CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse

The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) certification is a professional credential for registered nurses who specialize in the field of dialysis. This certification, offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), recognizes the expertise and advanced knowledge of nurses who provide care to patients undergoing dialysis treatment. The CDN certification demonstrates a nurse’s proficiency in dialysis procedures, patient care, and machine operation.

Cost: $350 exam fee, $200 reexamination fee, $50 late fee

Exam Fee with Membership Discount $300 and reexamination fee $175. Membership Discounts are available to American Nephrology Nurses Association, the American Society of Nephrology, the National Kidney Foundation, and the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs.

Exam Format

The CDN examination assesses a candidate's knowledge and skills in nephrology nursing, specifically in dialysis.

Exam Length: 3 hours

Question Format: 150 multiple-choice questions covering areas such as principles of dialysis, patient care, dialysis modalities, and complications

Passing Criteria: A minimum score of 95 is required to pass the exam (answering at least 70% of questions correctly).

Exam Registration and Testing

Candidates must:

• Meet the eligibility criteria set by the certifying organization, including a valid RN license and experience in nephrology nursing.

• Register for the exam through the certifying organization's website and pay the examination fee.

• Schedule the exam at an authorized testing center.

• Follow the rules and regulations on the exam day, including presenting valid identification.

• Complete the exam within the specified time frame.

• Receive results, typically available several weeks after the exam.

• Education and Experience:

  • Must be a licensed RN in active status.

  • Accumulated at least 2,000 hours of professional practice in nephrology nursing within the past two years. This experience may involve:

    • Providing direct care to patients receiving or at risk for dialysis, or

    • Teaching or overseeing staff who care for these patients.

  • Completed a minimum of 20 hours of approved continuing education in nephrology nursing within the same two-year period.

• Application: Apply for the CDN exam through the certifying organization.

• Examination: Successfully pass the CDN certification exam.

• Certification Issuance: Obtain certification upon meeting all requirements and passing the exam.

CDN certification typically requires renewal every 3 years. Candidates must complete 1,500 hours of nephrology nursing practice as an RN within the three-year certification cycle and meet one of the following additional requirements for recertification:

• Retaking the certification exam

• 45 contact hours of continuing education

Renewal Fee: Exam $225 / Continuing Education $100 /Late Fee $50

One avenue for CDN recertification includes completing 45 contact hours of continuing education (CE), which much include:

• 15 contact hours related to nephrology

• 30 contact hours related to health, science or nursing

CE must meet one of the following criteria:

• Program approved for nursing continuing education

• Independent study approved for nursing continuing education

• Academic credit related to health, science or nursing

  • 1 semester hour equivalent to 5 contact hours

  • 1 quarter credit equivalent to 3 contact hours

• Scholarly Publications

• Development of Multimedia Learning Tools

• Preceptorship Credit

At least 10 contact hours must be approved by one of the following:

• Organizations accredited by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center

• Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

• The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

• The American Association of Nurse Practitioners

• The Council of Continuing Education

• Any state board of nursing

For the most accurate and current information on CDN certification, including specific eligibility criteria, exam content, and renewal processes, candidates should refer directly to the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) or the relevant certifying body.

• Test Blueprint

• Test Specifications

Preparatory resources for the CDN exam include textbooks on nephrology nursing, online courses, practice tests, and review courses specifically designed for the CDN exam.

Before pursuing CDN certification, candidates must be licensed as registered nurses (RNs) and have experience in nephrology nursing. After obtaining CDN certification, nurses may choose to pursue advanced certifications in nephrology nursing or other related specialties.

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) also offers the following:

• Certified in Nephrology Nursing (CNN)

• Certified Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP)

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT)

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced (CCHT-A)