CMSRN Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
Prepare for your certification with our comprehensive CMSRN Practice Test. The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) exam validates your expertise in medical-surgical nursing, showcasing your commitment to excellence in patient care.
Achieving CMSRN certification opens doors to specialized roles, higher pay, and professional recognition. Our free resources, including CMSRN exam questions and detailed study guides, are designed to help you pass the CMSRN exam on your first attempt.
The MSNCB CMSRN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination.
Free CMSRN Practice Questions
Our CMSRN practice questions cover every domain of the exam, from cardiovascular health to pulmonary systems. Start your preparation with these free CMSRN exam questions designed to simulate the real test environment.
CMSRN Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
CMSRN Study Guide
A comprehensive CMSRN study guide is essential for success. This certification, offered by the MSNCB, validates your skills in med-surg nursing. Below are key details about the CMSRN exam.
| What is the CMSRN exam? | The CMSRN exam (Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse) is a certification test for registered nurses specializing in medical-surgical nursing, administered by the MSNCB. |
| Who can take the CMSRN test? | RNs with a current license, 2 years of practice, and 2,000 hours of clinical practice in medical-surgical nursing within the last 3 years. |
| Is the CMSRN exam hard? | The CMSRN exam is challenging, requiring deep clinical knowledge. Using CMSRN practice questions significantly improves your chances of passing. |
| What is the difference between CMSRN and MEDSURG-BC? | Both certify med-surg nurses. CMSRN is by MSNCB, while MEDSURG-BC is by ANCC. They have similar eligibility but different exam blueprints. |
| How many questions are on the CMSRN exam? | The CMSRN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored, 25 unscored). |
| How long is the CMSRN test? | Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination. |
| What topics are covered on the CMSRN test? | Topics include Gastrointestinal, Pulmonary, Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Renal, and Musculoskeletal systems, among others. |
| Is the CMSRN exam computer-based? | Yes, the exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers or via live remote proctoring. |
| How do I register for the CMSRN exam? | You can register online through the MSNCB website. You'll need to submit proof of licensure and practice hours. |
| What is the CMSRN exam cost? | The fee is approximately $260 for AMSN members and $395 for non-members. |
| Where can I take the CMSRN test? | The exam is offered at Prometric testing centers worldwide or online via remote proctoring. |
| Can I retake the CMSRN exam? | Yes, if you fail, you can retake the exam. MSNCB has specific policies on waiting periods and fees for retakes. |
| What is the CMSRN passing score? | The passing score is a scaled score of 95. This equates to answering roughly 71% of questions correctly. |
| When do I get my CMSRN results? | Preliminary results are often available immediately after the computer-based test, with official confirmation following shortly. |
| What happens if I fail the CMSRN exam? | You will receive a score report indicating areas of weakness. You can reapply to take the exam after a waiting period. |
| How long is CMSRN certification valid? | The certification is valid for 5 years. You must meet renewal requirements to maintain it. |
| Does CMSRN increase salary? | Yes, certified nurses often earn higher salaries. The average CMSRN salary can be $5,000-$10,000 higher annually than non-certified peers. |
| What is the average CMSRN salary? | The average salary for a CMSRN ranges from $80,000 to $105,000, depending on location and experience. |
| Are there bonuses for CMSRN certification? | Many hospitals offer certification bonuses or differential pay for nurses who hold the CMSRN credential. |
| Is CMSRN worth it? | Absolutely. It validates your expertise, improves patient outcomes, and enhances career advancement opportunities. |
CMSRN Exam Blueprint
The CMSRN exam blueprint covers various domains of medical-surgical nursing. Understanding this structure is crucial for your CMSRN exam prep.
Focuses on respiratory and circulatory system disorders.
- Topics: ABGs, ECGs, Oxygen Therapy
- Questions: Approx. 39 questions
Covers digestive and urinary system health.
- Topics: Electrolytes, Nutrition, Ostomy Care
- Questions: Approx. 33 questions
Addresses mobility, sensation, and brain function.
- Topics: Neuro Checks, Traction, Rehabilitation
- Questions: Approx. 24 questions
Focuses on blood disorders and infection control.
- Topics: Transfusions, Isolation Precautions
- Questions: Approx. 15 questions
Covers nursing roles, ethics, and care coordination.
