The competencies and cognitive abilities are each organized into 3 categories.
Competencies
There are 76 competencies that make up the content domain for the exam.
Each question on the CPNRE is linked to one of these competencies.
Competency Categories
Professional, ethical & legal practice
Number of competencies
35
Percentage of questions on the exam
15-25%
Foundations of practice
Number of competencies
25
Percentage of questions on the exam
60-70%
Collaborative practice
Number of competencies
16
Percentage of questions on the exam
10-20%
Success on the CPNRE depends on two main factors:
- Your knowledge of practical nursing principles and content
- Your ability to apply this knowledge in the context of specific healthcare scenarios presented on the CPNRE
Cognitive Ability Levels
Knowledge & Comprehension
This level combines the ability to recall previously learned material and to understand its meaning. It includes such mental abilities as knowing and understanding definitions, facts and principles, and interpreting data (e.g., knowing the effects of certain procedures or interventions, understanding a change in a client’s vital signs).
Knowledge & comprehension questions make up a maximum of 5% of the CPNRE.
Application
This level refers to the ability to apply knowledge and learning to new or practical situations. It includes applying rules, methods, principles and nursing theories in providing care to clients (e.g., applying principles of drug administration and concepts of comfort and safety to the nursing care of clients).
Application questions make up a minimum of 50% of the CPNRE.
Critical Thinking
The third level deals with higher-level thinking processes. It includes the ability to judge the relevance of data, to deal with abstractions and to solve problems (e.g., identifying priorities of care, evaluating the effectiveness of nursing actions). The practical nurse should be able to identify cause-and-effect relationships, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant data, formulate valid conclusions and make judgments concerning the needs of clients.
Critical thinking questions make up a minimum of 45% of the CPNRE.
Ready to get started with your CPNRE prep?
Start your prep