Start with the exam handbook and content outline to understand what the exam covers. Then choose the study resources that fit your experience and learning style.
The CRNI® Exam Handbook is your starting point for exam preparation. It includes information about exam content, study resources, testing, sample questions, and what to expect on exam day. ins1.org
The CRNI® Exam Content Outline shows the topics covered in each of the exam’s three core areas and the number of questions assigned to each. Review the outline and assess your knowledge to identify where to focus your study time. The outline is also included in the handbook. ins1.org
The approved exam references are used to support exam questions and answers. You do not need to read every reference. Use the content outline to identify topics you want to review, then select references that address those areas.
Review the approved abbreviation list as you prepare. Abbreviations on the list may appear on the exam without the full term; other abbreviations are defined when used. ins1.org
INS offers a range of resources to support your preparation. Choose the materials that best match your learning style and the topics you want to review:
Explore these resources in the INS Store. INS members receive a discount on store purchases. Join INS to save. ins1.org
CRNI® Academy is an online exam preparation tool that brings together study content, practice questions, flashcards, and a personalized study plan.
Other organizations may offer CRNI® review courses. INCC does not sponsor or endorse those courses and is not responsible for their content.
The CRNI® Study Guide and Practice Questions includes 125 practice questions with answers and rationales. Use it to become familiar with the exam’s question format and identify topics for further review.
Candidates are scored on 120 out of 140 items administered over 2.5 hours. The exam’s content is based on the following three core content areas of infusion nursing and is derived from the results of the Role Delineation Study to ensure that the exam accurately reflects the practice of the average infusion nurse.
Principles of Practice
Access Devices
Infusion Therapies
Total
35
39
46
120
29%
33%
38%
100%
The exam consists of four-option, multiple-choice questions. Items are written at different cognitive levels even for the same knowledge content:
primarily test the recognition or recall of information. Such items require predominantly an effort of memory. They include the recall of specific facts, concepts, principles, processes, procedures, or theories. To simplify, such an item will ordinarily be asking: “What is X?”
primarily test the interpretation or evaluation of the given data. It is an application of known or presented information to solve or address situations, problems, and scenarios. Items could require examinees to make judgments concerning the effectiveness, appropriateness, or best course of action for a particular situation. Items at this level will ordinarily be asking: “Given the following information about X, what is Y?”