Registered nurses seeking certification as an Infusion Nurse must take the CRNI exam. This is developed and maintained by the INCC (Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation). The exam is meant to test your skills and knowledge in the main areas of infusion therapy, as needed for successful professionals in this field.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible testing applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A current and valid unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the U.S.
- At least 1600 hours of infusion therapy experience as an RN during the last two years. This experience may be in the form of administration, research, nursing education, or clinical practice with a specialty in infusion and is not required to be bedside care.
Applications are made through INCC. Be sure to note the deadlines for these as they are strict.
Registration exam fees are $360 for INS members and $500 for non-members. Early applicants can receive a $50 discount.
When and Where?
CRNI exams are computer-based and only offered during two months each year: March and September. About a month prior to these testing windows you will receive an invitation to schedule your exam with instruction on how to do so.
These can be scheduled Monday through Saturday at 9 am or 1:30 pm at about 290 AMP/PSI locations worldwide. A complete list of dates, times, and locations will be provided during registration.
It is recommended that you schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Seating is limited at most locations and is filled on first come, first served basis.
Once you have scheduled a testing appointment, you will be sent a confirmation letter. It is important to print this out and keep it safe, as you will need to bring it with on test day. It contains your unique PSI/AMP code needed to log in to the computer system.
Special accommodations are available to those with disabilities and who may not be able to test under normal conditions. Please make this request during registration and provide supporting documentation for speedy approval.
How Should I Prepare for Test Day?
It is critical to your success that you arrive early for your scheduled exam. There is a check-in process that must be completed before you can take your seat for the exam. If you do not arrive on time and are late, you will not be allowed to test that day and will need to reregister, forfeiting all fees.
Along with the above-mentioned confirmation letter, you will be required to bring at least two valid and current forms of ID: a primary, and another primary or a secondary ID. One of these must contain a recent photo. Both must have your current name and signature. If your ID(s) contain missing or incorrect information, you will be asked to provide another one or will not be allowed to enter the testing area.
Personal items are not allowed in the testing area. Your wallet and keys are the only items to be found in the exam room. All other belongings must be left in your vehicle or kept outside of the testing room.
A silent, non-programmable calculator is permitted for use during the exam. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided for you.
What is Covered?
The CRNI contains 170 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which are unscored pretest items. The exam is broken into the following eight core sections of infusion therapy:
- Technology and Clinical Applications - 33 questions
- Fluid and Electrolyte Balance - 21 questions
- Pharmacology - 19 questions
- Infection Prevention and Control - 21 questions
- Special Populations - 14 questions
- Transfusion Therapy - 14 questions
- Antineoplastic and Biologic Therapy - 14 questions
- Paternal Nutrition - 14 questions
You will be given three hours to finish the exam.
How is the Exam Scored?
The testing supervisor will give you your score report at the testing site. This will include your pass/fail status, as well as scaled and raw scores separated into major content categories. Minimum passing scores are constantly being revised and changed so be sure to keep up to date on what these might be.
Passing candidates will receive their CRNI credential immediately. These are good for three years, after which you will need to be recertified by exam or continuing education.
If you need to retake the exam, you can reapply to take the CRNI exam during the next testing window. You may take the exam as many times as needed. Retakes are offered a discount of $50.
How Can I Prepare for the CRNI Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by
- tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see
- links to both!