The CRNI® Examination covers nine core content areas that are central to infusion therapy. Because the exam covers such a large body of knowledge and daily nursing practice does not always expose the RN to all nine core areas, applicants are strongly advised to begin studying for the exam well in advance of the test date.

Your choice of study aid depends upon your learning style and current knowledge base. INCC suggests that all candidates purchase the CRNI® Exam Preparation Guide and Practice Questions. Among the other references outlined below, INCC also highly recommends Infusion Therapy in Clinical Practice, Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice, and the Core Curriculum for Infusion Nursing.

Educational Materials

INCC highly recommends the following educational materials to assist with exam preparation.

Read descriptions on each of these products at the INS Store.

• Core Curriculum for Infusion Nursing
• CRNI® Exam Preparation Guide and Sample Questions
• Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice
• Infusion Nursing: An Evidence Based Approach 
• CRNI® Examination Preparatory Review CD-ROM

For questions regarding review materials and information on other reference materials, review the CRNI® Bulletin, e-mail INCC, or call (800) 434-INCC.

Study Tips

The key to preparing for any exam is effective and appropriate use of study time. To achieve this, it is necessary to determine your areas of strength and weakness.

• INCC recommends that all candidates obtain a copy of the CRNI® Examination Preparation Guide, which includes 100 Sample Questions and a detailed breakdown of the exam's content; invaluable tools for evaluating your current knowledge base.
• Structure your time; write on a calendar when you plan to study each of the nine core areas and stick to it. Tailor your study time according to your strengths and weaknesses. Allow extra time for the areas that you are least familiar with, but don't neglect your stronger areas. Write key points for each of the nine areas on study cards that you can use later to review the information.
• Take frequent short breaks while studying; you will retain more information. Try studying for 20 minutes, then taking a 5 minute break. Distract your mind from studying by walking around or stretching. Avoid cramming; the final week before the exam should be spent reviewing your study cards not learning new information.
• Group study can be extremely effective. The knowledge each individual brings to the group differs. Areas of strength can be shared, while areas of weakness can be identified and developed. The psychological support and empathy provided is also a valuable benefit. You should begin by establishing a regular meeting time in a location where interruptions will be minimal. Define roles within the group.
• Contact your local INS Chapter, they may be able to connect you with other people in the area who are taking the exam and sometimes offer review courses. CRNI®s you may know are also great resources. Click here to view the listing of local INS Chapters.

The Final Countdown

As you near exam day, try to remain as calm as possible; remain confident in your experience and knowledge. Take some time out to pamper yourself, eat sensibly, and get plenty of sleep. Some other suggestions include:

• Avoid learning new information at the last minute.
• If possible, familiarize yourself with the location of the test center prior to exam day.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the test site.
• During the exam pace yourself: do not spend an inordinate amount of time on one particular question until you have responded to every question.