, advocacy).
    • Approaches conflict situations in a constructive manner and investigates when appropriate (e.g., horizontal violence, family conflict, abuse, aggression, neglect).
    • Recognizes ethical issues and seeks assistance in addressing them (e.g., refusal of blood products, refusal of care, withdrawal of treatment, culturally congruent care, advance health-care directives).
    • Participates in professional development (e.g., peer feedback, mentorship/preceptorship, conference attendance, research).

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Computer-based multiple-choice examination for registered nurses/nurse practitioners: independent questions (60-75%) and case-based questions (25-40%). Remote proctoring at home through ProctorU or in-person Meazure Learning test centres in selected Canadian cities. This practice bank uses four-option single-answer questions.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 160–165.

How long is the exam?

Four hours (240 minutes) to answer the examination questions. The delivery tutorial does not affect examination timing; booking/check-in procedures are separate.

What is the passing score?

No public numerical pass mark: CNA explicitly states that it is not published. Each specialty committee uses a modified Angoff method, with testing consultants checking fairness and validity. Results are pass or unsuccessful; no percentage or scaled-score cutoff is asserted.

How much does the exam cost?

CNA Canadian initial-exam fee schedule: $588 for CNA members or $780 for non-members, plus applicable taxes; includes a non-refundable $130 administrative fee. Separate appointment fee: $85 for remote ProctorU or $110 for an in-person Meazure Learning centre. Eligible unsuccessful candidates may rewrite for $378 (member) or $500 (non-member) over the next two calendar years, plus appointment fees and taxes. Amounts are shown in dollars in CNA's Canadian domestic fee table.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.