Nursing ACNS Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) |
| Exam Name: | ANCC Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Examination |
| Exam Number: | ACNS |
| Exam Format: | Computer-based, Multiple-choice questions |
| Exam Price: | $295 – $375 (ANA member: $295; Non-member: $375; includes $140 admin fee) |
| Exam Duration: | 210 minutes |
| Related Certifications: | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 5 years |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Passing Score: | 350 (scaled score, range 0–500) |
| Real Exam Qty: | 175 (150 scored, 25 unscored pretest) |
| Recommended Training: | National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) ANCC Official Study Resources |
| Exam Registration: | Prometric Test Scheduling ANCC Official Registration |
| Sample Questions: | Nursing ACNS Sample Questions |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based testing at Prometric centers; available year-round within 120-day testing window after approval |
| Pre Condition: | 1. Current, active RN license; 2. Master's, Post-Graduate Certificate or DNP from accredited Adult Health CNS program (CCNE/ACEN/CNEA); 3. Minimum 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours; 4. Completion of graduate-level core courses: advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/cns-in-adult-health-renewal/ |
Nursing ACNS Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| APRN Core Competencies | 16% | - Advanced Pharmacology - Advanced Health Assessment - Advanced Pathophysiology |
| Clinical Practice | 46% | - Care Planning and Implementation - Evaluation of Outcomes - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention - Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management - Health Assessment and Diagnosis |
| Role and Professional Responsibility | 33% | - Clinical Leadership and Consultation - Education and Mentorship - Quality Improvement and Safety - Evidence-Based Practice and Research - Ethics and Legal Aspects |
| Health Care Systems and Policy | 5% | - Resource Management - Regulatory and Policy Frameworks - Healthcare Delivery Models |
Nursing ANCC Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (ACNS) Sample Questions:
1. In terms of atrophic vaginitis, the CNS knows that all of the following are true except:
A) symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching and dyspareunia
B) topical estrogens are used for treatment
C) occurs because of an excess in estrogen
D) occurs in the genital tracts of menopausal women
2. Of the following, which is an antipsychotic that can be used to treat neurological disorders?
A) Pimozide.
B) Hydantoin.
C) Flurazepam.
D) Bromocriptine.
3. Which of the following is accurate of the respiratory status of a patient in the compensatory stage of shock?
A) Rapid, shallow respirations; crackles.
B) Requires intubation.
C) None of these.
D) >20 breaths / min.
4. The CNS has a patient who has suffered a second degree burn on his arm. Which of the following actions would the CNS be least likely to take?
A) Rupture the blisters.
B) Use water with mild soap to clean the broken skin.
C) Treat with silver sulfadiazine cream.
D) Use normal saline to clean the broken skin.
5. There are several stages in the Trans-Theoretical Model of Change proposed by Prochashka and DiClemente, 1984. Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of change?
A) Preparation
B) Self-actualization
C) Action
D) Pre-contemplation
Solutions:
| Question # 1 Answer: C | Question # 2 Answer: A | Question # 3 Answer: D | Question # 4 Answer: A | Question # 5 Answer: B |
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By Blake

