CMSRN Exam Details:
The CMSRN exam is administered via Computer-Based Testing (CBT) delivered at Prometric testing centers worldwide and by Prometric’s live remote proctoring system, ProProctor.
Exam Details
- 150 multiple choice questions. 125 questions are scored and 25 questions are unscored.
- The case study questions are not numbered individually. For example, a case study with four questions might be numbered as 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4. This means the last question on the exam will be numbered around 75 even if you’ve answered the full 150 questions.
- The progress bar at the top of the exam will show you what percentage of the exam questions you have answered and how long you have left to finish the exam.
Exam Sections
- 10-minute tutorial. This provides you with the exam structure and how to navigate through the exam. Instructions on how to flag items, viewing unanswered questions, viewing case studies and ending the exam are just a few of the features covered. You will be able to read the tutorial at any time during the exam as long as the cumulative amount of time you spend reading the tutorial does not exceed 10 minutes.
- 3-hour content exam. The amount of time you have to complete and review all test questions. The time allotted for the tutorial and the exam survey are not included in the three hours. When you have answered and reviewed all of the test questions, click Finish Section to end the exam. You will not be able to return to the exam questions after clicking Finish Section.
- 5-minute exit survey. Share your feedback to help us create improved study materials and provide a better test center experience. When you have completed the survey, click Finish Test. If you do not answer all of the questions in the survey and fill in the write-in fields, the exam will inform you that you have not answered all of the questions on the test. However, this is referring to the survey questions and not the exam questions.
Results
- Standard score of 95 (equal to approximately 71% correct) to pass.
- You will receive a pass or fail status at the end of the exam.
- Your detailed score report will be emailed to you by Prometric within 24 hours of completing the exam. A total score and subscores in the examination content areas are provided.
- Your confirmation number is required to access the online score portal.
- Subscores in each of the examination content areas can be used, if needed, to assist in further study for those who choose to retake the exam.
CMSRN Accreditation
The CMSRN exam program has achieved the gold stamp of approval. After meeting rigorous standards, the CMSRN exam was granted accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
Accreditation demonstrates that the CMSRN credential is based on a valid and reliable testing process. The CMSRN exam received its initial accreditation from ABSNC in January 2009 and was reaccredited in 2018.

The ABSNC promotes the highest quality of specialty nursing practice through the establishment of standards of professional specialty nursing certification. ABSNC accreditation is valid for 5 years.
For more information about ABSNC accreditation, visit absnc.org.
Eligibility
Are you ready to sit for the CMSRN certification exam? Check below to be sure you meet the eligibility requirements before completing an application.
Not sure if the CMSRN is right for you? Check out the Certification Comparison information.
You are eligible if you:
- Hold an unencumbered and current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, its territories or in Canada. The license must not expire during your 90-day test period.
---OR---
- Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a first-level nurse in the country in which one's nursing education was completed and meet the eligibility for licensure as an RN in the US in accordance with the requirements of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
---AND---
- Have practiced two (2) full years as an RN in a medical-surgical setting.
---AND---
- Have accrued 2,000 practice hours within the past three (3) years in a medical-surgical setting. Practice may include clinical, management, or education.
NOTE: Medical-surgical setting is defined as the following by MSNCB and AMSN:
Medical-surgical nursing is the single largest nursing specialty in the United States and beyond. Medical-surgical nurses provide care to adults with a variety of medical issues or who are preparing for/recovering from surgery. They have a broad knowledge base and are experts in their practice. Medical-surgical nurses have advanced organizational, prioritization, assessment and communication skills and are leaders in coordinating care among the interprofessional health care team.
Medical-surgical nursing is practiced in several settings across the health care industry, including hospitals, outpatient settings, in homes, via telemedicine and other non-traditional settings. The specialty of medical-surgical nursing happens in almost every care environment because medical-surgical nursing is what you practice, not where.
Fees
Initial Certification*
$267
$394
First Time Retake**
$189
$315
Extension
$79 (non-refundable)
$79 (non-refundable)
*You must be a current member of AMSN first to receive the member discount. Candidates registering through the MSNCB FailSafe Certification Program will select their health care organization when completing the application to bypass the payment.
