Benefits of Earning the Oncology Nursing (OCN) Certification

Overview of the OCN Certification  

Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) credential, administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), is designed for registered nurses who specialize in the care of adult patients with cancer. This certification demonstrates a nurse's advanced knowledge and commitment to excellence in oncology nursing. 

Eligibility requirements 

To be eligible for the OCN® certification, candidates must meet the following criteria: 

• Hold a current, active RN license in the United States or its territories. 
• Have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse within the four years prior to application. 
• Accumulate a minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the same four-year timeframe. 
• Complete a minimum of 10 contact hours of continuing nursing education in oncology, or an academic elective in oncology nursing, within the three years prior to application. 

Clinical practice hour requirements 

The 2,000 hours of oncology nursing practice must involve the direct or indirect care of adult oncology patients. This may include clinical practice, education, administration, or research roles, as long as they relate directly to oncology nursing. 

Application and renewal process 

Applications for the OCN® certification exam can be submitted online through the ONCC website. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers across the country and through remote proctoring. 

• Initial Application Fee: Varies depending on membership with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Discounts are available for ONS members. 
• Renewal: Certification is valid for four years. Nurses can renew by either retaking the exam or through ONCC's Individual Learning Needs Assessment and professional development activities. 

Exam details 

The OCN® exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored. It covers topics such as: 

• Cancer continuum 
• Oncology nursing practice 
• Treatment modalities 
• Symptom management 
• Oncologic emergencies 
• Psychosocial dimensions of care 
• Survivorship and end-of-life care 

Candidates have three hours to complete the exam. 

Preparation strategies 

To prepare for the OCN® exam, candidates should review the test content outline provided by the ONCC, engage in focused study, and consider enrolling in a structured review course. 

Recommended Resource: Nurse.com Oncology Nursing (OCN) Certification Review Course. This self-paced online course is designed to help nurses review essential content areas covered in the exam and identify areas for further study. 

Study Guide for OCN® Certification 

Exam structure overview: 

• Format: 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 15 unscored pretest items) 
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Delivery: Available at testing centers and via remote proctoring 

Content breakdown: 

• Health Promotion, Screening, and Early Detection (7%) 
• Scientific Basis for Practice (10%) 
• Treatment Modalities (20%) 
• Symptom Management (22%) 
• Psychosocial Dimensions of Care (8%) 
• Oncologic Emergencies (5%) 
• Survivorship (5%) 
• End-of-Life Care (10%) 
• Professional Performance (13%) 

Study strategies: 

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Content Outline: Begin by reviewing the ONCC test blueprint to understand the key subject areas. 
2. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate consistent, manageable study blocks over several weeks to cover all topics thoroughly. 
3. Use Trusted Review Materials: Supplement your studying with the Nurse.com review course and other ONCC-recommended resources. 
4. Focus on High-Yield Topics: Prioritize topics frequently tested, such as symptom management and oncologic emergencies. 
5. Practice with Sample Questions: Test your knowledge with practice exams to identify areas needing further review. 
6. Join a Study Group: Collaborative learning can reinforce content and provide support throughout your preparation. 

By following these steps, candidates can feel more confident and organized as they approach the OCN® certification exam.