The Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam is a board
certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
(BCEN) that identifies flight nurses with expertise and knowledge in flight
nursing.
Eligibility
Registration for the CRFN exam is open to individuals with a
current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license. BCEN recommends that the
candidate for the CFRN exam have two years’ experience as a flight nurse, but
it is not required.
Military benefits
Veterans, active duty Military, and their spouses may be
eligible for reimbursement of the cost of the certification through educational
benefits.
Registration method
and cost
Once you determine that you are eligible to sit for the examination, you complete an application on the BCEN website. Before you can schedule your exam, you need to pay the registration fee. You can pay the fee online with a credit or debit card, or you may mail your application and fee. If you apply and pay the fee online, you have access immediately to register for the exam. If you mail your application, you need to allow up to four weeks for your application to be processed.
The registration fee for the Air and Surface Transport
Nurses Association (ASTNA) members is $230.00 for the initial exam, $200.00 for
retake exams, and $210.00 for recertification. Non-members pay $370.00 for the
initial exam, $340.00 for retake exams, and $350.00 for recertification.
After your application is accepted, BECN sends you an exam eligibility email. Once you receive the eligibility email, you have 90 days to schedule your exam at any of the Pearson VUE testing facilities located worldwide, including military bases. Testing dates and times vary by location.
Test design
The CFRN exam consists of 180 computer-delivered
multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored, and 30 are pre-test
questions (unscored). You will have three hours to complete the exam, and
breaks are not included. The test covers five content areas:
- General principles of transport nursing practice – 31 questions
- Resuscitation principles – 31 questions
- Trauma – 31 questions
- Medical emergencies – 44 questions
- Special populations – 13 questions
In addition to the above content areas, you are expected to
understand and know when an essential medical procedure is required. The
procedures you are required to identify include catheter, radiographs,
intubation, CT scans, surgical cricothyrotomy, and 29 additional medical
procedures.
Questions are formed to utilize your knowledge, skills, and
abilities with assessment, analysis, intervention, evaluation, recall, and
application before, during, and after in-flight nursing care.
Test Day
Arrive 30 minutes before your exam. When you check-in, you
will present government-issued identification, have your picture and palm vein
pattern taken and escorted to your testing station. You are given an erasable
note board, and dry erase pen. No other supplies are provided or allowed in the
testing center.
You have three hours to answer the questions, and they are
presented one at a time. If time remains after you have answered the questions,
review your responses. When you are satisfied with your answers, click on the
“End Exam” button and your test is completed. Before you leave the facility,
the test center proctor provides you with a copy of your score report.
Scoring
Before you leave the testing center, you are provided a copy
of your score report with your pass or fail status indicated. You receive one
point for each correct answer, and incorrect or unanswered questions do not
count against your score. Maximize your score by answering every question, even
if you have to guess. To pass the examination and receive the CFRN
certification, you need to answer 109 questions correctly.
Other than waiting 90 days between tests, there is no limit to how many times you may take the exam, but keep in mind that you must reapply and pay the retake fee each time.
How Can I Prepare for the CFRN Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!