Registered Nurse-Board Certified (NPD-BC™) — Requirements & Free Practice

US · License preparation

200 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

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Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Initial by examination

Eligibility: Current active RN license or legally recognized equivalent, bachelor’s or higher nursing degree, two years full-time RN practice, 2,000 hours of NPD clinical practice in the last three years, and 30 hours of NPD continuing education in the last three years, per the ANCC certification page.

Format: computer-based test
Exam questions: Total questions: 150; Scored questions: 125; Unscored questions: 25; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit: 3 hours

Examination outline

Educational Process Standards — Official range: 32–32 questions (26%)
- Theories, Models, and Principles
- Educational Design and Delivery
- Continuing Education and Accreditation
Leadership — Official range: 34–34 questions (27%)
- Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Structures
- Professional Development
Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Standards — Official range: 19–19 questions (15%)
- Professional Standards and Ethics
- Risk Management
- Legal and Compliance
Evidence-based Practice and Research — Official range: 7–7 questions (6%)
- Scholarly Inquiry
Technology — Official range: 19–19 questions (15%)
- Information Systems and Management
- Technology Tools and Strategies
Program/Project Management and Process Improvement — Official range: 14–14 questions (11%)
- Program/Project Management and Process Improvement

Examination sources