Study Materials

Though there is no best way to study for the CNRN Examination and each person has a different study method, the resources below are options for study materials. There are several study tools you can use to prepare for the exam and the list below is not intended to be comprehensive. For more suggested study materials, please view the CNRN Candidate Handbook. ABNN does not endorse any educational product or program.

AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, Sixth Edition

The Core Curriculum is a comprehensive resource for the practicing neuroscience nurse and nurses preparing for the CNRN exam. Expanded and updated, this brand-new edition offers crucial, real-life direction on the science and skills required to care for neuroscience patients. The AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, sixth edition, is available for purchase in the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) online store.

CNRN Review Course Modules

Earn CE, prepare for the CNRN exam, and review neuroscience nursing best practices! Use the CNRN Review course to better understand your current knowledge as it applies to the certification and determine where additional studies are needed. The review course includes a comprehensive instructor led video, interactive knowledge check, with correct and incorrect answer descriptions. Purchase the CNRN Review Course in the AANN online store.

For information on purchasing the CNRN Review Course for your institution, please contact Melinda Briggs - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . (Group discount starting at 10% off member rate).

CNRN Self-Assessment Examination

The self-assessment examination is used to assess whether or not a candidate is prepared for the CNRN examination. Take the self-assessment exam and consider it a pretest to better understand your current knowledge as it applies to certification and to determine where additional studies are needed.

Once you have purchased the exam, it is available for 30 days from the first time you access it. Each assessment consists of 75 questions covering the seven content areas of the CNRN examination. The CNRN Self-Assessment Examination is available for purchase in the AANN online store.

Your performance on the practice examination will not guarantee results on the actual CNRN Examination. The practice examination is not required to sit for the certification examination.

Neuroscience Nursing Certification Review Focused CE Series

The Neuroscience Nursing Certification Review Focused CE Series, developed by Nurse.com, is an AANN-endorsed comprehensive online learning experience that provides an extensive review of the CNRN exam for neuroscience nursing.

Learn from certified neuroscience nursing experts about neurological assessment, anatomy and physiology, and the clinical aspects and treatment of such disorders as trauma brain injury, CV/stroke, and seizures.

This 7-week, self-paced program combines online education with live webinars to provide you a study choice that is aligned with the core elements of the exam and will fit your schedule. Complete the online examination and earn 21.5 contact hours and a certificate of completion.

Review course details, the agenda, and instructions for registering on the AANN website.

Adventures in Neuroscience DVDs

The Adventures in Neuroscience DVD series is presented by international speaker, author, and coeditor of the Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, fifth edition, Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN CCRN CNRN.

The four DVDs in the series are available for purchase in AANN online store.

Correlative Neuro Anatomy offers a comprehensive review of the normal structures and pathways of the brain and brainstem
Comprehensive Neuro Assessment includes actual case studies and assessment chapters such as the purpose of examination, level of consciousness, assessment scales, pupils, cranial nerve exam, motor and sensory exam, coordination and gait, reflexes, pediatric patient exam, and differential exam
Spinal Cord Anatomy covers the anatomy of the spine and spinal cord, using cadaver specimens to demonstrate structure, and details normal and abnormal findings
Ischemic Cerebrovascular Event reviews assessment of signs and symptoms that accompany an ischemic event and addresses management options, criteria selection, and evidence-based approaches.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) series provides an overview on caring for specific patient populations and equips nurses with a tool that will assist them in delivering the optimum quality-focused patient care.

CPG topics cover a spectrum similar to those in the CNRN exam, including neuro-oncology, movement and neuromuscular disorders, neurological trauma, and spine surgery. All CPGs are free for download on the AANN website.