Returning exam candidates and current BCEN credential holders can sign in to your BCEN Account by entering your username and password. If you forgot your login information or have never accessed your BCEN Account, follow the directions on the login page.
First-time users, follow the directions on the BCEN Account login page and create your BCEN Account.
To qualify for the exam, you must hold a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in either the United States, a US Territory, Canada, Australia or equivalent RN license. We suggest practicing in your area of interest for at least two years, but this is not required. Check your eligibility here.
International Candidates:
If you received your degree and/or license outside of the United States, a US Territory, Canada, or Australia, you can still qualify to sit for a BCEN exam. You’ll need to go through our International Credential Evaluation service, which will verify that your foreign degree aligns with current U.S. standards. Find out more about this service.
Once you are in your BCEN Account, locate the “My Certifications” section on the left-hand side of the screen. Here you will see all five of our certification logos.
Click Create New Application next to the CPEN logo to open it.
Consider applying with BCEN Test Assurance, an optional program allowing initial exam takers a second attempt to pass their BCEN certification exam in the event of an unsuccessful first attempt.
Select the type of payment option – credit card, company check or ECheck/ACH – you wish to use. If paying by credit card, select the billing address then enter the credit card information.
Click Submit Order.
Confirm your payment information, by clicking Confirm Order.
Immediately after confirming your payment information, you will be taken to a Confirmation of Form Completion
Please Note: Applications submitted online with ECheck/ACH or credit card payment are immediately processed. If paying by check, print out the Confirmation of Form Completion page and mail in with your payment. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for BCEN to complete your application upon receipt of full payment.
You will receive an exam eligibility email from BCEN upon processing of your application and receipt of payment in full. Your exam eligibility email contains important information on your 90-day test window, how to schedule your exam appointment with BCEN’s test delivery provider, PSI, along with where to access the candidate handbook, and helpful information on how to prepare for the exam.
Read through the Candidate Handbook for explanatory information and guidelines. The handbook will guide you through the exam process; i.e., scheduling and cancellation policies.
Note: Please read the candidate handbook carefully; you are responsible for following all procedures.
Before you schedule your exam, choose which delivery mode is right for you.
Testing Center: Select your testing center, exam date and time with PSI Exams, BCEN’s test delivery provider, and schedule your exam appointment within your 90-day testing window.
Live Remote Proctor (LRP): Ensure you meet the requirements for LRP exams. Then, select your date and time to meet with a live remote proctor from your home, office, or other secure location that meets LRP requirements.
We strongly recommend that you decide on the date you want to sit for the exam and promptly schedule that date with PSI.
Note: once an exam has been scheduled, a refund cannot be processed.
When you are a busy, working professional, it can be difficult to make time for exam prep and studying. However, we recommend committing time every day to getting ready for the exam. The best way to do this is by purchasing a BCEN practice exam, which will give you a good idea of the types of questions you can expect on the actual exam.
For more tips on studying and preparing for the exam, click here.
Arrive at the testing site or log in for LRP 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time with your valid form of identification (described in the Candidate Handbook). PSI is currently requiring all candidates to bring and wear a mask while at any testing center. Check out the COVID-19 Resources page for more information.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to provide identification and COVID-19 health questionnaire, empty your pockets and place any items in a locker or PSI bag, depending on the test center. If you forget your health questionnaire, the test center will provide you a copy for completion.
Complete the exam within the allowed 3-hour time-frame. You will receive your score report prior to leaving the testing center.
If you are testing via Live Remote Proctoring, your score will appear on-screen immediately upon completion of the exam. If you are in a testing center, you will receive your results or “score report” from the test administrator in a matter of moments after completing the exam. You will also receive your score report via email. Score reports indicate whether you have passed or failed the exam.
In the event you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email from BCEN with instructions on reapplying for future exams.
