CBN - Certified Bariatric Nurse

The Certified Bariatric Nurse credential (CBN) is relevant for nurses with expertise in caring for severely obese or bariatric surgical clients. The CBN credential is available through the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Applicants for the CBN credential may apply online via the ASMBS.

Costs

• ASMBS Members: $250 for early registration and $300 for regular registration

• Non-members: $350 for early registration and $400 for regular registration

• Puerto Rico or Canada International IFSO members: $300 for early registration and $350 for regular registration

• Puerto Rico or Canada International IFSO non-members: $400 for early registration and $450 for regular registration

• Other International IFSO members: $300 for early registration and $350 for regular registration

• Other International IFSO non-members: $300 for early registration and $350 for regular registration

To be eligible for the CBN certification, the following are required:

• Current license as an RN or equivalent for international nurses in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are not eligible to sit for the examination.

• For international nurses:
  Acceptable international nurses’ licensure will be determined on an individual basis by the ASMBS. The examination is based on a practice analysis of nursing care of patients with severe obesity and bariatric surgical patients in the United States of America. The examination will only be offered in the English language.

• Complete a minimum of 24 months (within the preceding 4 years) of nursing care of patients with severe obesity and bariatric surgery patients, predominantly in the Bariatric surgery process. (i.e.: pre-operative, peri-operative or postoperative/follow up care). This may include an RN who serves in a practice role that includes but is not limited to educational, administrative, leadership, quality, or advanced practice serving the bariatric population.

• Adherence to the CBN Certification Standards of Conduct.
  Candidates are required to confirm acceptance of a statement on the application form that they understand violations of the CBN Standards of Conduct may result in loss of eligibility for the CBN certification.

Exam Dates

The CBN exam is offered twice a year, in February and July. The dates are available each year in November.

The CBN certification is valid for four years. 

To renew the certification, the nurse must fulfill the following items:

• Current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Acceptable international nurses’ licensure will be determined on an individual basis by the ASMBS.

• Must also have a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice (within the preceding 48 months) of nursing care of morbidly obese and bariatric surgery patients, predominately in the bariatric surgery process (i.e., pre-operative, peri-operative, or post-operative/follow-up care).

• Must hold a current certificate from ASMBS as a Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN).

Additionally, candidates must submit information showing achievement of a CBN Recertification method via one of the two options:

• Option 1: Re-testing (retake and pass the CBN exam)

• Option 2: Continuing Education/Professional Development: Total of 80 hours.

The CBN Handbook provides more information about the types of activities and point values for various professional development activities, a content outline and sample questions.

The ASMBS offers resources for candidates a review course for $129.