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Exam Overview
The Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist Exam (COHN-S) is a national certification examination for registered nurses practicing in occupational and environmental health at a specialist level.
The exam validates your ability to apply professional judgment in program development, management, consultation, education, and evaluation within workplace health settings.
Certification demonstrates that you meet a nationally recognized standard of advanced practice in occupational health nursing.
Administering Body
The COHN-S exam is administered by American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.
ABOHN is the credentialing body responsible for:
- Exam development.
- Eligibility standards.
- Scoring and certification decisions.
- Certification is recognized across the United States.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The COHN-S exam follows a standardized computer-based testing format.
Key exam features
- Exam type
- Multiple-choice questions.
- Total questions
- 160 questions.
- Scored questions
- Approximately 130 questions count toward your score.
- Pretest questions
- Approximately 30 questions are unscored and used for future exam development.
- Time limit
- 3 hours.
- Delivery method
- Computer-based testing at authorized testing centers.
Exam Content Focus
Questions assess both knowledge and application.
You are tested on your ability to:
- Analyze workplace health risks.
- Develop and evaluate occupational health programs.
- Apply management and leadership principles.
- Interpret regulations and standards.
- Make evidence-based decisions in real-world scenarios.
Most questions are scenario-based rather than definition-based.
Scoring System
- The exam uses a scaled scoring system.
- Score range
- 300 to 500.
- Passing score
- 400.
- Results reflect overall performance, not section-by-section pass or fail.
Your score indicates whether you meet the required standard for certification.
Exam Time Frame and Availability
- The COHN-S exam is offered during scheduled testing windows each year.
- Candidates must apply, meet eligibility criteria, and receive authorization to test.
- Certification is valid for a defined renewal period and requires ongoing professional development.
Why This Exam Is Important
Passing the COHN-S exam confirms your readiness for advanced occupational health roles.
The certification:
- Demonstrates professional credibility.
- Supports career advancement into leadership and specialist positions.
- Confirms competence in managing complex workplace health programs.
- Aligns your practice with national standards.
- Strengthens confidence in decision-making and consultation roles.
If you work in occupational health and hold responsibilities beyond direct clinical care, this exam formalizes your expertise and professional standing.
This study guide is structured to help you master both the content and the exam approach required to succeed.
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