**Retake fee is active for one (1) year after MSNCB receives the
first exam score. Not applicable for FailSafe Certification Program
candidates.
- All application fees include a non-refundable processing fee of $79.
Grants
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) provides a CMSRN Certification Grant to AMSN members through the Grants & Scholarship program. Each grant is awarded semi-annually and covers the full cost of application at member rate.
We encourage you to apply for the AMSN grants or any other grants for which you might be eligible to help you obtain or maintain CMSRN certification.
Apply for the Exam (Directly below) | Schedule the Exam (Lower in this tab)
Apply for the Exam
Are you prepared to take the CMSRN exam?
- Only apply for the exam after you have studied for it! You only have 90 days to take the exam from the day your application is approved.
- Have you met all of the CMSRN eligibility requirements? You must have been an RN for at least two full years at the time you submit your application. If you practice outside of the United States, visit the International Candidates tab to review your eligibility and required documents.
- Read the entire Certification section before you apply to be sure you are able to comply with all MSNCB and Prometric policies and you understand the exam format. Requests for a refund or test period extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all exam fees include a non-refundable processing fee.
- Determine if you will need testing accommodations to take the exam. Devices that have external communication capability such as cellular, wireless, or Bluetooth must be pre-authorized by MSNCB and Prometric before you schedule your exam or you may not be allowed to test on your test day.
Have the following with you before you begin your application:
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN),
- Your RN license number, original license issue date, and current license expiration date,
- An unexpired, government-issued photo ID with a name that matches the name you will use on your exam application,
- Credit card information or the name of your FailSafe organization.
FailSafe applicants: You will find a Continue with FailSafe option during the exam application process. Choose the Continue with FailSafe option and select your healthcare facility from the dropdown menu to apply your FailSafe discount.
Apply Now
AMSN Member Discount!
Members of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) receive a discounted application fee. Consider joining before applying. Membership must be current through the exam month to be eligible for application discount.
CMSRN Application Review
You’ve submitted your exam application! Now what?
First, you’ll receive an email with the receipt for the exam to confirm we have received your application. Your exam application is under review by MSNCB. If you are a FailSafe applicant, your FailSafe organization will need to approve your application.
NOTE: MSNCB performs a 5% random audit of all applications
If audited, you and your supervisor will be notified by email and additional documentation will be requested. Audited candidates who do not respond or whose supervisors do not respond to the audit request will not be allowed to take the exam and applications will be denied. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that all requested audit information is sent and that their supervisor has returned the verification.
You will receive a second email, your Authorization to Test, when you are approved to schedule your exam. You have 90 days to take the exam from the time you receive your Authorization to Test. You cannot use the scheduling portal in the last 6 days of your 90-day test period and exam seats fill up fast in test centers and for remotely proctored exams, so schedule as soon as possible.
You can check your Certification Application for the status of your exam application.
Certification Application
What do these statuses mean?
Pending FailSafe Review
- If you applied through FailSafe, your FailSafe administrator has received a notification to approve or deny your application.
See Status Below
- MSNCB is verifying your RN license or you may have been randomly selected for an audit. If we require more information from you, our Certification Coordinator will email you within 1-3 business days.
Exam Appointment Scheduling
- You can now schedule your CMSRN exam appointment! Check for an email with your Authorization to Test and exam scheduling information.
If your Certification Application has any other status message in the top right corner or you do not receive your Authorization to Test and you have not been contacted by MSNCB within 5 business days, please email us at certification@amsn.org or call us at 866-877-2676.
Test In-Person or At-Home
You’ve received your Authorization to Test, congratulations! You’re one step closer to earning your CMSRN. From this point on, you have 90 days to take the exam.
First, decide if you want to take the exam in-person at a Prometric test center or if you want to take the exam at home using live remote proctoring. Review the following to determine which choice is right for you.
Prometric Test Centers and COVID-19 Policies
The CMSRN exam is offered at Prometric testing centers worldwide. Testing is available at 98 percent of Prometric’s global test centers at either full or limited occupancy based on local and governmental mandates. The exam is usually offered 3-4 times per week and 1-2 times per day.
