Exam Details: CPNE®

Exam Title:  

Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE)

Description:  

The CPNE is a skill-based assessment designed to measure a student's ability to demonstrate the expected behaviors and skills of a beginning-level associate-prepared nurse. The exam evaluates a student's application of the nursing process and nursing-practice technical components in the care of adults and children who are experiencing potential, actual, and/or recurring health problems requiring maintenance and restorative interventions. Critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, use of knowledge from nursing and related disciplines, effectiveness of interventions, and standards of care are measured in this exam. The CPNE provides the following:

  • 1:1 evaluation by a master's or doctorly prepared clinical examiner who was trained to administer the examination
  • Actual or simulated clinical situations that serve as the basis for the examination
  • A carefully controlled and monitored examination experience that ensures a fair and objective assessment of your knowledge and skill
Required for:  

All students enrolled in the Excelsior College associate degree in nursing program.

Critical Elements:  

Critical elements are single, discrete, observable behaviors you must perform to meet the standard of acceptability for the Sections (simulation laboratory stations, clinical decision making, planning phase and evaluation phase) or Areas of Care being tested. Review a full outline of the CPNE sections and areas of care covered.

Technical Standards:  

The CPNE tests a student’s application of the nursing process and technical components for nursing practice in the care of adults and children in the acute care setting. Therefore the nursing student must be able to perform the following:

  • Assess, perceive, and understand the condition of assigned patients.
  • See, hear, smell, touch, and detect subtle changes in colors.
  • Communicate (verbally and in writing) with English speaking patients and/or family members/significant others as well as members of the health care team, including nurses, physicians, support staff, and faculty.
  • Read and understand documents written in English.
  • Perform diagnostic and therapeutic functions necessary for the provision of general care and emergency treatment to the hospital patient.
  • Stand, sit, move, and tolerate the required physical exertion necessary to meet the demands of providing safe clinical care.
  • Solve problems involving measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis.
  • Perform nursing skills in the face of stressful conditions, exposure to infectious agents, and blood-borne pathogens.
Eligibility:  

In order to take the CPNE you must be currently enrolled in the Excelsior College associate degree in nursing program and have successfully completed all of the following:

  • At least 21 of the 31 required general education credits
  • The required nursing theory examinations
  • The Focused Clinical Competencies Assessment (FCCA®)

Learn more about the Nursing Theory and FCCA exams.

Once you become CPNE-eligible you will receive a CPNE study guide, and you may then apply for your exam.

Exam Fee:  

The CPNE fee is located in the Associate Nursing tab on the Fee and Tuition page.

Fee shown is for the exam only. Other associated expenses such as books and study resources, or travel, lodging, or providing any required documentation or background checks, are additional. Payment plans are available.

Download the CPNE Summary Description (PDF)

Thorough preparation is the key to success.

To help you prepare for the CPNE we offer:

  • Online conferences
  • A workshop
  • Study materials
  • Helpful tips

See Preparing For the CPNE for all the details.

Select a test site in a Regional Performance Assessment Center (RPAC) most convenient to you:

  • Midwestern Performance Assessment Center (MPAC) – Texas and Wisconsin test sites
  • Northern Performance Assessment Center (NPAC) – New York and Pennsylvania test sites
  • Southern Performance Assessment Center (SPAC) – Georgia test sites

Find a Test Site (available only to enrolled Associate degree in nursing students - login required)

How to apply and pay for your CPNE:

  1. Gather the required documents
  2. Review the cost and payment options
  3. Apply and pay for your exam

See details for each step in Application and Payment.

Before taking the CPNE

 What is the pass rate for first-time test takers for the CPNE?
 What happens once I am eligible to take the CPNE?
 Do I have to meet any test site hospital requirements as I schedule the CPNE?
 How long after I send in my completed application will I be notified of my test date?
 What is the waiting period for getting a test date?
 How many times may I take the CPNE?
 How much time should I take to prepare for the CPNE?
 

During the CPNE

 What may I wear to the CPNE?
 What books may I bring to the CPNE?
 Is it expected that I do invasive procedures?
 

