Nurses who want to take the Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS^®) Examination in 2010 should apply by September 1, 2010 to ensure they have a 90-day testing window before the year ends. AOCNS^® Tests will be offered through December 31, but candidates who apply after September 1 may not have a full 90-day testing opportunity.

AOCNS^® examinations are offered throughout the year at more than 230 computer-based testing locations. Candidates may apply at any time; however, incomplete applications will not be processed until all required information is provided. AOCNS^® candidates should allow 4-6 weeks following application to receive their Authorization to Test (ATT), which will confirm eligibility to test and contain the information needed to make a testing appointment. The ATT will be valid for 90 days. It is the candidate's responsibility to schedule a testing appointment at a CBT center and take the test prior to the expiration of the ATT.

The content of the AOCNS^® Test is based on the AOCNS^® Test Blueprint. The blueprint is based on the results of a role delineation study of advanced oncology nursing practice conducted by ONCC in 2009. The test consists of 165 multiple-choice items, of which 125 count toward the candidate's score and 40 are "pretest" or experimental items. Each item includes a question or incomplete statement, followed by four answers or completions.

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Eligibility Criteria

Apply Online

Application for 2010 AOCNS^® Certification (PDF)

AOCNS^® Candidate Practice Verification Form (PDF)

2010 Test Dates, Application Deadlines and Fees (PDF)

About the Test

2010 AOCNS^® Test Blueprint

Test Sample Questions

2010 Test References

States that Recognize the AOCNS^® Credential (PDF)

Advanced Practice: Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists Role Delineation Study-Executive Summary (PDF)

Updated Consensus Model for APRN Regulation