You can review Prometric’s site status list to determine the status of test centers closest to you. MSNCB is an essential client, so you will be able to take the exam at test centers with “Essential Only” Program Availability.
Read Prometric’s Test Center Policies and COVID-19 Safety Measures and COVID-19 FAQ.
Prometric enforces the following COVID-19 Safety Measures:
- Masks are not required at Prometric sites located on state university campuses in states where executive orders prohibit institutions of higher education and their officials from mandating face coverings. All other Prometric sites continue to require the use of a medical mask or cloth face covering.
- If you are sick or have traveled to a highly infected area in the 14 days preceding your exam appointment, do not go to a test center.
- If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, do not go to the test center. Healthcare professionals who have been practicing safe and preventative measures using personal protective equipment with COVID-19 patients are an exception from this policy.
- Review the Exam Day Requirements at the bottom of this page.
You may be turned away at the test center if you do not follow test center policies. Exam fees are non-refundable, so you may be required to pay an extension fee or pay the full exam fees again to take the CMSRN exam. Reschedule to live remote proctoring if possible or contact certification@amsn.org to request an extension within 10 days of your exam date or the end of your test period if you cannot go a test center.
Test at Home (Live Remote Proctoring)
You can now take your exam anytime, anywhere with Prometric’s remote-testing platform, ProProctor. Live proctors and Prometric’s customer service are available 24/7 for you to take the CMSRN exam from home. Prometric’s proctors are there for you in real-time to assist with any problems you may encounter and to maintain the security and integrity of the exam.
Just like an in-person exam at a test center, you should schedule a remote proctored exam as soon as possible. Prometric maintains an 8:1 test-taker to proctor ratio, so live remote proctoring seats are limited based on the number of proctors available. Remember, you cannot schedule an exam in the last 6 days of your 90-day test period, not even a remote proctored exam.
Do this before you schedule your exam:
- Verify your computer meets the system requirements with the System Readiness Check. You will need a webcam that can show the remote proctor the entire room, including behind and under the computer and table or desk.
- Do you have the necessary permissions to install software on your computer? If you are taking the exam on a work computer, please check with your network administrator.
- Read the ProProctor Candidate FAQ to learn about security check-in and what kind of room you can take the exam in, if anyone else is allowed to be in the same room, and other rules.
- Choose an exam date where you will have at least 5 hours of available free time. Your actual time in the exam will only be 3 hours, but the security check-in process can take up to a half-hour and internet connections may disrupt and pause the exam process.
Schedule the Exam
Okay, you’ve read all the policies and you’ve decided between taking the exam at a test center or at home. Now you get to schedule! You have 90 days to take the exam and you cannot use the scheduling portal in the last 6 days of your test period, so schedule as soon as possible.
How do I schedule my exam?
- Return to your Certification Application. You cannot access the scheduling portal directly from Prometric’s website; you must go through your application.
- Click Step 3: Exam Appointment Scheduling to access the Prometric scheduling portal.
- In the portal, click Schedule CMSRN Exam – At a Test Center or Schedule CMSRN Exam – Remote Proctored.
- You may be asked to enter an eligibility ID. This number should auto-populate in the required field, but if it doesn’t, your eligibility ID is the invoice number found in your emailed receipt.
- You’ll be able to search for an exam date within a two-week time frame in any location of your choice. If you don’t see any dates you like, then choose a different week within your 90-day test period. We recommend you search in 5-day increments.
- Prometric will provide you with a confirmation number after you schedule your exam. If you do not reach a page with a confirmation number, then you have not scheduled your exam.
What do I do after I schedule my exam?
- You will receive an email from Prometric with your exam confirmation number and exam appointment details. Write down your confirmation number and save the email. You will need it to take the exam.
- If you are taking the exam at home, use your confirmation number to download the ProProctor application. You must do this in advance of your exam.
- Review the Exam Day Requirements below.
If you do not receive a confirmation number or an email from Prometric or you are having difficulty scheduling your exam, please contact us at msncb@msncb.org.
I can’t go to my scheduled exam appointment. What do I do?
