NCSN® - National Certified School Nurse

About NCSN Certification

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam is administered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). It serves as a specialized certification for registered nurses working in school health services, ensuring they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support the health and educational success of students. Earning this credential validates a nurse’s expertise in areas such as health appraisal, disease prevention, and special health issues within the school setting. This certification reflects a commitment to professional growth and excellence in school nursing, enhancing the credibility and recognition of the nurse’s expertise in the field.

BoardCerts NCSN Question Bank

BoardCerts offers a comprehensive question bank designed to help you excel on the National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam. With BoardCerts practice questions and multiple predictor exams, our content is fully aligned with the NCSN exam blueprint. Each question is meticulously reviewed by certified school nurses and physicians, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Our question bank replicates the complexity of the actual exam and includes detailed rationales and explanations to strengthen your understanding and boost your confidence for exam day.

NCSN Exam Content Outline

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) certification exam encompasses four primary content areas, each contributing to the overall assessment of a candidate's proficiency:

• Health Appraisal and Nursing Process (30%) - Evaluates the nurse’s ability to assess maternal-fetal health, interpret diagnostic tests, and develop care plans.
• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (23%) -Focuses on prenatal education, risk reduction, and promoting maternal and neonatal well-being.
• School Health Practice Considerations (18%) - Covers clinical management of obstetric conditions, complications, and emergency interventions.
• Professional Responsibility (29%) - Addresses ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities in obstetric nursing practice.

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

NCSN Exam Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam, candidates must hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States. They must also have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) or a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on school nursing or health services from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates need at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice in school nursing within the past three years, which can involve direct or indirect contributions to student health and education.

NCSN Application Process

NCSN Exam Dates and Costs

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam is administered during three testing windows annually: Spring (March) , Summer (July – August), and Fall (October – November). Application periods open approximately three to four months prior to each testing window.

The latest information on NCSN exam dates, application deadlines, and fees can be found on the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) website. For detailed updates and resources, visit their official site.

NCSN Exam Format

Number of Questions: The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 175 are scored, while 25 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 have 4 hours to complete the exam.

Passing Score for NCSN

Difficulty Level: The NCSN certification exam is considered challenging, with annual pass rates varying between 50% and 83.6% over recent years.

Passing Score: The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam employs a scaled scoring system, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. To achieve certification, candidates must obtain a minimum scaled score of 620. This passing standard is established using psychometric principles to ensure it accurately reflects the competency required for school nursing practice. Each question on the exam may carry a different weight, contributing variably to the final score. Therefore, simply counting the number of correct answers does not directly equate to the scaled score.

Exam Statistics: Detailed annual statistics, including pass rates and the number of certified nurses, are available on the NBCSN Statistics page.

Score Reporting: Candidates receive an immediate on-screen pass/fail result upon completing the exam. Official results, including a detailed score report with insights into performance across different sections, are provided via email within 2 to 7 days.

NCSN Exam Proctoring

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam is administered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) in collaboration with PSI Services. Candidates have the flexibility to choose between two proctoring options:

• Live Remote Proctoring (LRP): This option allows you to take the exam from a location of your choice, such as your home or office. During the exam, a professional proctor monitors you in real-time via your computer's webcam and microphone to ensure the integrity of the testing process.
• In-Person Testing Centers: Alternatively, you can opt to take the exam at one of PSI'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.

NCSN Preparation and Resources

BoardCerts carefully designs its NCSN practice questions to align with the official exam blueprint, ensuring relevance and comprehensive coverage of the content candidates will encounter on the test. The question bank is developed using the same authoritative resources that form the foundation of the exam, providing an effective and thorough preparation experience.

Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the NCSN exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.

Review Course: Consider taking a review course, such as those offered by NBCSN, to develop a strong foundation in exam content.

Question Bank: Utilize a comprehensive resource like the BoardCerts NCSN Question Bank, which aligns with the exam blueprint and is developed by experts in school nursing. The question bank provides extensive practice, including three predictor exams, to help assess your readiness and strengthen your preparation for exam success.

NCSN Certification Renewal

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) certification is valid for five years. To renew certification, candidates must meet one the following eligibility requirements:

• RN License: An active RN license.
• Continuing Education: Evidence of at least 75 hours of continuing education or approved professional activity credits related to school nursing practice.
• Clinical Practice Requirements: Proof of 2,000 clinical practice hours in school nursing within the past five years (750 hours in the last three years) OR pass the NCSN exam.

For the latest information on NCSN recertification requirements, visit the NBCSN Recertification Page.

NCSN Practice Questions

• Practicing sample questions is an essential part of preparing for the NCSN exam, helping you understand the exam format, question style, and critical content areas. The BoardCerts NCSN Question Bank provides high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that align with the NCSN exam blueprint, ensuring thorough preparation and confidence on test day.

• Access Sample Questions: Explore sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are designed to mirror the level of complexity and application required on the NCSN exam.

NCSN Related Certifications

Several organizations offer certifications for professionals working in school-based services:

• Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP): For school psychologists specializing in educational assessments and interventions (offered by NASP).
• ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC): For school counselors providing academic, career, and social-emotional guidance (offered by ASCA).
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS): For social workers addressing student and family challenges in school settings (offered by NASW).
• National Certified School Counselor (NCSC): For counselors delivering comprehensive school-based counseling services (offered by NBCC).