WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SCRN EXAM

We’ve answered some of your most frequently recurring questions about the SCRN exam and the recertification process for your convenience. If you can’t find the information you need on this page or throughout the ABNN website, a Member Services Representative is happy to help over the phone at 847.375.4733 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Print the SCRN Certification Checklist to help keep track of your progress towards certification and for a list of helpful day of exam reminders.

ABNN does not discriminate against candidates for certification or recertification on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

Is the SCRN program accredited?

The SCRN certification program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), the only nationally recognized accrediting body for specialty nursing certification programs. ABSNC accreditation is a peer-review mechanism that allows nursing certification organizations to obtain accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the highest quality standards in the industry. Read more about the impact of specialty nursing certification as shown in an ABNS Importance of Specialty Board Nursing Certifications report.

What is the format of the SCRN exam?

The SCRN exam is conducted in a computer-based testing facility and consists of 170 multiple-choice items with a total testing time of 3 hours. Twenty of the 170 items are pre-test items that are being tested for future use—these questions are not scored and will not impact your final exam results.

The SCRN credential is a marker of your knowledge of stroke nursing fundamentals. As a result, the SCRN exam is a generalist exam and is not intended to emphasize any particular level of care or developmental level.

What is the application fee for the SCRN program?

The cost of the SCRN exam application is as follows:

All certification applications must be completed online.

If you are paying by check or money order (U.S. dollars only), please enter your information online. Then save, print, and mail your completed application with a check for the appropriate amount. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) and sent to PO Box 3781, Oakbrook, IL 60522-3781. Candidates with insufficient CE hours to recertify will not receive a refund.

Are there any grants available to help pay for the SCRN exam application fee?

The Agnes Marshall Walker Foundation (AMWF) awards certification grants throughout the year to those who are sitting for the SCRN exam for the first time as well as to those renewing their certification. Learn about the eligibility requirements, application process, important deadlines, and more on the AMWF website.

Become a SCRN

How does ABNN determine the SCRN exam content outline?

The SCRN content outline is based on periodic job analyses or role delineation studies that identify the knowledge and experiences required of a practicing stroke nurse. In order to maintain accreditation, job analysis studies are required every 5 years to ensure that the content outline, domains, and tasks are updated based on current practice.

The most recent job analysis study was completed in summer 2019. View the 2021 SCRN Candidate Handbook for more information and to view the content outline.

My SCRN credential is about to expire. How do I recertify?

You can recertify as a SCRN by earning CE credits prior to your certification expiration date or by retaking the SCRN exam. You will not create a new log-in to apply for recertification. Please call ABNN’s customer service at 847.375.4733 if you do not have your password.

What is the pass rate for the SCRN exam?

Over the past 5 years, 74% of certification candidates passed the SCRN exam and successfully earned the credential. In the table below, you’ll find specific data on how many people sat for the SCRN exam since 2015 as well as those who passed, failed, and recertified.