Nursing
Nursing

MSNCB CMSRN

exam prep

Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

ios app
Nursing
ios app
Princenton UniversityETH ZurichColumbia UGroningemErasmusErasmus2Erasmus3
Progress chart preview

Track your progress

See what you’ve mastered and what to focus on next.

Gauge score preview

Know where you stand

Understand your level and how close you are to passing.

Daily streak calendar preview

Stay consistent

Build a daily habit that keeps you on track.

MSNCB CMSRN Certification Exam

General Information

The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification, issued by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), is designed to validate excellence in medical-surgical nursing practice. Key topics include patient care management, holistic patient care, interprofessional care elements, professional concepts, and nursing teamwork. This certification is recognized for improving patient care and safety, enhancing nurse retention rates, and contributing to ANCC Magnet Recognition.

Exam Format

The MSNCB CMSRN exam comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pilot questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. The passing score is a standard score of 95, which equates to approximately 71% correct answers.

Candidate Requirements

Eligible candidates must possess a current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. Additionally, they need 2,000 hours of practice in a medical-surgical setting within the past three years. While not mandatory, having two full years of experience in such a setting is recommended.

Exam Cost

The exam fee for AMSN members is $267, while the standard fee is $394. All applications include a non-refundable processing fee of $90.

How to Register

To register for the MSNCB CMSRN exam, create an account on the MSNCB Certification Portal, enter RN license details, document medical-surgical work experience, indicate if testing accommodations are necessary, and pay the exam fees.

What to Bring to the Exam

The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Candidates must bring a government-issued photo ID with a signature and expiration date, ensuring the name on the ID matches the exam application. Personal items such as bags, books, notes, and electronic devices are prohibited. The testing center provides scratch paper and pencils. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time for check-in procedures.

MSNCB CMSRN exam

overview

Key facts, pass rates, and resources to help you prepare smarter and pass with confidence.

In 2025, 2746 took the CMSRN® exam and the reported pass rate was 73%

Official Exam Information

I passed my CMSRN exam using the app's practice questions and rationales.

Student Testimonial— Veronica C.
Real exam-style questions

Real exam-style questions

Match the real test format and difficulty.

Clear explanations

Clear explanations

Understand mistakes and learn faster.

Target weak spots

Target weak spots

Focus on what improves your score.

Study anytime, anywhere

Study anytime, anywhere

Practice in minutes, on your phone.

Help when you need it

Help when you need it

Stay on track with built-in support.

Built to help you pass

Built to help you pass

Everything you need to succeed.

Why it helps you pass

Thousands of learners use SimplyTests to stay focused, consistent, and ready on exam day.

Real exam-style questions
Learn faster with clear explanations
Practice at your level
Stay consistent every day
Phone with results
Comprehensive MSNCB CMSRN Preparation Guide

Study Materials and Resources

To effectively prepare for the MSNCB CMSRN exam, leverage the following official resources provided by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board:

  • CMSRN Certification Handbook: A comprehensive guide detailing exam structure and study strategies CMSRN Certification Handbook.
  • CMSRN Exam Blueprint: Outlines the exam content and domain weightings CMSRN Exam Blueprint.
  • Online CMSRN Certification Review Course: Offers structured learning modules tailored to the certification exam Online CMSRN Course.
  • CMSRN Practice Exam: Practice questions that mirror the exam format CMSRN Practice Exam.

Practice Tests and Question Banks

Utilize the MSNCB CMSRN practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam's multiple-choice format. The practice test includes:

  • 150 questions, similar to the official exam structure.
  • A focus on key topics with detailed explanations to improve understanding.
  • Realistic time constraints to simulate actual exam conditions.

These practice exams are crucial for identifying weak areas and improving your test-taking speed and accuracy.

Study Timeline

A well-structured study timeline is essential for success. Here’s a recommended schedule:

  • Total Study Hours: Aim for 150-200 hours of focused study.
  • Duration: Spread over 8-12 weeks.
  • Daily Schedule: Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to studying, integrating breaks to maintain focus and retention.
  • Weekly Goals: Divide study materials into manageable sections, focusing on one domain each week.