- Topics: Patient Education, Discharge Planning
- Questions: Approx. 14 questions
Includes skin care, reproductive, and multisystem issues.
- Topics: Pressure Ulcers, Fluid Balance
- Questions: Distributed across exam
Focus on the Clinical Practice domain, which makes up the bulk of the exam. Understanding pathophysiology and nursing interventions for common med-surg conditions is key. Use our CMSRN practice test to simulate these clinical scenarios.
CMSRN Score Calculator
Estimate your exam readiness with our CMSRN calculator.
CMSRN Salary Information
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurses earn competitive wages due to their specialized skills. The CMSRN salary reflects the high demand for qualified med-surg nurses.
| Role | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | $75,000 | $6,250 | Entry Level |
| Certified CMSRN | $92,500 | $7,700 | 2+ Years |
| Traveling Nurse | $115,000 | $9,580 | Variable |
| Charge Nurse | $98,000 | $8,160 | 3-5 Years |
| Clinical Educator | $105,000 | $8,750 | 5+ Years |
Earning your CMSRN certification not only increases your potential CMSRN salary but also qualifies you for leadership roles like Unit Manager or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
How to Become a CMSRN
The path to becoming a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse involves gaining experience and passing the exam. Follow this timeline to achieve your goal.
- Obtain RN License - You must hold a current, full, and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the US or its territories.
- Gain Experience - Accrue at least 2 years of practice as a registered nurse in a medical-surgical setting.
- Track Clinical Hours - Log at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in medical-surgical nursing within the last 3 years.
- Apply Online - Submit your application through the MSNCB website and pay the exam fee.
- Schedule Exam - Once approved, schedule your exam at a Prometric center or for remote proctoring.
- Study Intensively - Use CMSRN practice questions and study guides to prepare.
- Pass the CMSRN Exam - Achieve a scaled score of 95 or higher to earn your certification.
CMSRN Certification Cost
Understanding the CMSRN certification cost helps in planning your budget. Costs vary based on membership status with AMSN.
Expect to invest between $400 and $600 total for your CMSRN certification, including exam fees and study materials. Many employers offer reimbursement through programs like MSNCB's FailSafe Certification Program.
CMSRN Career Opportunities
Explore specialized roles available to certified medical-surgical nurses.
CMSRN Contact Information
For official inquiries regarding the CMSRN exam, contact the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB).
Phone: 866-877-2676
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm ET
Contact: Email preferred
Certified nurses are highly sought after. Use your CMSRN certification to apply for competitive positions at top hospitals and healthcare systems.
CMSRN Test Day Checklist
Start CMSRN Exam Prep
Don't wait until the last minute. Begin your preparation with our free CMSRN practice test and comprehensive study resources today.
START CMSRN PRACTICE TESTCMSRN Renewal Requirements
CMSRN renewal is required every 5 years. You can recertify by continuing education (CE) contact hours or by re-examination.
Keep track of your CE credits using the CMSRN Tracker. Maintaining your CMSRN certification ensures continued professional growth and eligibility for higher-paying positions.
CMSRN Exam Questions and Answers
Both are certifications for medical-surgical nurses. CMSRN is offered by MSNCB, while MEDSURG-BC (formerly RN-BC) is offered by ANCC. Both are widely recognized.
To find a CMSRN testing center near me, visit the Prometric website and use their center locator tool. You can also take the exam online via remote proctoring.
If you failed the CMSRN exam, you can reapply to retake it. Review your score report to identify weak areas and focus your study on those topics before retaking.
The CMSRN exam cost is approximately $260 for AMSN members and $395 for non-members. Prices are subject to change, so check the official MSNCB website.
Yes, we offer a downloadable CMSRN Practice Test Questions and Answers PDF to help you study offline. It includes key questions and detailed explanations.
The CMSRN passing score is 95 (scaled). This usually corresponds to correctly answering about 71% of the questions.
CMSRN renewal is required every 5 years. You need 90 contact hours and 1,000 practice hours, or you can retake the exam.
CMSRN stands for Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse. It is the recognized credential for med-surg nursing excellence.
Yes, Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) allows you to take the CMSRN exam online from your home or office, provided you meet technical requirements.
The exam has 150 questions total. 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours to complete them.