BCEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing)
CEN
Certified Emergency Nurse
The benchmark specialty certification for emergency department nurses. Validates expertise across the full span of emergency presentations and is favored by trauma centers for hiring and clinical-ladder advancement.
What's on the exam
CEN Exam Content Outline
Cardiovascular Emergencies
~13%Acute coronary syndromes · Dysrhythmias · Heart failure and pulmonary edema · Aortic emergencies · Shock states
Respiratory Emergencies
~11%Airway obstruction · Asthma and COPD exacerbations · Pulmonary embolism · Pneumothorax · Respiratory infections
Neurological Emergencies
~11%Stroke · Seizure disorders · Head trauma and increased ICP · Meningitis · Altered mental status
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecologic, and Obstetrical Emergencies
~14%GI bleeding · Acute abdomen · Renal colic and urologic emergencies · Ectopic pregnancy · Emergency delivery and OB complications
Psychosocial and Medical Emergencies
~17%Behavioral health crises · Endocrine emergencies (DKA, thyroid storm) · Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis · Sepsis · Abuse and neglect · Blood glucose and electrolyte disorders
Maxillofacial, Ocular, Orthopedic, and Wound Emergencies
~14%Facial and dental trauma · Eye injuries and infections · Fractures and dislocations · Compartment syndrome · Wound management
Environmental and Toxicological Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases
~10%Overdose and poisoning · Heat- and cold-related illness · Bites and envenomation · Submersion injuries · Infectious disease exposure
Professional Issues
~11%Triage systems · Patient safety and transitions of care · Legal and regulatory issues (EMTALA) · Disaster management · Evidence-based practice
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CEN cost?
Fees vary. Approximately $230 for ENA members / $370 for nonmembers.
How long is the CEN and how many questions does it have?
175 items (150 scored, 25 unscored) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the CEN?
Scaled cut score set by BCEN (pass/fail).
Can you retake the CEN?
After 90 days; retest fee applies.
What is the best way to study for the CEN?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Cardiovascular Emergencies ~13%, Respiratory Emergencies ~11%, Neurological Emergencies ~11%, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecologic, and Obstetrical Emergencies ~14%, Psychosocial and Medical Emergencies ~17%, Maxillofacial, Ocular, Orthopedic, and Wound Emergencies ~14%, Environmental and Toxicological Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases ~10%, Professional Issues ~11%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 7 exam.
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