Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the BCEN Certified Burn Registered Nurse certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the BCEN CBRN exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The BCEN Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Emergency Nursing, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Burn pathophysiology and initial management, acute care and wound management, psychosocial support and professional practice within real-world settings like Burn centers, hospital burn units, acute care and rehabilitation settings.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official BCEN certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the BCEN CBRN exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Burn care nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses and related roles
BCEN CBRN Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | BCEN Certified Burn Registered Nurse |
| Credential | BCEN Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN) |
| Vendor | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Exam Code | CBRN » BCEN CBRN Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based exam at PSI testing centers or through PSI Live Remote Proctoring |
| Exam Duration | 180 mins |
| Number of Questions | 175 items (150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items) |
| Passing Score | 115 of the 150 scored items |
| Exam Price |
Initial exam - $380 ABA member initial exam - $285 Military discount - $195 Initial exam with BCEN Test Assurance - $450 ABA member with BCEN Test Assurance - $355 Military with BCEN Test Assurance - $265 Retest - $200 |
| Scheduling Window | 90-day testing window after exam eligibility is issued |
| Schedule Exam | PSI |
| Trainings/Resources | Study & Prepare for the CBRN Exam |
| Sample Questions | BCEN CBRN Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | BCEN CBRN Certification Practice Exam |
BCEN CBRN Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | No. Of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Pathophysiology |
- Etiology of burn injury (e.g., thermal, electrical, chemical) - Local response: Zones of injury - Systemic response - Physiology of wound healing: Phases of wound healing (e.g., all phases to include scar maturation) - Inhalation injury |
15 |
| Clinical Practice: Initial Management (<72 hours) |
- Prehospital care - Resuscitation management - Stabilization - Secondary complications - Mechanism of injury |
25 |
| Clinical Practice: Acute Care |
- Systems assessment and management - Infection control - Nutrition management - Rehabilitation |
25 |
| Clinical Practice: Assessment, Treatment, and Evaluation of Pain Agitation Delirium (PAD) |
- Pain - Agitation and Anxiety - Delirium - Pruritis |
15 |
| Clinical Practice: Wound Management |
- Wound depth assessment (e.g., partial vs full thickness) - Care of the burn wound - Non-surgical approaches - Surgical approaches - Skin/Dermal substitutes - Contracture/scar prevention |
22 |
| Psychosocial Support and Patient Advocacy |
- Associated psychological diagnoses (e.g., Acute Stress Disorder, depression, PTSD) - Other social emotional considerations (e.g., body image, intimacy) - Community reintegration |
10 |
| Ambulatory and Reconstruction |
- Scar Management - Patient and family education |
10 |
| Special Populations |
- Pediatrics - Older Adults - Pregnant patients - Non-burn skin conditions - Non-Accidental trauma - Substance use disorders |
18 |
| Professional Practice |
- Ethics - Quality Improvement and Process Improvement (QI/PI) - Interprofessional/Multidisciplinary collaboration (e.g., social worker, case manager, child life, psychologist) - Diversity, equity, and inclusion - Self-care and resiliency - Intraprofessional nursing collaboration and education - Community outreach education: Home safety (e.g., hot water heater, carbon monoxide) - Disaster management |
10 |
The BCEN CBRN certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Emergency Nursing. The exam evaluates competencies such as Burn pathophysiology and initial management, acute care and wound management, psychosocial support and professional practice, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Burn care nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses and related roles working in settings such as Burn centers, hospital burn units, acute care and rehabilitation settings.
To prepare effectively for the BCEN Certified Burn Registered Nurse exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
