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









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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.
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.
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.
The exam fee for AMSN members is $267, while the standard fee is $394. All applications include a non-refundable processing fee of $90.
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.
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.
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Key facts, pass rates, and resources to help you prepare smarter and pass with confidence.
Official Exam Information
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To effectively prepare for the MSNCB CMSRN exam, leverage the following official resources provided by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board:
Utilize the MSNCB CMSRN practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam's multiple-choice format. The practice test includes:
These practice exams are crucial for identifying weak areas and improving your test-taking speed and accuracy.
A well-structured study timeline is essential for success. Here’s a recommended schedule:
The MSNCB CMSRN exam covers several critical domains. Allocate study time based on the following percentage weights:
Prioritize areas with higher weightings to maximize your scoring potential.
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.
The SimplyTests app is an invaluable tool for MSNCB CMSRN prep:
These strategies, combined with consistent use of the SimplyTests app, will enhance your preparation and increase the likelihood of achieving the MSNCB CMSRN certification.
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