New CEN Exam

Specialties Emergency

Published

Supposedly the new test has rolled out today (being 7/5/11).

1. Anybody take and passed the test?

2. How was the test different?

3. How did you study?

4. What resources did you use to study and date of publications?

5. Any recommendations?

Specializes in ER.

CONGRATULATIONS to all who have passed the CEN and thank you for all the tips. I'm planning to take it soon.

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I passed the CEN yesterday (85%) and wanted to recommend the Med-Ed Seminars that someone else here mentioned. Was a huge help as there were no live seminars going on in my area before test time. Jeff Solheim is super knowledgeable and presents the material in a very clear manner. I would recommend buying the DVDs instead of watching online review so that you have something to keep (if you want to watch it again, I think I would as it is a great review of some core concepts). Also he provides excellent materials to study from. You get 16 CEUs and there is a pass guarantee.

Med-Ed >

I also did all of the practice tests from the BCEN book, which I think were slightly harder than the actual test, but many of the questions from the test are covered in this book. I used Sheehy's as reference and read a fair amount from that too.

I would also advise give yourself lots of time to prepare, don't try to cram as it is a lot of material. I studied hard the last 2 weeks, and sporadically for about 6 weeks before that. I ended up watching all of the Med-Ed in about 8 days because I didn't discover it until close to my test time. In retrospect I would have given myself about 6 weeks of serious study, watching DVDs at a bit more leisurely pace.

Good luck to everyone!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I am a Jeff Solheim fangirl. :D Congrats on the pass!!!

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Thanks LunahRN! It's a good feeling to have it done!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Ok Lunah I have been dwaddling, so not like me! But I am gearing up to take this test again. I took it once in September almost blind (no study), did not pass. Took the GRE the next day(that is where my study efforts were concentrated) and did really well. The time has come to take this test again, So I am hopefully going to do a lot better this time.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Ok Lunah I have been dwaddling, so not like me! But I am gearing up to take this test again. I took it once in September almost blind (no study), did not pass. Took the GRE the next day(that is where my study efforts were concentrated) and did really well. The time has come to take this test again, So I am hopefully going to do a lot better this time.

Girl, you got this! I miss you. :)

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I'm scheduled to take the CEN in June and I'm really nervous, I have been studying, but sometimes I feel like giving up, this will be my second go around and would hate to fail it again...any advice? Thanks

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I found that doing the practice exams questions were very helpful. My job had Jeff Scholhems CDs I listened to his lecture. Very helpful. Study study. Ive had Co workers take the test without studying. I didn't think it was too terrible.

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Specializes in Trauma.

Hi all,

After 20 years of ER nursing I am going to attempt to take the CEN. Along with being a TNS and recently completed my BSN this is the next step in my career before I retire LOL. Wish me luck as I suck big time when it comes to test taking. Had to do TNS twice but I did it and hope that with the CEN it will be a one time deal.

I am going to a review in Indy in Nov and hope to take the test soon after as I am getting older and forget things faster. If anyone has any test taking tips please feel free to share them with me.

Thanks

Coco

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Hi all,

After 20 years of ER nursing I am going to attempt to take the CEN. Along with being a TNS and recently completed my BSN this is the next step in my career before I retire LOL. Wish me luck as I suck big time when it comes to test taking. Had to do TNS twice but I did it and hope that with the CEN it will be a one time deal.

I am going to a review in Indy in Nov and hope to take the test soon after as I am getting older and forget things faster. If anyone has any test taking tips please feel free to share them with me.

Thanks

Coco

Stay on top of time management: Check the CEN guidelines for the number of exam questions and time allowed for the exam to determine the maximum time to allow yourself per question. Try hard to stick to that throughout the exam.

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Specializes in ER.

I threw myself out there and took the CEN exam, failed by 3 points. Passing is 105, I got 102. I followed everything posted from page 1 of this forum and took my time with self assessment, reassessment, validating answers and still failed on my 3rd attempt. I don't know what to do from here.

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Hello mwboswell, what is your personal email so maybe you can help me out? Thanks!

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