CMSRN Certification: Overview and FAQ

With over 1.7 million nurses employed in general medical-surgical hospitals in the U.S., med-surg is the largest nursing specialty in the nation. So, how can you stand out from the crowd? The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification is awarded to registered nurses (RNs) and validates their commitment to professional development and excellence in med-surg nursing.

Want to know more about the CMSRN credential and why it’s important? You’re in the right place. This article will explain what it is, outline the steps to get it, and highlight the benefits of having one.

What Is a CMSRN Certification?

CMSRN certification — administered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) — is a professional credential granted to eligible nurses who demonstrate expertise in medical-surgical nursing practice. MSNCB is a subsidiary of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), the only professional nursing specialty association in the U.S. dedicated specifically to medical-surgical nurses.

The certification program curriculum typically covers five broad topics, including:

• Patient care and management: 32%
• Holistic patient care: 15%
• Elements of interprofessional care: 17%
• Professional concepts: 15%
• Nursing teamwork and collaboration: 21%

This means you’ll learn important specialty-specific skills related to:

• Diversity and inclusion
• Infection prevention
• Nutritional care
• Pain management
• Palliative care
• Professional development
• Professional ethics
• Surgical management

CMSRN Certification Requirements

Getting certified may be simpler than you think. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as a CMSRN-certified nurse:

1. Become a Licensed Registered Nurse

This certification is currently only available to licensed RNs. If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or other non-licensed professional, you can enroll in an associate or bachelor’s degree nursing program. After graduation, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN national certification exam to become a licensed RN.

2. Meet Eligibility Criteria

Next, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements set by the MSNCB, which include:

• License: Hold an active and unencumbered RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. International nurses can also apply, but additional requirements must be met.
• Proof of experience: Provide evidence of 2 years of full-time medical-surgical experience, and 2,000 practice hours within the past 3 years as a clinical nurse, manager, or educator.

3. Study for the Exam

Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria, it’s time to get ready for the exam. There are a number of resources available to help you pass your test:

• Practice with sample test questions.
• Read the Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th Edition).
• Explore the AMSN bookstore.
• Take a review course.

Additionally, you can attend the AMSN annual conference to network and learn the latest evidence-based practices in med-surg nursing and beyond.

4. Pay for and Schedule Your Exam

Your CMSRN certification cost may vary depending on whether you’re an AMSN member and which additional study materials you decide to invest in. While some employers may help cover costs, nurses often pay for their exam fees independently. Here’s the fee breakdown:

• Exam fee: $394 for non-members, and $267 for members
• Live review course: $6,500 (typically purchased by facilities)
• Online review course: $199 for non-members, and $149 for members
• Review questions book: $39 for non-members, and $34 for members
• Core curriculum book: $119 for non-members, and $89 for members
• Scope and standards book: $45 for non-members, and $29 for members

5. Pass the Exam

The CMSRN exam — developed in collaboration with Prometric — is based on a job task analysis (JTA) conducted every five years. This analysis identifies the responsibilities, knowledge, and skills required of med-surg nurses to effectively care for patients. Then, the exam and study materials are shaped accordingly. Here are some key details about the exam:

• Number of questions: Your exam will consist of 150 questions — 125 count towards your score and 25 are experimental.
• Time to complete: You have 3 hours to complete the exam. There’s a 10-minute tutorial at the start to walk you through the process.
• Passing score: To pass, you need a score of 95, which is about 71% correct answers.
• Exam results: You’ll know your results right after finishing the exam, and within 24 hours, the test administrator will send you a detailed score report.

6. Maintain the Certification

After you get certified, your credential is valid for five years. In order to maintain it, you’ll need to stay up to date with CMSRN certification renewal requirements, which include two options:

• Contact hours: Earn 90 contact hours in the past 5 years, with 68 focused on med-surg. Additionally, show evidence of at least 1,000 practice hours in a med-surg setting during your certification period. Alternatively, provide documentation confirming full-time enrollment in an accredited nursing program, such as RN to BSN or a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).
• Examination: Retake the exam and show proof of 2,000 practice hours in a med-surg setting in the past 3 years, or provide documentation confirming full-time enrollment in an accredited nursing program.

Check out the latest med-surg nurse jobs to help you accumulate practice hours.

Frequently Asked Questions: CMSRN Certificate

What happens if I fail the exam?

If you fail, you’ll receive an in-depth review of your performance for each test area. Be sure to thoroughly review the information before you attempt to retest. Additionally, check if your facility participates in a FailSafe program, which allows nurses to take the CMSRN exam twice within a 12-month period, while only paying for the first attempt.

Can I transfer MEDSURG-BC to CMSRN?

If you have a MEDSURG-BC credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), you might qualify for CMSRN without an exam. The requirements are as follows:

• Hold a current ANCC certification.
• Hold an unencumbered and current RN license.
• Provide proof of 1,000 practice hours in med-surg within 5 years or full-time RN student status in a qualified nursing program.
• Earn 90 verified contact hours in 5 years, with 68 related to med-surg.

Is the CMSRN credential recognized nationally or internationally?

The CNSRN is widely recognized both nationally and internationally and is available to first-level nurses from over 13 countries around the world. If you plan to work internationally, this certification can come in handy.

Are there online tools available for CMSRN certification lookup?

You can verify your certification by submitting a form to AMSN and paying a $20 fee. It usually takes three to five business days to complete the verification process. Then, you’ll receive a letter with your name, certification number, and expiration dates, which can be sent to the party requesting it.

Which med-surg certification is better: MEDSURG-BC vs. CMSRN?

Some nurses opt for the MEDSURG-BC credential because it’s offered by the ANCC, the primary nursing certification body in the U.S. Others prefer the CMSRN — awarded by the MSNCB — for its exclusive focus on med-surg nursing. Both certifications hold high value and recognition in the field.

Is the CMSRN exam difficult?

The difficulty of the CMSRN exam varies depending on individual preparation and experience. With adequate preparation, many nurses successfully pass the exam. Additional study tips include:

• Setting SMART study goals.
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, as it’s important for memory and focus.
• Prioritizing self-care to prepare for the exam day.
• Using effective stress-relieving techniques, as stress negatively affects the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thinking, attention, and memory.

What are the benefits of certification for my career?

CMSRN confirms your expertise in delivering top-notch, safe care in line with the latest med-surg advancements. Additional benefits include:

• Job security: It boosts your med-surg resume, making you a standout candidate on the job market.
• More money: It can help you earn a higher salary.
• Professional growth: It can increase your chances to get a leadership role in your company.
• Quality care: It promotes a culture of excellence in healthcare institutions.
• Reputation: It can help you gain recognition from colleagues and managers for your outstanding skills and knowledge.

Need Help Finding a Job You Love?

Ready to put your CMSRN certification to work in a new position? Dive into a wealth of nursing job opportunities at IntelyCare and discover the best fit for your aspirations.