CEN Prep Rigor

[TheMurseChronicles, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hello,

I am currently prepping for the CEN exam and wanted input from those who’ve taken the exam. I am using both Jeff Solheim’s and Pam Bartley’s/PDB Nurse Education’s reviews. I have found with Pam’s review questions I am doing well on the practice tests, but struggling more with Solheim’s challenge questions and tests. Where does the actual CEN exam rigor fall in comparison to these prep courses’ rigor? Thank you for your time!

[the architect, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I just took the exam (and passed). I walked out confident that I had failed. It's similar to the NCLEX in how questions are asked, so don't expect questions with concrete and specific answers. You've got to pool all your knowledge together. I used Pam Bartley's study guide exclusively. I stopped taking "input" from other books because it was just too much. I didn't do any online practice exams, avoided apps, and just focused on one study guide: Bartley's. My advice, don't get bogged down with practice exams, apps, and multiple books. Pick one and roll with it. Your knowledge will all come together. It is like NCLEX in that you look at questions with a WOW! kind of face.

[speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

On 6/8/2020 at 8:38 PM, TheMurseChronicles said:

Hello,

I am currently prepping for the CEN exam and wanted input from those who’ve taken the exam. I am using both Jeff Solheim’s and Pam Bartley’s/PDB Nurse Education’s reviews. I have found with Pam’s review questions I am doing well on the practice tests, but struggling more with Solheim’s challenge questions and tests. Where does the actual CEN exam rigor fall in comparison to these prep courses’ rigor? Thank you for your time!

For me, the most helpful study guide was online CEN modules through the ENA. I couldn’t tell you how the exam was compared to the study prep, but just remember that the online modules were incredibly helpful for me.

[TheMurseChronicles, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

On 6/17/2020 at 6:40 PM, the architect said:

I just took the exam (and passed). I walked out confident that I had failed. It's similar to the NCLEX in how questions are asked, so don't expect questions with concrete and specific answers. You've got to pool all your knowledge together. I used Pam Bartley's study guide exclusively. I stopped taking "input" from other books because it was just too much. I didn't do any online practice exams, avoided apps, and just focused on one study guide: Bartley's. My advice, don't get bogged down with practice exams, apps, and multiple books. Pick one and roll with it. Your knowledge will all come together. It is like NCLEX in that you look at questions with a WOW!! kind of face.

Thank you for this advice, I took it and ran with it. I keyed in on Pam’s study guide, and passed today!

[kward6]

Can I ask how you studied? Did you focus just on what her study guide entailed? I am currently studying for my CEN and just recently bought her study guide but I feel like I keep getting to deep into the topics. Please help!

 

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Both Pam and Jeff provide excellent prep! I used Jeff's Med-ED materials back in the day (2009). I wish Pam had been doing education back then! Both are extremely supportive of students. 

@kward6 - Pam teaches by the blueprint, and the exam is really meant to be a verification of the usual work in the ED. Not a lot of obscure things. You're in good hands!