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Exam Overview
The OCN® examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice test developed and administered by ONCC and delivered through PSI testing centers. It measures the knowledge and clinical judgment of the registered nurse who provides care to adults with cancer. The content outline is based on a role delineation study of basic adult oncology nursing practice, so questions reflect what oncology nurses actually do.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 165 multiple-choice questions: 145 scored and 20 unscored pretest items |
| Testing time | 3 hours, including a 15-minute tutorial and exit survey |
| Question type | Single best answer with four options (A–D) |
| Breaks | No scheduled breaks; the clock keeps running during any break |
| Delivery | Computer-based testing at PSI testing centers |
| Results | Preliminary pass/fail result at the test center on the same day |
Eligibility Requirements
At the time of application, candidates must meet all of the following:
- A current, active, unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States, its territories, or Canada
- At least 24 months (2 years) of experience as an RN within the 48 months before applying
- At least 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the 48 months before applying
- At least 10 contact hours of nursing continuing education in oncology (or an academic elective in oncology nursing) within the 36 months before applying
Fees, Scheduling, and Retesting
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Test fee | $300 for ONS or APHON members; $420 for nonmembers |
| DoubleTake™ option | An additional $100 purchased at initial application covers a second attempt if the first is unsuccessful |
| Testing window | After approval, candidates receive an Authorization to Test and schedule within a 90-day window |
| Retesting | With DoubleTake, apply for the second attempt within 180 days of the first; otherwise submit a new application and fee |
| Credential period | Certification is valid for 4 years; renewal is by professional development points or by test |
Scoring
ONCC reports results as a scaled score so that scores are comparable across different forms of the test. The scaled score range is 25 to 75, and a scaled score of 55 is required to pass. Only the 145 scored questions count; the 20 pretest questions are mixed in and cannot be identified, so treat every question as if it counts. There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
The Test Content Outline
Questions are distributed across six domains. The approximate number of scored questions below is calculated from each domain's percentage of the 145 scored items.
| Domain | Weight | ≈ Scored Qs |
|---|---|---|
| I. Care Continuum | 19% | 28 |
| II. Oncology Nursing Practice | 17% | 25 |
| III. Treatment Modalities | 19% | 28 |
| IV. Symptom Management and Palliative Care | 21% | 30 |
| V. Oncologic Emergencies | 12% | 17 |
| VI. Psychosocial Dimensions of Care | 12% | 17 |
- 165 questions in 3 hours; 145 scored and 20 unscored pretest items.
- Pass with a scaled score of 55 on a 25–75 scale.
- Eligibility: 2 years RN experience and 2,000 adult oncology practice hours within 48 months, plus 10 oncology CE hours within 36 months.
- Symptom Management and Palliative Care is the heaviest domain at 21%.
- Certification lasts 4 years.
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