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The Certification Process

Start your journey to becoming the best emergency nurse you can be. Hover over each of the certification steps to the right to learn more about how to take the next big step in your evolution -- from qualified, competent nurse to elite, cream-of-the-crop, BCEN-certified emergency nurse!
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1
Set Up Your Profile

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.

2
Check Your Eligibility

To qualify to take a BCEN certification exam, you must have a valid, unrestricted, U.S. 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,  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.

3
Fill Out Your Application

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 CEN logo to open it.

Answer the required questions.

4
Submit Application & Pay

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.

5
Get Approved

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, Pearson VUE, 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.

 

6
Schedule Your Exam

Select a testing site with Pearson VUE, BCEN’s test delivery provider, and schedule your exam appointment within your 90-day testing window.

We strongly recommend that you decide on the date you want to sit for the exam and promptly schedule that date with Pearson VUE. 

Note: once an exam has been scheduled, a refund cannot be processed.

7
Prepare For Your Exam

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.

8
Take the Exam

Arrive at the testing site at your scheduled time with your printed appointment confirmation email from Pearson VUE, and two (2) valid forms of identification (described in the Candidate Handbook). Pearson VUE 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 complete a site registration, an orientation to computerized testing, and have your photo taken for use on your exam score report.

Complete the exam within the allowed 3-hour time-frame. You will receive your score report prior to leaving the testing center

9
Get Your Results

You will receive your results or “score report” from the test administrator in a matter of moments after completion of the exam. Score reports indicate whether you have passed or failed the exam. Score reports will include your digital color photograph for security and identification purposes. In the event you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email from BCEN with instructions on reapplying for future exams.