CNEn - Academic Novice Educator

  • Cost $125
  • Nonrenewable
  • Valid for 3 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

The Academic Novice Educator certification (CNEn) validates the knowledge and skills of novice nurse educators with less than 3 years experience as a nurse educator. The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the CNEn exam.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the CNEn exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a valid license or proof of unencumbered practice as a registered nurse in their country of residence

  • Currently work as an academic nurse educator within the first 3 years of practice 

  • Have one of the following degrees:

    • A graduate degree in nursing with an emphasis on nursing education, or

    • A graduate degree in nursing with a post-master's certificate in nursing education, or

    • A graduate degree in nursing with 9 or more credit hours of graduate-level education courses, or

    • A post baccalaureate certificate in nursing education

Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the CNEn exam

Cost: $125 National League for Nursing member or Non-member Initial Test or Retest

Course Format

Exam Format

The CNEn exam includes 130 scored questions and 20 unscored questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. CNEn exam topics include:

  • Facilitate Learning (39%)

  • Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (15%)

  • Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization (11%)

  • Function within the Educational Environment (11%)

  • 6 Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Role of Nurse Educator (8%)

  • Function as a Change Agent and Leader (7%)

  • Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes (5%)

  • Engage in Scholarship (4%)

Test Dates

Meazure Learning's ProctorU Test Centers offer CNEn exams Mondays through Saturdays year-round. Examinees may also take the exam at home via Meazure Learning's ProctorU live online proctored test administration service.

In Person

Register for the Exam

Applicants register for the exam after receiving a Notice to Schedule Examination email from Meazure Learning's ProctorU.

  • Create or login to your Meazure Learning's ProctorU account.

  • Visit the Scheduling page.

  • Select the correct "Term" and “Exam”

  • Choose your testing method, in-person or online

  • Click on "search near me" or enter your zip code, address or city

  • Choose a date and time.

  • Click “Schedule Exam”

View Meazure Learning's ProctorU Assessment Center locations to find the nearest testing center.

Exam Day Instructions

  • Arrive at the testing center 15 to 30 minutes before exam time

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID. 

    • The applicant’s name must exactly match the name Meazure Learning's ProctorU has on file

  • Examinees may not bring personal items, calculators, phones, notes, food, or beverages into the test center

  • Meazure Learning's ProctorU permits a break but doesn’t grant additional test time

Online

For remote proctored exams, applicants must use a computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Review details for system requirements. Applicants can take a sample test to become familiar with Meazure Learning's ProctorU software.

  • Create or login to your Meazure Learning's ProctorU account.

  • Confirm demographic information

  • Attest to Meazure Learning's ProctorU privacy policy

  • Test computer for system requirements

  • Click “Schedule New Session”

  • Select “Term” and “Exam”

  • Enter phone number and time zone

  • Click “Schedule Exam”

Exam Day Instructions

  • Click the link in the confirmation email to go to the Meazure Learning's ProctorU platform

    • The system performs a System Requirement Check

  • Complete the check-in process with an ID check and environment check

    • A live proctor performs a security check

    • Examinees must be alone, in a well-lit space, with the computer on a table or desk

    • Examinees must not use a dual-monitor or sit in a reclined position

    • The live proctor remains present throughout the test for questions

Examinees receive a pass or fail score report upon completion of the exam. They can also access the score report on Meazure Learning's ProctorU Score Report Portal.

Certification

Application Process

  • Go to the certification website 

  • Click “Certification Portal”

  • Create an account or log in

  • Click “CNEn Application for Initial Certification”

  • Click “Create New Application”

  • List RN licenses held in all states  

  • Answer the eligibility questions

  • Enter accommodation requests if applicable

  • Enter up to 3 email addresses to receive successful exam results 

  • Answer the exam test preparation questions

  • Click “Yes” under Agreement of Authorization & Confidentiality

  • Input credit card information

If applicants don’t receive a confirmation notice of eligibility within 5 business days of application submission, they should contact the NLN. Applicant receives a Notice to Schedule Examination from Meazure Learning's ProctorU upon approval.

Renewal

CNEn certification is valid for 3 years. This certification is nonrenewable to encourage CNEns to pursue the CNE or CNEcl.

Other Resources

The NLN provides several resources to help prepare for the CNEn exam, including:

Related Certifications

Other related certifications offered by the NLN include:

  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

  • Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl)

Was this page helpful?

Frequently asked questions

What if I fail the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) exam?

You can retake the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) exam up to 4 times a year. The exam can only be taken once every 90 days after paying the retest fee.

Can I reschedule the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) exam?

Yes, you can reschedule the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) exam up to 2 days before the exam date on the Meazure Learning's ProctorU website. Meazure Learning's ProctorU charges a non-refundable $50 rescheduling fee.

What’s the difference between the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and the Academic Novice Educator (CNEn)?

The CNE stands for Certified Nurse Educator, and the CNEn stands for Academic Novice Educator. The CNE is for nurse educators working in various locations such as universities and hospitals. The CNEn is for novice nurse educators with less than 3 years of experience. The CNEn is nonrenewable and certification holders are encouraged to take the CNE after the CNEn expires.

What if my NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) certification expires soon and I don’t want to take the CNE or CNEcl?

The NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) certification is nonrenewable and expires after 3 years regardless if you take the CNE or CNEcl.

Can I take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam before my NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn) certification expires?

Yes, NLN Academic Novice Educators (CNEns) are encouraged to take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam before their CNEn certification expires, although it’s mandatory.

What other certifications should I consider after getting the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn)?

After obtaining the NLN Academic Novice Educator (CNEn), you might also pursue the Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) and Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).

What organization offers the Academic Novice Educator (CNEn)?

The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers the Academic Novice Educator (CNEn).