How to study for the CNRN exam
We know there is no best way to study and each person has different study methods that work for them, so we have a list of optional resource materials you can use to study for the CNRN exam. There are several study tools you can use to prepare and the resources listed below are not intended to be comprehensive. For more suggested study materials, please view page 14 of the CNRN Candidate Handbook. ABNN does not endorse any educational product or program.
AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, Sixth Edition
AANN member price: $182.95
Nonmember price: $262
The Core Curriculum is a comprehensive resource for practicing neuroscience 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 in 3 easy-to-digest sections.
Learn more about AANN's Core Curriculum
CNRN Review Course Modules
AANN member price: $20 per module, $300 for the 30-module course
Nonmember price: $27.50-$100 per module
Use the CNRN Review Course to better understand your current knowledge as it applies to certification and determine where additional studies are needed. Choose from 30 modules of study while you prepare for the CNRN exam or, if you’re a recertifying CNRN, simply review neuroscience nursing best practices and earn 0.5 to 2 CE per module!
Each module includes a comprehensive instructor led video, interactive knowledge checks, and correct and incorrect answer descriptions. Topics include
- anatomy of the nervous system
- neurodiagnostic tests
- neuroscience technology
- temperature and intracranial pressure management
- ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
- spine disorders and traumatic spine injuries
- peripheral nerve injuries
- nervous system tumors
- epilepsy
- infection and autoimmune conditions
- neuromuscular disorders
- strategies for taking the CNRN and SCRN examinations.
For information on purchasing the CNRN Review Course for your institution, please contact Meredith Nichols at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Group discounts start at 10% off the member rate.
Learn more about the CNRN Review Course Modules
CNRN Self-Assessment Examination
AANN member price: $70
Nonmember price: $90
The self-assessment examination consists of 75 questions covering the seven content areas of the CNRN examination. Consider using this tool as a pretest to better understand your current knowledge as it applies to certification or use it as a gauge to determine where additional studies are needed as you prepare to sit for the exam.
Learn more about the CNRN Self-Assessment Examination
Neuroscience Nursing Certification Review Focused CE Series
AANN member price: $340
Nonmember price: $399
The Neuroscience Nursing Certification Review Focused CE Series is a 7-week, self-paced online learning program that combines online education with live webinars to provide an extensive review of the CNRN exam for neuroscience nursing. This course is led by certified neuroscience nursing experts and covers topics such as neurological assessment, anatomy and physiology, and the clinical aspects and treatment of such disorders as trauma brain injury, CV/stroke, and seizures.
Learn more about the Neuroscience Nursing Certification Review
Adventures in Neuroscience DVDs
The Adventures in Neuroscience DVD series features international speaker, author, and coeditor of the Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing, fifth edition, Linda Littlejohns, MSN RN CCRN CNRN.
Correlative Neuro Anatomy
AANN Member price: $34.95
Nonmember price: $36.95
This DVD offers a comprehensive review of the normal structures and pathways of the brain and brainstem including chapters on cerebral lobes, basal ganglia, and thalamus and hypothalamus
Learn more about the Correlative Neuro Anatomy DVD
Comprehensive Neuro Assessment
Member price: $44.95
Nonmember price: $46.95
A sound knowledge of normal and abnormal findings during assessment can facilitate early recognition of potential problems in a patient. This DVD includes case studies and chapter assessments exploring the purpose of examination and different assessment scales.
Learn more about the Comprehensive Neuro Assessment DVD
Spinal Cord Anatomy
Member price: $34.95
Nonmember price: $36.95
This DVD explains the anatomy of the spine and spinal cord, using cadaver specimens to demonstrate structure, and details normal and abnormal findings.
Learn more about the Spinal Cord Anatomy DVD
Ischemic Cerebrovascular Event
Member price: $44.95
Nonmember price: $46.95
The signs and symptoms that accompany an ischemic event are essential to stroke patient care. This DVD reviews assessment of signs and symptoms that accompany an ischemic event and addresses management options, criteria selection, and evidence-based approaches.
Learn more about the Ischemic Cerebrovascular Event DVD
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Free to download!
The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) series are a collection of free to download material that provides an overview on caring for specific patient populations with neurological injuries and equips nurses with tools that will assist them in delivering the optimum quality-focused patient care.
CPG topics include
- care of the patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
- pediatric brain tumor
- adult brain tumor
- myasthenia gravis
- movement disorders and deep brain stimulation
- preoperative and postoperative cervical spine surgery patient care
- neurologic assessment of the older adult.