CNEn - Academic Novice Educator
- Cost $125
- Nonrenewable
- Valid for 3 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Academic Novice Educator certification (CNEn) validates the knowledge and skills of novice nurse educators with less than 3 years experience as a nurse educator. The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the CNEn exam.
Eligibility
To be eligible to take the CNEn exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Have a valid license or proof of unencumbered practice as a registered nurse in their country of residence
Currently work as an academic nurse educator within the first 3 years of practice
Have one of the following degrees:
A graduate degree in nursing with an emphasis on nursing education, or
A graduate degree in nursing with a post-master's certificate in nursing education, or
A graduate degree in nursing with 9 or more credit hours of graduate-level education courses, or
aA post baccalaureate certificate in nursing education
Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the CNEn exam
Cost: $125 National League for Nursing member or Non-member Initial Test or Retest
Course Format
Exam Format
The CNEn exam includes 130 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. CNEn exam topics include:
Facilitate Learning (39%)
Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (15%)
Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization (11%)
Function within the Educational Environment (11%)
6 Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Role of Nurse Educator (8%)
Function as a Change Agent and Leader (7%)
Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes (5%)
Engage in Scholarship (4%)
Test Dates
Scantron Test Centers offer CNEn exams Mondays through Saturdays year-round. Examinees may also take the exam at home via Scantron’s live online proctored test administration service.
Register for the Exam
Applicants register for the exam after receiving a Notice to Schedule Examination email from Scantron. They can register online or by calling Scantron at (919) 572-6880.
Visit Scantron’s website
Enter the username and password provided in the Notice to Schedule email
Follow on-screen instructions
View Scantron Assessment Center locations to find the nearest testing center.
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive at the testing center 15 to 30 minutes before exam time
Bring a government-issued photo ID.
The applicant’s name must exactly match the name Scantron has on file
Examinees may not bring personal items, calculators, phones, notes, food, or beverages into the test center
Scantron permits a break but doesn’t grant additional test time
For remote proctored exams, applicants must use a computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Review details for system requirements. Applicants can take a sample test to become familiar with Scantron software.
Visit Scantron’s website
Enter the username and password provided in the Notice to Schedule email
Confirm demographic information
Attest to Scantron’s privacy policy
Test computer for system requirements
Click “Schedule”
Enter phone number and time zone
Click “Schedule Exam”
Select a date and time and click “Schedule”
Exam Day Instructions
Click the link in the confirmation email to go to the Scantron platform
The system performs a System Requirement Check
Complete the check-in process with an ID check and environment check
A live proctor performs a security check
Examinees must be alone, in a well-lit space, with the computer on a table or desk
Examinees must not use a dual-monitor or sit in a reclined position
The live proctor remains present throughout the test for questions
Examinees receive a pass or fail score report upon completion of the exam. They can also access the score report on Scantron’s Score Report Portal.
Certification
Application Process
Go to the certification website
Click “Certification Portal”
Create an account or log in
Click “CNEn Application for Initial Certification”
Click “Create New Application”
List RN licenses held in all states
Answer the eligibility questions
Enter accommodation requests if applicable
Enter up to 3 email addresses to receive successful exam results
Answer the exam test preparation questions
Click “Yes” under Agreement of Authorization & Confidentiality
Input credit card information
If applicants don’t receive a confirmation notice of eligibility within 5 business days of application submission, they should contact the NLN. Applicant receives a Notice to Schedule Examination from Scantron upon approval.
Renewal
CNEn certification is valid for 3 years. This certification is nonrenewable to encourage CNEns to pursue the CNE or CNEcl.
Other Resources
The NLN provides several resources to help prepare for the CNEn exam, including:
CNEn Handbook with sample questions on pages 14 and 15
Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Review Book Cost: $35.99
Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators Cost: $19.99
The Self-Assessment Examinations (SAE) are multiple-choice, 65-question practice exams available for 60 days following purchase. Cost: $65 for NLN members and $75 for non-members.
Related Certifications
Frequently asked questions
What if I fail the CNEn exam?
Applicants can retake the CNEn exam up to 4 times a year. The exam can only be taken once every 90 days after paying the retest fee.
Can I reschedule the CNEn Exam?
Yes, you can reschedule the CNEn exam up to 2 days before the exam date on the Scantron website. Scantron charges a non-refundable $50 rescheduling fee.
What’s the difference between the CNE and the CNEn?
The CNE stands for Certified Nurse Educator, and the CNEn stands for Academic Novice Educator. The CNE is for nurse educators working in various locations such as universities and hospitals. The CNEn is for novice nurse educators with less than 3 years of experience. The CNEn is nonrenewable and certification holders are encouraged to take the CNE after the CNEn expires.
What if my CNEn certification expires soon and I don’t want to take the CNE or CNEcl?
The CNEn certification is nonrenewable and expires after 3 years regardless if you take the CNE or CNEcl.
Can I take the CNE exam before my CNEn certification expires?
Yes, CNEns are encouraged to take the CNE exam before their CNEn certification expires, although it’s mandatory.
What other certifications should I consider after getting the CNEn?
What organization offers the CNEn?
The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the CNEn.