The following list of primary references identifies the resources used to develop items on the CBCN® test. ONCC examinations are based on a broad body of knowledge and not on the content of any single resource.

To prepare for the examination, review the Test Content Outline and develop a study plan based on your individual knowledge strengths and weaknesses. It is good practice to use a current, general resource for overall review, and supplement with resources on specific topics to address your individual needs. If you are interested in resources that address specific topics on the Test Content Outline, please contact the ONCC staff for additional guidance.

Note: Use of these resources does not guarantee a passing score on the examination. Test candidates are not required to purchase or review these resources. ONCC does not endorse specific resources and does not receive compensation from the sale or use of any resources.  

Primary Test References

Brown, C.G. (Ed.). (2015). A guide to oncology symptom management (2nd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Bush, N.J., & Gorman, L.M. (Eds.). (2018). Psychosocial nursing care along the cancer continuum (3rd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Christensen, D.M., & Cantril, C. (Eds.). (2020). Oncology nurse navigation: Delivering patient-centered care across the continuum (2nd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

DeVita, V. T., Jr., Lawrence, T. S., & Rosenberg, S. A. (Eds.). (2022). DeVita, Hellman, & Rosenberg’s cancer: Principles and practice of oncology (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Eggert, J.A., Byar, K.L., & Parks, L.S. (Eds.). (2022). Cancer basics (3rd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Ferrell, B.R., & Paice, J.A. (Eds.). (2019). Oxford textbook of palliative nursing (5th ed). Oxford University Press. 

Haylock, P.J., & Curtiss, C.P. (Eds.). (2019). Cancer survivorship: Interprofessional, patient-centered approaches to the seasons of survival. Oncology Nursing Society. 

Hinkle, J.L., Cheever, K.H., & Overbaugh, K.J. (2022). Brunner and Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing (15th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. 

Kaplan, M. (Ed.). (2018). Understanding and managing oncologic emergencies: A resource for nurses (3rd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Katz, A. (2018). Breaking the silence on cancer and sexuality: A handbook for healthcare providers (2nd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Keuroghlian, A.S., Potter, J., & Reisner, S.L. (2022). Transgender and gender diverse health care: The Fenway guide. McGraw Hill.  

Klimberg, V.S., Gradishar, W.J., Bland, K.I., Korourian, S., White, J., & Copeland, E.M., III (Eds.). (2024). Bland and Copeland’s the breast: Comprehensive management of benign and malignant diseases (6th ed.). Elsevier. 

Mahon, S.M. (Ed.). (2018). Guide to breast care for oncology nurses. Oncology Nursing Society. 

Mahon, S.M. (2021). Understanding genomic and hereditary cancer risk: A handbook for oncology nurses. Oncology Nursing Society. 

Maloney-Newton, S., Hickey, M., & Brant, J. (2024). Mosby’s oncology nursing advisor: A comprehensive guide to clinical practice (3rd ed.). Elsevier.

McQuestion, M., Drapek, L., & Witt, M. (Eds.). (2021). Manual for radiation oncology nursing practice and education (5th ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Olsen, M., LeFebvre, K.B., Walker, S.L., & Prechtel Dunphy, E. (Eds.). (2023). Chemotherapy and immunotherapy guidelines and recommendations for practice (2nd ed.). Oncology Nursing Society. 

Vallerand, A.H. & Sanoski, C.A. (2025). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (19th ed.). F.A. Davis. 

Yarbro, C.H., Wujcik, D., & Gobel, B.H. (Eds.). (2018). Cancer nursing: Principles and practice (8th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning.