Writing the CPNRE

Use the CPNRE Prep Guide and Predictor Test

Our tools were designed to assist candidates in preparing to take the CPNRE.


You can benefit from the CPNRE Prep Guide whether you have several months or only a couple of weeks to prepare for the examination.

The CPNRE Predictor Test is a two-hour online test, consisting of 75-80 multiple-choice questions, designed to help gauge how ready you are to take the CPNRE.

 

Exam Length & Format

  • 4 hoursexam length
  • 160-170multiple choice questions
  • 40-60%independent questions
  • 40-60%case-based questions

Question type

Some of the questions in each exam are experimental. That is, they are administered experimentally to determine their suitability for use on future exams. Although your answers to these experimental questions do not count toward your score, it is important to do your best on each question on the exam because you will have no way of knowing which questions are experimental.

The case-based format consists of a set of approximately three to five questions that are associated with a brief health-care scenario. Independent questions are stand-alone questions that contain all the necessary information without reference to a case. For the 160-170 questions on the CPNRE, 40 to 60 percent are presented as independent questions and 40 to 60 percent are presented within cases.

Question format

The CPNRE consists of between 160 and 170 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice questions are presented either within a case-based scenario or as independent questions. An exam of 160 to 170 multiple-choice questions is sufficient to make both reliable and valid decisions about a practical nurse’s readiness to practise safely, effectively and ethically.

Each question on the exam, whether in the case or independent format, contains a stem and four options. The stem is typically made up of one to three sentences that provide relevant information or data and the specific practical nursing question that is being asked. Of the four options, one is the correct answer and the remaining three are incorrect options.

Preparing to Write the CPNRE

Use the CPNRE Prep Guide

Purchase the Prep Guide

The CPNRE Prep Guide 6th edition was developed to assist candidates in preparing to take the CPNRE. You can benefit from the CPNRE Prep Guide whether you have several months or only a couple of weeks to prepare for the examination.

The CPNRE Prep Guide is a secure PDF document that contains information about the CPNRE, test-taking strategies, a full-length 160-170 multiple-choice question Practice Test, corresponding rationales for each option and two references per question. Your purchase includes access to an online version of the 160-170 multiple-choice question Practice Test. The online Practice Test can be used to simulate taking the actual CPNRE.

After you complete the online Practice Test, you will be able to review your Performance Profile to identify areas of performance strength and weakness.

The Performance Profile provides:

  • Your score on the online Practice Test
  • The answer key and a copy of your scored responses
  • Your score in each of the competency categories, cognitive levels and client age categories tested by the CPNRE. This allows you to determine in which areas you need to focus your studying

Use the CPNRE Predictor Test

Purchase the Predictor Test

The CPNRE Predictor Test is a two-hour online test, consisting of 85 multiple-choice questions, designed to help gauge how ready you are to take the CPNRE.

After you complete the CPNRE Predictor Test, you will be able to review your Performance Profile to identify areas of performance strength and weakness.

The Performance Profile provides:

  • Your score on the CPNRE Predictor Test
  • Your probability of passing the CPNRE
  • Your score in each of the competency categories, cognitive levels and client age categories tested by the CPNRE. This allows you to determine in which areas you need to focus your studying
 

Exam Dates

Computer-Based Administrations

Alberta, Yukon Territories, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.

2024

  • 03 January 2024 to 31 January 2024
  • 01 March 2024 to 31 March 2024
  • 01 May 2024 to 31 May 2024
  • 01 July 2024 to 31 July 2024
  • 01 September 2024 to 30 September 2024
  • 01 November 2024 to 30 November 2024

Get started on your CPNRE prep today

Purchase prep tools