CNE - Certified Nurse Educator

Updated on 2025-03-22
Credential earned: CNE
Number of exam questions: 150
Exam pass rate: 64%

About CNE Certification

The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification exam, administered by the National League for Nursing (NLN), is a prestigious credential for nursing educators dedicated to excellence in teaching and academic leadership. This certification validates expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, student assessment, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Earning the CNE credential demonstrates a commitment to advancing nursing education, fostering student success, and shaping the future of the nursing profession.

CategoryDetails

Exam Description

A certification exam for academic nurse educators to demonstrate expertise in teaching and curriculum design.

Credentials Earned

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).

Eligibility Requirements

A valid nursing license and meet one of two pathways: Option A requires a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with a focus on nursing education or additional graduate-level coursework in education. Option B requires a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, plus at least two years of teaching experience in a nursing program within the past five years.

Completion Time

3 hours to complete exam.

Subjects Covered in the Exam

Includes learning, learner development and socialization, assessment and evaluation strategies, curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes, function as a change agent and leader, continuous quality improvement in the academic nurse educator role, scholarship, and organizational environment and the academic community.

Number of Questions

150 multiple-choice questions, with 130 scored and 20 pretest questions.

Exam Format

Multiple-choice, computer-based test.

Exam Proctoring

Administered at Meazure testing centers or through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).

Recertification Details

Required every five years, candidates must hold a valid nursing license, and renew by September 30 of the expiration year. Candidates must also either submit proof of continued competency or pass the CNE exam before the renewal deadline. Effective during 2026, renewals require 75 renewal credits.

Pass/Fail Rates

Pass rates vary annually, averaging around 64%.

Difficulty Level

Hard.

Study Material

BoardCerts Question Bank provides practice questions that follow the exam blueprint.

BoardCerts CNE Question Bank

BoardCerts offers a comprehensive question bank designed to help you succeed on the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification exam. The BoardCerts content is meticulously aligned with the CNE exam blueprint, ensuring thorough coverage of key concepts. Each question is expertly crafted and reviewed by experienced nursing educators to maintain accuracy and relevance. The question bank reflects the exam’s rigor and includes detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, providing a strong foundation for effective preparation.

CNE Exam Content Outline

The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam encompasses eight primary content areas, each assessing essential competencies required for excellence in nursing education:

  • Facilitate Learning (36%): Implementing diverse teaching strategies tailored to content, setting, learner needs, and delivery methods.
  • Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization (14%): Supporting learners' growth and integration into the nursing profession.
  • Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (14%): Employing effective assessment methods to evaluate and enhance learning outcomes.
  • Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes (10%): Contributing to curriculum development and assessing program effectiveness.
  • Function as a Change Agent and Leader (7%): Leading initiatives and fostering change within educational and healthcare environments.
  • Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Academic Nurse Educator Role (7%): Engaging in ongoing professional development and quality enhancement activities.
  • Engage in Scholarship (5%): Participating in scholarly activities, service, and leadership within the educational environment.
  • Function within the Organizational Environment and the Academic Community (7%): Navigating institutional structures, policies, and academic culture to achieve educational and professional goals.

For more detailed blueprint outline, please review the CNE exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.

Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution

CNE Exam Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, candidates must meet the licensure requirement and choose between two eligibility pathways:

  • Option A: Requires a valid nursing license and a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with a focus on nursing education or additional graduate-level coursework in education.
  • Option B: Requires a valid nursing license, a master's or doctoral degree in nursing without a primary focus on education, and at least two years of experience teaching in a nursing program within the past five years.

CNE Application Process

1.

Online Application:

Access the application portal on the National League for Nursing (NLN) website.
2.

Application Submission:

Complete the online application by providing the required personal and professional information. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before submission. After submission, the NLN will review your eligibility.
3.

Schedule the Exam:

Upon approval, you'll receive an email from the NLN's testing partner, Meazure Learning, with instructions to schedule your exam. You have a 90-day window to select a testing date and can choose between in-center testing and live online proctoring.
4.