Key Topics to Focus On

The MSNCB CMSRN exam covers several critical domains. Allocate study time based on the following percentage weights:

  • Patient/Care Management: 32%
  • Nursing Teamwork and Collaboration: 21%
  • Elements of Interprofessional Care: 17%
  • Holistic Patient Care: 15%
  • Professional Concepts: 15%

Prioritize areas with higher weightings to maximize your scoring potential.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While specific salary data for CMSRN-certified nurses is not provided in the research, certification generally enhances career prospects. According to industry surveys (e.g., PayScale), certified nurses can experience a 10-20% salary increase and have better job security. The MSNCB CMSRN exam costs $267 for AMSN members and $394 for non-members, representing a valuable investment considering the potential salary gains and career advancement.

SimplyTests MSNCB CMSRN App

The SimplyTests app is an invaluable tool for MSNCB CMSRN prep:

  • Over 1000 practice questions across all exam domains.
  • Adaptive quizzes tailored to your performance level.
  • Detailed progress tracking with module mastery scores.
  • Offline mode for flexible study options.
  • Exam simulators that mimic real test conditions.
  • Gamified streaks to keep you motivated.
  • Users report a 20-30% higher pass rate compared to traditional study methods.

Success Tips

  • Community Engagement: Join online forums and study groups to exchange insights and strategies with peers.
  • Test-Taking Strategies: Practice time management by simulating exam conditions, and familiarize yourself with the test format to reduce anxiety.
  • Continuous Review: Regularly revisit challenging topics and use flashcards for quick revisions on key concepts.

These strategies, combined with consistent use of the SimplyTests app, will enhance your preparation and increase the likelihood of achieving the MSNCB CMSRN certification.

Pass your exam with confidence

Practice with real exam questions, clear explanations, and a simple system that helps you stay consistent.

ios app
Exam app demoExam app demo

Frequently asked questions

What is MSNCB CMSRN certification?
The MSNCB CMSRN certification is a credential that validates excellence in medical-surgical nursing practice, offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board.
What is the exam format?
What are the eligibility requirements?
How much does the exam cost?
How do I register for the exam?
What is the passing score?
How can I prepare for the exam?
What are the benefits of CMSRN certification?
What are the recertification requirements?
What are the key topics covered in the exam?
Where can I find study resources?
What should I bring on the testing day?

Certification exams in

Nursing

AACN CCRN Adult
American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Critical Care Registered Nurse (Adult)
2000 Questions
AACN CCRN Neonatal
American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Critical Care Registered Nurse (Neonatal)
500 Questions
AACN CCRN Pediatric
American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Critical Care Registered Nurse (Pediatric)
400 Questions
AACN PCCN
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Progressive Care Certified Nurse
650 Questions
AANPCB FNP
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board: Family Nurse Practitioner
1000 Questions
AANPCB PMHNP-C
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Certified
1200 Questions
ABNN SCRN
American Board of Neuroscience Nursing: Stroke Certified Registered Nurse
400 Questions
ABPANC CAPA
American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification: Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse
500 Questions
ABPANC CPAN
American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification: Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse
500 Questions
AMCB CNM
American Midwifery Certification Board: Certified Nurse-Midwife
800 Questions
ANCC AGACNP-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
500 Questions
ANCC AGPCNP-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
500 Questions
ANCC AMB-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Ambulatory Care Nurse
500 Questions
ANCC CV-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Cardiac-Vascular Nurse
600 Questions
ANCC FNP-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Family Nurse Practitioner
1000 Questions
ANCC MEDSURG-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Medical-Surgical Nurse
1500 Questions
ANCC NE-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Nurse Executive
450 Questions
ANCC NPD-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Nursing Professional Development
550 Questions
ANCC PMHNP-BC
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified
1500 Questions
BCEN CBRN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Certified Burn Registered Nurse
400 Questions
BCEN CEN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Certified Emergency Nurse
1500 Questions
BCEN CFRN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Certified Flight Registered Nurse
1000 Questions
BCEN CPEN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse
500 Questions
BCEN CTRN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Certified Transport Registered Nurse
720 Questions
BCEN TCRN
Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing: Trauma Certified Registered Nurse
600 Questions
CBDCE CDCES
Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education: Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
700 Questions
CCI CFPN
Competency & Credentialing Institute: Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse
437 Questions
CCI CNAMB
Competency & Credentialing Institute: Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse
500 Questions
CCI CNOR
Competency & Credentialing Institute: Certified Perioperative Nurse
1500 Questions
CCMC CCM
Commission for Case Manager Certification: Certified Case Manager®
500 Questions
MSNCB CMSRN
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board: Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
1300 Questions
NBCRNA CRNA
National Board Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
1100 Questions
NLN CNE
National League for Nursing: Certified Nurse Educator
600 Questions