CNE.. To take or Not to take?

I am in my final semester of my MSN Nurse Education program.  I am considering taking the CNE exam... but not sure if it will be worth the cost of test, and the months I will use studying for it.? I have heard it is a difficult exam.

 I am curious to those with experience in academia and hospital-based education, how necessary is the CNE certification? For example, improved pay?  Or improved chances of being hired? etc...  I feel a bit unsure of the benefits of the certification... so any feedback or experience would help me in making a decision. 

6 Answers

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

CNE was the most difficult of the three certs I have (Peds CCRN and Peds-BC). As others have said- it is really only relevant to academia. In my organization- it is taken into consideration during annual evaluations and for promotions (we do not have a tenure structure). 

IF you are going to take it- use the Billings and Halstead book, utilize the practice exam to determine where to focus your study and then use the NLN's own study guide on those weak areas. 

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

CNE is academia oriented. If you are going to work in acute care, you will want NPD-BC, which is Nursing Professional Development Board Certified. 

I have the second of those. It was indeed a difficult test. If I ever choose to go into academia I will sit for the CNE, but with where I am right now, its not very pertinent to my role.

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

I have to agree with meanmaryjean, the CNE was difficult because it was so ... nonclinical. LOL. I have CEN, CPEN, and TCRN board certs, and the CNE was so different. I did pass on the first attempt, but I am also a good taker of tests. ? Good luck!

Specializes in Occupational Health.

Had this certification when I was teaching. Never received any benefit from it...so that depends on your workplace and individual expectations.

I didn't renew after my 5 yrs was up...no value to it and it's expensive.

btw...when prepping for the exam I used Billings and Halstead...read through it once and brushed up on unfamiliar concepts. It only took two weeks of studying and I passed on the first attempt.

Specializes in PD,Nxstage,hemo.
NurseEducator1 said:

Hello!

Can anyone link the Billings and Halstead book you're referring to? I see online there are multiple covers and I want to make sure I purchase the correct one. I am also interested in sitting for the CNE exam. Any information would be helpful? 

The book is "Teaching in Nursing, A guide for Faculty" by Billings and Halstead.  They also recommend the "CNE Review Book.”

I used both but only used the Teaching in Nursing to deep dive what I didn't understand in the review book.  I made flash cards based off of the review book (fine tooth combed every page).  In full transparency the CNE review book very shallow, using it alone isn't enough in my opinion.  Studied every day for 1-2hrs.  I also used others resources like ATI's CNE review which was free because Im faculty at a University.  Game changer is buying the SAE (CNE practice exam).  It helps you get a feel of how the questions are set up.

It is a very difficult exam.  As difficult as everyone says.  It seems like 3 out of the 4 distractors are correct.  Hardest exam I have ever taken.

Specializes in ER.

Hello!

Can anyone link the Billings and Halstead book you're referring to? I see online there are multiple covers and I want to make sure I purchase the correct one. I am also interested in sitting for the CNE exam. Any information would be helpful? 

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