Preparation::

Utilize the BoardCerts CNE Question Bank to prepare effectively. Our question bank aligns closely with the exam blueprint and mirrors the difficulty level of the actual test, providing a comprehensive resource to enhance your readiness.

CNE Exam Dates and Costs

The CNE exam is available year-round, allowing candidates to apply at any time without specific application windows. Once your application is approved, you will have a 90-day window to schedule and take the exam.

For the most current information on exam fees, please refer to the National League for Nursing's official website.

CNE Exam Format

Number of Questions: The CNE certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 130 are scored, and 20 are unscored pretest questions used for future test development.

Exam Response Options: Multiple choice test.

Testing Options: The exam is available at designated test centers and can also be taken via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP), providing flexibility for candidates.

Time Allotted: Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.

Passing Score for CNE

Difficulty Level: The CNE exam is considered challenging, with a pass rate averaging 64% over recent years.

Passing Score: The specific passing score for the CNE exam is determined through a systematic procedure known as the modified Angoff method. The exact passing score is not publicly disclosed to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

Exam Statistics: Detailed statistics, including annual pass rates and the number of candidates tested, are available on the CNE's Exam Statistics webpage.

Score Reporting: After the exam, candidates can access their score report by logging into the Meazure Learning Score Report Portal.

CNE Exam Proctoring

The CNE exam is administered by the NLN in partnership with Meazure Learning. Candidates have the flexibility to choose between two proctoring options:

  • Live Online Proctoring: This option allows candidates to complete the exam remotely from a location of their choice, such as their home or office. During the exam, a professional proctor monitors the candidate in real-time through the computer's webcam and microphone to ensure exam integrity.
  • In-Person Testing Centers: Alternatively, you can opt to take the exam at one of Meazure's designated testing centers, which are available across various locations. This traditional method involves attending a physical location to complete the exam under supervised conditions.

Both options are designed to maintain the exam's security and integrity while providing flexibility to accommodate your preferences and circumstances.

CNE Preparation and Resources

BoardCerts meticulously aligns its practice tests with the official CNE exam blueprint. The question bank is designed to reflect the exam’s structure and difficulty, providing thorough preparation. By incorporating content from recommended references and adhering to the exam's core competencies, these practice tests offer a targeted and effective preparation experience.

Topics on the Exam: Understand the topics outlined in the CNE exam blueprint, including the eight core domains of nurse educator competencies. For detailed information, consult the CNE Exam Blueprint which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.

Review Course: Take a review course, such as those offered by the NLN, to strengthen your knowledge in key exam areas.

Question Bank: Utilize a comprehensive resource like the BoardCerts CNE Question Bank, which aligns with the exam blueprint and is reviewed by CNE-certified educators. The question bank offers extensive practice essential for success and includes predictor exams to help assess exam readiness.

CNE Certification Renewal

To maintain CNE certification, candidates must hold a valid, unencumbered license or provide appropriate documentation of unrestricted practice. They must also adhere to the Certified Nurse Educator Code of Ethics and submit renew by September 30 of their certification expiration year.

CNE certification follows a five-year renewal cycle, with the expiration date indicated on the candidate's certificate. To demonstrate continued competence, candidates must either:

  • Effective 2026, earn a minimum of 75 renewal credits (RCs) by engaging in professional activities that support ongoing development as a nurse educator.
  • Alternatively, candidates may renew their certification by passing the CNE exam if they are unable to meet the renewal credit requirements.

CNE Practice Questions

  • Practicing sample questions is a crucial part of CNE exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. The BoardCerts CNE Question Bank offers high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that align with the CNE exam blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident on test day.
  • Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are crafted to reflect the level of application and difficulty found on the CNE exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

7 day trial with 100% money back guarantee
Our 7-day free trial offers a 100% money-back guarantee for any reason
badge