OCN - Oncology Certified Nurse

The Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) is a specialty certification for registered nurses (RNs) who provide direct care to adults with cancer. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) awards this certification by exam. Over 40,000 oncology nurses are certified through ONCC. The OCN certification recognizes a nurse’s experience and comprehensive knowledge of caring for cancer patients and chemotherapy treatments.

Test Fees

• ONS/APHON Member $300

• Nonmember $420

• Double Take option: additional $100, must be paid when registering for initial exam. Allows a candidate to retest once if they don't pass, without paying the full test fee again.

The OCN exam is a timed (3 hours), computer-based exam consisting of 165 questions. The OCN Test Blueprint is the content outline that candidates must study for this exam.

Only 145 items are scored. The other 20 are pre-test questions used to gather statistical data for future exams. Performance is measured in a scaled score. The minimum to pass is 55. Current test version 2022.

Candidates have two options for testing:

ONCC examinations are offered at hundreds of PSI test centers nationwide.

Results

Pass/Fail results are available on-screen immediately. A printable report is emailed and available on the PSI portal within 24 hours. A detailed results report is mailed to examinees. Certificates and a wallet card are mailed within 4-6 weeks of passing the exam.

Prerequisites: To qualify for the OCN exam, RNs must have:

1. An active, current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the US or Canada

2. 24 months minimum of professional experience as an RN

3. 2,000 hours minimum of clinical practice with adult cancer patients

4. 10 hours of continuing education (CE) in oncology nursing in the past 36 months

Steps to Obtaining OCN Certification:

1. Check eligibility. (Generally, if you have worked 40 hours per week for six months with cancer patients, you qualify).

2. Apply for examination. If eligible, candidates should receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within 2-4 weeks of application

3. Study and take the OCN exam.

4. Pass the OCN and become certified.

Nurses must renew OCN certification every four years. 

There are three options for renewal:

Option 1: Practice hours + Professional Development (Points)

• Applying before September 15, 2023 - $240 for ONS/APHON members and $360 for non-members

• Applying by October 15, 2023 (Final Deadline) - $340 for ONS/APHON members and $460 for non-members

Option 2: Practice hours + Successful Testing

• Apply by September 15, 2023 - $300 for ONS/APHON members and $420 for non-members

Option 3: Points + Successful Testing

• Applying before September 15, 2023 - $400 for ONS/APHON members and $520 for non-members

• Applying by October 15, 2023 (Final Deadline) - $500 for ONS/APHON members and $620 for non-members

The ONCC offers several resources for exam candidates, including:

• Certification Manual

• Test Content Outline

• Test References

• Practice Test (50 questions cost: Free, 100 questions cost: $75)

• Study Tips

• Review Courses

• Sample Questions

The ONCC also offers the following certifications:

• Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)

• Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)

• Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)

• Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)