- Read MSNCB Policies to find out if you are eligible to reschedule your exam and what fees you may need to pay. You may instead need to apply for an extension.
- Have ready the confirmation number for your currently scheduled exam.
- Go to your Certification Application and click Step 3: Exam Appointment Scheduling.
- In the portal, click Reschedule CMSRN Exam – At a Test Center or Reschedule CMSRN Exam – Remote Proctored.
Prometric canceled my exam appointment. What now?
Occasionally, Prometric may need to temporarily close a testing site. Visit Prometric’s test center closures page to view closures. Prometric will contact you directly to inform you of the closure and to reschedule your exam appointment if your test center closes and your appointment is canceled. Contact us at msncb@msncb.org if you encounter any problems with this process.
Exam Day Requirements
You must meet these requirements to take the exam at a test center or by live remote proctoring. If you fail to meet these requirements, Prometric may deny you the opportunity to take the exam and your exam fees will be forfeit.
- Your exam appointment confirmation number. You received this in an email from Prometric after you scheduled your exam. Double check that you have a confirmation number at least a week before your exam date. If you do not know your confirmation number or did not receive a Prometric confirmation email, contact msncb@msncb.org.
- A government-issued photo ID with a signature. IDs with an expiration date from February 1, 2020 forward are accepted. Temporary paper copies are unacceptable.
- The name in your Prometric confirmation email must match the name on your photo ID. If your names do not match, contact us at least a week before your exam date at certification@amsn.org to request a name change form. We will require supporting documentation to change your name in your exam application.
Testing Location and Acceptable Identification
Outside of your Country of Citizenship
Within your Country of Citizenship
- Valid Passport, Driver's License, National ID, or Military ID
International CMSRN Application Information
Did you know that the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) exam is available to first-level nurses practicing outside of the United States? Our certificants come from over 13 countries across the globe – and we would love to have you as part of our med-surg nursing family.
We've put together some specific information that will help you when you apply for your CMSRN from outside of the United States.
Note
Fees, audits, certification renewal and policies are the same for all candidates.
International testing eligibility requirements apply to nurses who:
- have experience or education outside of the US, and
- are currently practicing outside the US and do not hold an US RN license.
Note
The CMSRN certification exam is based on practice in the medical-surgical nursing specialty in the United States. As such, the CMSRN exam is reflective of US practice, regulations, and culture.
Eligibility
International candidates are required to meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application:
- Hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a first-level nurse in the country in which one's nursing education was completed and meet the eligibility for licensure as an RN in the US in accordance with the requirements of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or World Education Services (WES),
---AND---
- Have practiced two calendar years as an RN/first-level nurse in a medical-surgical setting,
---AND---
- Have accrued a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice within the past three years in a medical-surgical setting. Practice may include clinical, management, or education,
---AND---
- Education must be verified for equivalency by CGFNS or WES prior to submitting a CMSRN exam application.
Apply Now
Note
Refer to the domains of practice if you are unsure of your eligibility. MSNCB reserves the right to request additional documentation following an agency's evaluation.
Locations
International testing outside of the United States is offered as computer-based testing (CBT) and the exam is deliverd by Prometric. Not all countries have a Prometric testing center.
Rescheduling
To reschedule or cancel an exam appointment, return to your exam application and click Step 3: Exam Appointment Scheduling. Then choose Reschedule or Cancel CMSRN Exam. You will need to know your exam confirmation number. Some restrictions and fees may apply, see below.
6 to 15
$25 (payable directly to Prometric)
5 or less
Not permitted. Request extension or refund.
Extension of 90-Day Test Period?
- Test period almost expired? Missed a scheduled exam? You must contact us within 10 days of your test period expiring or your missed exam to request an extension. Late requests will be denied and exam fees will be forfeit.
- Cost: $79 non-refundable processing fee.
- Supporting documentation may be requested for approval.
- One extension granted for each exam registration.
- Test within the new 90-day test period or all fees will be forfeit.
- We cannot guarantee your extension request will be granted.
- Extensions or cancellations are not available to candidates who registered through the FailSafe Certification Program™. For FailSafe candidates, an expired test period or a missed exam will count as one of your two attempts to take the exam during your facility’s current contract year.
