About the SCRN Exam

The SCRN Examination is a generalist examination and is not intended to emphasize any particular level of care or any particular developmental level.

Format and Contents

The examination, conducted in a computer-based testing facility, consists of approximately 170 multiple-choice items with a total testing time of 3 hours. Twenty out of the 170 items are pretest items, which are not scored.

The examination may include additional items that are being tested for future use.  The SCRN exam reflects most current AHA/ASA Guidelines.

The examination outline is based on periodic job analysis or role delineation studies that identify the knowledge and experiences required of a practicing stroke nurse.  In order to maintain accreditation, role delineation studies are required every 5 years to ensure that the content outline, domains, and tasks are updated based on current practice.  The most recent role delineation study was completed in summer 2017. View the 2020 SCRN Candidate Handbook or 2021 SCRN Candidate Handbook for detailed exam information, including the content outline.

Dates and Deadlines

The SCRN examination is offered in the exam windows below. All exam applications must be submitted online by no later than 5 pm CT by the appropriate registration deadlines. Those paid with check must be received (not postmarked) at the ABNN office by the deadline date.

At ABNN, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of our staff, candidates, and the communities we service. We have been continuously monitoring the situation with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are in close communication with the CNRN and SCRN testing sites around the world. We recognize how challenging this is for those of you on the front line and appreciate all that you are doing to serve your patients and communities. We want our candidates to feel confident when taking an exam at our PSI testing sites. As a result, we are allowing candidates who apply for the May examination window and are unable to take the exam in that timeframe to postpone and/or reschedule to the September examination window.

If you are an AANN member or a CNRN, do not create a new log-in to apply. Please call ABNN’s customer service at 847.375.4733 if you do not have you password.

If you have not already done so, please review the eligibility requirements before applying for the exam. Print the SCRN Certification Checklist to help keep track of your progress towards certification and for a list of helpful day of exam reminders. 

Application Fees

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.

Locations

The exam’s computer-based testing (CBT) is administered by PSI Services (PSI).  PSI more than 300 locations around the United States and internationally. View a list of all CBT locations on PSI’s website.

Each testing center's schedule varies based on availability, so if you have a question about a specific location, contact PSI at 888.519.9901.

Notification

All exam candidates will be immediately notified of their official pass or fail status after the exam is completed. Certificates will be mailed to those who pass approximately 1 month after the close of the exam window.

Audit

Each year ABNN randomly selects 5% of its certification applications to be audited. If your SCRN certification application is selected for audit, you must submit a copy of your current RN licensure and documentation to substantiate your work in stroke nursing. All documentation must be received within 21 days of the request.

Apply for the Exam