A list of representative study resources is available for each of the APN examinations. Click here to download the study reference list.

Exam Preparation  

Follow these tips to help you prepare for the APN exam.

Form a Study Group

A study group offers an excellent, interactive opportunity for learning. You may also find that preparing with colleagues reduces any test anxiety. Your study group can be of any size, as small as two and as large as seems manageable. With advances in technology, your group members don’t even have to be close to each other geographically. Email and conference calls can offer great study opportunities.

The first step in forming a group is to identify colleagues who plan to sit for the examination. Talk with NAON chapter members or other orthopaedic nurses in your practice area. You can also post a message on the NAON Member Forum.

Make the Most of Independent Study

• Identify a list of topics you need to cover during your course of study.

• Collect professional resources to use as study aids. The NAON eStore offers a number of useful references for exam preparation. Orthopaedic Nursing, NAON’s official journal, is another excellent study resource. Follow this link to a study resource list.

• Establish your timeline for review of these topics. You may find it beneficial to set aside a specific time and day to study each week.

• Find an area to study where you will not be disturbed or distracted easily. You may want to keep a pad of paper nearby to jot down some brief notes, but copious note taking should not be needed.

ONCB Offers Re-Test Discount

Any nurse who fails an orthopaedic certification exam is now able to re-test with a $50 discount.  The majority of re-testing candidates do pass on their second attempt, but ONCB members are glad to offer this discount for all re-test attempts. Candidates who fail their examination will receive a re-test invitation from AMP, the test vendor.  To receive the re-test discount, the nurse must submit the appropriate fee, along with the completed invitation form, to AMP.  Discounts are not available through online application or submission of the paper application available in the Candidate Handbook.  Questions?  Contact the ONCB office.

ONCB® Warns Candidates about Morrison Media, LLC

A company called Morrison Media, LLC, advertises a certification preparation program of study for the orthopaedic nurses certification (ONC) examination.  Please note Morrison Media is not affiliated with the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board or the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON). Its representatives have no involvement in the preparation or testing of the ONC examination. The product is neither sanctioned nor approved by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board.