Refunds
- We review requests to terminate your CMSRN application and receive a refund on a case-by-case basis. Supporting documentation must be provided.
- Refund requests must be submitted no more than 10 days after a missed exam or expired test period. Late requests will be denied and exam fees will be forfeit.
- If your cancellation is accepted, you will be refunded the application payment minus the $79 non-refundable processing fee. FailSafe candidates are not eligible for refunds.
You may not receive a refund for failure to meet Prometric exam day requirements, listed below. See What to Expect on Exam Day for more.
- CMSRN exam appointment confirmation number.
- A government-issued photo ID with a signature. IDs can be no more than 90 days expired.
- The name in your Prometric confirmation email must match the name on your photo ID.
- Medical mask or cloth face covering at test centers.
Contact certification@amsn.org to request an extension form or a refund.
Starting Line
- You’ve studied and applied for the CMSRN exam, you’ve received your Authorization to Test, and now you’re ready to schedule your exam. Log-in to your certification application and get comfortable with the scheduling tools.
- Determine when you’d like to take the exam. Make plans for childcare or time off work if necessary.
- Review MSNCB and Prometric policies about COVID-19, rescheduling, and extending your 90-day test period.
Schedule the Exam
- Read the Apply & Schedule tab for information about scheduling your exam at a test center or at home.
30 Days Before the Exam
- We suggest you schedule your exam at least 30 days ahead of time and 30 days before the last day of your 90-day test period.
- Plan a couple of study sessions by yourself or with friends to review exam prep materials before you sit for the exam.
Live Remote Proctoring
16 Days Before the Exam
- Can you still attend your scheduled exam appointment? If you need to reschedule, do it now. If you reschedule in the 6 to 15 days before your exam appointment, you’ll have to pay a $25 rescheduling fee to Prometric.
8 Days Before the Exam
- Triple-check that you can still attend your scheduled exam appointment. You will not be able to reschedule six days or less before your exam date.
- Confirm you have a government-issued photo ID and, if you are testing outside your country of citizenship, a valid passport. The ID cannot be more than 90 days expired. The name on your ID must match the name on your exam application and in Prometric’s confirmation email.
At a Test Center
- Take a test drive to your exam location. Make sure to take into consideration traffic patterns and other circumstances when considering drive time.
Live Remote Proctoring
- Choose the room you will take the exam in and be sure you will not be interrupted by any other people or pets in your home. If anyone else enters the room while you are taking the exam, the proctor may end your exam and your exam fees will be forfeit.
One Day Before the Exam
- Confirm you have your Prometric confirmation number and appropriate photo ID.
At a Test Center
- Review Prometric’s COVID-19 policies to confirm you will be in compliance with them.
- Review the drive to your exam location and be aware of any road closures.
- Confirm your test center is not on the list of test center closures.
Live Remote Proctoring
- Confirm your computer and internet connection are working properly.
Exam Day
What to Bring
- A government-issued photo ID and, if you are testing outside your country of citizenship, a valid passport. The ID cannot be more than 90 days expired. The name on your ID must match the name in Prometric’s confirmation email.
- Prometric confirmation number.
At a Test Center
- Almost all Prometric sites continue to require the use of a medical mask or cloth face covering. Masks are only not required at Prometric sites located on state university campuses in states where executive orders prohibit institutions of higher education and their officials from mandating face coverings.
- Arrive 30 minutes ahead of time. Late candidates will not be permitted to test.
- Leave any unnecessary personal belongings at home. Small lockers are available.
- Bring a sweater or jacket.
Live Remote Proctoring
- Confirm your internet connection is working. Any other person in your home should not be using the WiFi, because it may interfere with your internet connection. If you get disconnected and have to reconnect, you will be required to redo the security check-in process, which could take up to a half-hour.
- Clean the area around your computer of any paper or knick-knacks and remove any oversized clothing on you or your chair.
- Make sure you will not be interrupted by any other people or pets in your home for the duration of the exam and check-in process.
- Log-in to the ProProctor application 30 minutes before the start of your exam. Late candidates will not be permitted to test.