AOCNS^® Certification (Clinical Nurse Specialist)

The application deadline for 2008 AOCNS^® Tests is September 1, 2008. To ensure you have a full 90-day window in which to take the AOCNS^® Test in 2008, apply by September 1, 2008. Although applications will be accepted later, candidates who apply after September 1 may not have a full 90-day testing period in 2008.

AOCNS^® examinations are offered throughout the calendar 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 2003. The test consists of 225 multiple-choice items, of which 175 count toward the candidate's score and 50 are "pretest" or experimental items. Each item includes a question or incomplete statement, followed by four answers or completions.

Choose from the following topics:

Eligibility Criteria

Apply Online

Application for 2008 AOCNS^® Certification (PDF)

AOCNS^® Candidate Practice Verification Form (PDF)

2008 Test Dates, Application Deadlines and Fees (PDF)

About the Test

2008 AOCNS^® Test Blueprint

Test Sample Questions

2008 Test References

States that Recognize the AOCNS^® Credential (PDF)

Advanced Practice Role Delineation Study Executive Summary - 2003 (PDF)