BCEN CEN Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the BCEN CEN exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Emergency Nursing, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Emergency nursing assessment, emergency intervention and prioritization, specialty emergency nursing knowledge within real-world settings like Hospital emergency departments, emergency care settings, acute care 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 CEN 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 Registered nurses, emergency department nurses, emergency nursing professionals
BCEN CEN Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse |
| Credential | BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) |
| Vendor | Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) |
| Exam Code | CEN » BCEN CEN Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based examination at a PSI testing center or online through PSI Live Remote Proctoring |
| Exam Duration | 180 mins |
| Number of Questions | 175 items (150 scored and 25 unscored pretest items) |
| Passing Score | 99 of the 150 scored items |
| Exam Price |
Initial exam - $380 ENA member initial exam - $285 Military discount - $195 Initial exam with BCEN Test Assurance - $450 ENA member with BCEN Test Assurance - $355 Military with BCEN Test Assurance - $265 Retest - $200 |
| Scheduling Window | 90-day testing window following application processing and eligibility approval |
| Schedule Exam | PSI |
| Trainings/Resources | Study & Prepare for the CEN Exam |
| Sample Questions | BCEN CEN Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | BCEN CEN Certification Practice Exam |
BCEN CEN Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | No. Of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Emergencies |
- Acute coronary syndrome - Aneurysm and dissection - Cardiopulmonary arrest - Dysrhythmias - Endocarditis, Myocarditis, Pericarditis - Heart failure - Hypertension - Pericardial tamponade - Peripheral vascular disease (e.g., venous and arterial) -Thromboembolic disease - Cardiovascular trauma - Cardiogenic shock and obstructive shock |
18 |
| Respiratory Emergencies |
- Aspiration - Asthma - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Infections - Inhalation injuries - Obstruction - Pleural effusion - Pneumothorax - Noncardiac pulmonary edema - Pulmonary embolus - Respiratory distress syndrome - Respiratory trauma - Pulmonary hypertension - Croup |
17 |
| Neurological Emergencies |
- Neurological disorders - Headache - Increased intracranial pressure - Meningitis - Seizure disorders - Stroke - Transient ischemic attack - Head and spinal cord trauma - Neurogenic shock |
17 |
| Gastrointestinal Emergencies |
- Appendicitis - Peritonitis - Bowel perforation - Cyclic vomiting syndrome - Bleeding - Cholecystitis - Cirrhosis - Diverticulitis - Esophageal varices - Foreign bodies - Hepatitis - Intussusception - Obstructions - Pancreatitis - Gastrointestinal trauma - Gastrointestinal disorders |
14 |
| Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical Emergencies |
- Genitourinary - Gynecology - Obstetrical |
10 |
| Mental Health Emergencies |
- Aggressive and violent behavior - Anxiety disorders - Depressive disorders - Homicidal and suicidal ideation - Intentional overdose and ingestions - Psychotic disorders - Bipolar disorders |
13 |
| Medical Emergencies |
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis - Hematologic disorders - Electrolyte and fluid imbalance - Endocrine disorders - Immunocompromise - Sepsis - Hypovolemic and distributive shock - Substance use and abuse - Withdrawal syndrome |
15 |
| Musculoskeletal and Wound Emergencies |
- Musculoskeletal - Wound |
11 |
| Head, Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Emergencies |
- Head - Eye - Ear - Nose - Throat |
10 |
| Environment and Toxicology Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases |
- Environment - Toxicology - Communicable Diseases |
13 |
| Professional Issues |
- Prioritization - Legal and ethical issues |
12 |
The BCEN CEN certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Emergency Nursing. The exam evaluates competencies such as Emergency nursing assessment, emergency intervention and prioritization, specialty emergency nursing knowledge, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Registered nurses, emergency department nurses, emergency nursing professionals working in settings such as Hospital emergency departments, emergency care settings, acute care settings.
To prepare effectively for the BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
