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The CPEN® Exam

CPEN® Prep Exam

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®) and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) now offer an online practice test through our testing company Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP).

The following information will provide you with the benefits of taking the prep exam, the format of the exam, and the process of registration. The prep exam is not a study course or review course. The cost is $50 (nonrefundable).

I have read this information and am ready to order the CPEN Prep Exam.

Benefits of a Prep Exam

An opportunity to take an exam that matches the CPEN exam format (but not the same questions) via computer. The questions on the prep exam are presented essentially in the same computer format as the CPEN exam; the screens and commands are similar. Becoming familiar with testing format reduces test anxiety.

An opportunity to experience the types of questions that will be asked on the CPEN exam. Prep exam questions were created by committee members who write questions for the actual exam. The prep exam presents questions with the same writing style as the certification exam.

An opportunity to use the prep exam to obtain feedback. If you immediately grade each of your responses, the program will display the right answer with a rationale and references. Reading the rationale enhances learning and shows participants the kind of critical thinking skills necessary to be successful on the exam. You will receive a score report that identifies the number of correct answers in each content area. This is helpful in identifying strengths and weaknesses in the exam's content areas for further preparation. In addition, you will receive a pass or fail statement with a raw score.

* BCEN and PNCB make no guarantees as to the success of a CPEN candidate who has taken the prep exam.

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Am I limited in how many times I can access the prep exam?

You can access the prep exam multiple times as long as you do not click Finish to produce a score report. Once you sign up for the prep 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 prep exam.

*Recognizing that some users of this product will want answers to questions, we have provided the feedback option. However, the primary goal is to allow the participant to experience both the computer-based format and question styles on the exam. This is an excellent tool to consider after studying for the exam using other review material.

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How does the prep exam compare to the CPEN exam?

The prep exam matches the content outline/test blueprint of the CPEN exam. The prep exam conforms to the specifications of the CPEN exam, both in terms of content and average difficulty level.

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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

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What is the registration process?

Sign up and receive an email confirmation within 1 hour that includes instructions and password. Check your spam/junk folder for this important email. 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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I have read this information and am ready to order the CPEN Prep Exam

This module has not been psychometrically tested or validated for use in academic programs as a measure of retention of course material.

©2012 Prep exam copyrighted by BCEN and PNCB. It may only be used by the registered individual and only for purposes of preparing for the CPEN exam, and may not be duplicated in any way.

The Faces of Certification

Over 1200 RNs have earned CPEN status since this exam's launch in 2009.
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