The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®) now offers two CEN Practice Exams through our testing company. The original 50 question practice exam is still available, however after numerous requests BCEN is now offering a 150 question practice exam.

The following information will provide you with the advantages of taking the practice exam, the format of the exam, and the process of registration.

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Why would I take a practice exam?
Taking the practice exam offers you many distinct advantages.
• An opportunity to take an exam that matches the CEN exam (but not the same questions) via computer. The questions on the practice exam are presented essentially in the same computer format as the CEN exam; the screens and commands are similar. This is very valuable in allaying those fears created by not knowing what to expect.
• An opportunity to experience the types of questions that will be asked on the CEN exam. All questions on the practice exam have been used previously in a version of the CEN exam. By taking the practice exam, you can experience the types of questions written for the CEN exam.
• An opportunity to use the practice exam in two different ways. As described below, you may approach the exam two different ways – to get feedback or to predict performance on the certification examination. With certain limitations, you can actually complete the practice exam using both strategies.
• An opportunity to answer questions and receive feedback. If you want to use this strategy, you can immediately grade each of your responses and then display the right answer with a rationale and references.
• An opportunity to predict performance on the CEN exam. To use this strategy, take the examination just like you would take the certification examination by simply answering each question, and use the results to compare your performance to likely CEN performance.* You will receive a score report that identifies the number of correct answers in each content area. This is helpful in identifying content areas of strength and content areas needing further preparation. In addition, you will receive a pass or fail statement with a raw score.

*Scores reported reflect only a likely CEN performance. BCEN makes no guarantees as to the success of a CEN candidate that has taken the practice exam.

Am I limited to taking the practice exam using just one of the two strategies?
• You can access the practice exam multiple times and use either strategy on any item. Once you are signed up for the practice exam, you have access to it for a maximum period of 90 days. During that time, you can open the exam as often as you like, and you can decide whether answers are shown or not shown. Once you show an answer (by clicking the “Grade" button), you will not be able to change your answer. Upon completion of the exam, you are given the option of obtaining a score report. Once you ask for a score report (by clicking on the “Finish" button), you will no longer have access to the practice exam. This allows for each individual to use the practice exam in whatever manner they desire.
  Examples:
  1. If you only want predicted performance on the CEN exam, simply take the exam and get the report. Some individuals may decide to do this, and if they do not perform up to expectations or want explanations or references, they could register again and concentrate on the strategy of receiving feedback (note that with this approach, a second fee would be required).
  2. If you want feedback*, simply open the test as often as you like, and click on the "Grade" button to score each response and get feedback. Once you click the "Grade" button, you will not be able to change your answer. A red "X" will appear for wrong answers, and a green check for correct answers, and an explanation and reference appear below. (Until you ask to obtain your score report, there is no limit to the number of times one can access the practice exam within the 90-day period).
  3. If you want to use both strategies,, you should provide your answers to all items allowing approximately 1 minute per question. If you prefer, you may exit the test, and your answers will be saved. When you are comfortable with your “final answer” to each question (either during your first testing session or later) click the ”Grade” button to see the explanations and references. Remember that each time you end a session you will have a choice to either “Exit” and come back and finish later, or “Finish,” which will end your opportunity to access the test. When you are finished, you can use the score you achieved to predict performance. As long as you have provided your final answers without using resource materials in the allotted time frame, your score on the practice test will be useful in predicting performance.

*Recognizing that some users of this product will want answers to questions, we have provided the feedback option. However, the primary intents of this practice exam are to predict exam performance and allow the exam-taker to experience both the format on the computer and the types of questions on the exam. This is an excellent tool to consider after studying for the exam using other review material.

How does the practice exam compare to the CEN exam?
• Both practice exams match the blueprint of the CEN exam. The practice exam conforms to the specifications of the CEN exam, both in terms of content and average difficulty level.
50 Question practice exam - although the content coverage is not as broad (the practice exam is 50 questions where the CEN exam is 150), it is still intended to reflect the knowledge level required of an emergency nurse. The questions represent each category of the CEN content list by one-third. For example, the category of Patient Care Management has 21 questions in the CEN exam and 7 on this practice exam.
150 Question practice exam – this practice exam contains the same 50 questions found in the 50 question CEN practice exam with an additional 100 questions. These 150 questions equally represent each category of the CEN content list.

What computer requirements are necessary?
• An HTML 4.0 compatible browser such as Internet Explorer with cookies enabled and an HTML capable e-mail account for delivery of instructions and feedback reports

What is the registration process?
• Sign up, receive a confirmation, instructions and a password in your email account. Please note that the required fee must be paid by credit card. The credit card statement will show the fee being paid to LXR.

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50 Question CEN Practice exam
©2007 Practice exam copyrighted by BCEN. It may only be used by the registered individual and only for purposes of preparing for the CEN exam, and may not be duplicated in any way.

150 Question CEN Practice exam
©2008 Practice exam copyrighted by BCEN. It may only be used by the registered individual and only for purposes of preparing for the CEN exam, and may not be duplicated in any way.