After taking the CPNE

 What happens if I fail one of the Simulation Laboratories?
 What happens if I fail one of the Simulation Laboratories for the second time?
 What happens if I fail one of the Patient Care Situations (PCS)?
 Is there a way to appeal my failure?
 

What is the pass rate for first-time test takers for the CPNE?

Sixty three percent of the first time test takers of the CPNE are successful. Successful students are well-prepared, have the critical elements memorized, are comfortable performing nursing skills, and are able to remain focused during a stressful examination.
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What happens once I am eligible to take the CPNE?

 Excelsior College will mail you the most recent edition of the study guide. To apply for the CPNE go to the CPNE online application.
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Do I have to meet any test site hospital requirements as I schedule the CPNE?

Yes, the requirements are explained in the CPNE application. Briefly, you will need to provide evidence of a current health history (on an Excelsior College Health Status Report Form) and evidence of current Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS/CPR) certification.
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How long after I send in my completed application will I be notified of my test date?

It will take a minimum of two to three months for your application to be processed. Confirmation of your test date will be sent to you at that time.
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What is the waiting period for getting a test date?

The average waiting period from when you send in your application to getting a test date is three to eight months. However, this will vary for each of the Regional Performance Assessment Centers (RPAC). You may want to call each RPAC to find out what their waiting period is for test dates before mailing in your application packet to a specific RPAC.
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How many times may I take the CPNE?

You may take the CPNE a total of three times after which you will be dismissed from the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
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How much time should I take to prepare for the CPNE?

Expect to take at least three months to study for the CPNE. The CPNE is an 8-credit course. For a typical theory 4-credit course offered over 16 weeks, you would spend approximately 180 to 220 hours of class and preparation time, which is approximately 11 hours per week including classroom and independent study. Therefore, you should expect a total of 360 to 440 hours preparing for the CPNE.
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What may I wear to the CPNE?

Casual professional non-uniform clothing is to be worn on Day 1. A clean and pressed, white, one or two-piece uniform, tailored pullover with collar, button down shirts or scrub top and pants are worn for all the Patient Care Situations (PCS). White socks or stockings should be worn. White uniform shoes are to be worn. Clogs are not permitted. Sneakers are not acceptable unless they are professional wear and are all white. A name tag will be provided for you at the beginning of the orientation to the examination on Friday.

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What books may I bring to the CPNE?

The only books you are permitted to bring to the hospital units are Mosby’s Handbook of Nursing Diagnosis and a drug book. Both books are to be free of any notations. However you may highlight your books. If you bring your Study Guide or any other textbooks, you will leave them in the meeting room and may use them during your breaks between Patient Care Situations (PCS).
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Is it expected that I do invasive procedures?

Invasive procedures such as starting intravenous lines (IVs) or inserting nasogastric tubes (NG) are not a requirement of this examination. However, you may be assigned to insert a urinary catheter or perform tracheal and nasal bulb suctioning. You will not be assigned to hang blood or work with blood products during this examination.
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What happens if I fail one of the Simulation Laboratories?

You will have the opportunity to repeat each failed Simulation Laboratory station following your Patient Care Situations (PCS) on either Day 2 or Day 3. This will vary by test site.
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What happens if I fail one of the Simulation Laboratories for the second time?

The CPNE will be concluded at that time and scored as a failure. The Clinical Associate will speak with you about the exam process and provide you with an application to repeat the CPNE.
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What happens if I fail one of the Patient Care Situations (PCS)?

You will have the opportunity to repeat one adult and one pediatric Patient Care Situation (PCS). Depending on the testing site, it may be possible that you can repeat the failed PCS on either Day 2 or Day 3.
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Is there a way to appeal my failure?

Yes, the CPNE Study Guide provides guidelines on how to write and submit your appeal letter to the Dean, School of Nursing. Remember that although you may feel that you should have received a passing grade, the Appeals Committee follows specific guidelines to make a decision of either Uphold failure, Repeat without penalty without fee, or Reverse to pass.
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For Enrolled Students

CPNE Advisement Appointments

Toll free:

888-647-2388 ext. 1316

Find advisor contact info and access My Message Center in MyExcelsior (login required).

 

For Non-Enrolled Students

Toll free:

888-647-2388 ext. 27

Email:

admissions@excelsior.edu