MEDSURG-BC Certification: Overview and FAQ
As the largest nursing specialty in the U.S., medical-surgical nursing is the backbone of patient care, requiring a broad set of skills for diverse clinical situations. The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC) is a testament to expertise in this field, demonstrating advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and a commitment to quality care. Earning this certification can boost your professional credibility, open new career opportunities, and help you move into leadership roles.
Want to earn this specialized credential? This article will guide you through the eligibility process, application steps, and what to expect from the exam.
MEDSURG-BC Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: Hold a current RN license, have at least 2 years of full-time practice as an RN, and complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice and 30 hours of continuing education in medical-surgical nursing within the past 3 years.
- Application process: Fill out the online application, provide the necessary paperwork, pay the fee, and wait for eligibility verification.
- Exam: Your exam will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $395.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.
What Is a MEDSURG-BC Certification?
MEDSURG-BC stands for Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification-Board Certified. It’s a professional credential awarded to registered nurses (RNs) who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of med-surg nursing.
To qualify, nurses must meet specific requirements and pass a specialized exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a respected authority in nursing education and certification.
The exam is structured into three content domains, each covering topics related to your practice as a med-surg nurse.
| Content domains | Examples of topics |
|---|---|
| Assessment and diagnosis |
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| Planning, implementation, and evaluation |
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| Professional role |
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Earning MEDSURG-BC Certification: 6 Steps
Ready to get certified? Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Step one in your certification journey is meeting the eligibility requirements — think of this as your pre-certification checklist. Here’s what you need to be eligible to sit for the exam:
- A current, active RN license in the U.S. (or an equivalent from another country)
- 2 years of full-time experience as an RN
- 2,000 hours of clinical practice in medical-surgical nursing within the past 3 years
- 30 hours of continuing education in the specialty within the past 3 years
Step 2: Prepare for the Exam
Now that you’ve met the eligibility requirements, you’re ready to dive into the heart of professional growth — learning. Your next step is to start studying and get ready for the exam. Here are some resources to help you along the way:
- Content outline
- Test reference list
- Readiness test
- MEDSURG-BC practice questions
- Role delineation study
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Review and Resource Manual
- General testing and renewal handbook
- Certification preparation tips
Need help getting exam-ready? The ANCC has different prep packages to support you every step of the way:
You can also boost your prep by exploring extra resources like PocketPrep and Quizlet, which offer great tools to sharpen your skills.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
The next step is simple: Set up your ANCC account and submit your application for the certification you’re aiming for. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive authorization to test, giving you 120 days to schedule your exam at a Prometric test center or remotely.
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
Your certification is a valuable investment, but how much will it cost? The exam fee is $395, but you can get a $100 discount if you’re a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA). Keep in mind that preparation materials, such as review courses and books, may come with additional costs.
Step 5: Pass the Exam
You’ve prepared, now it’s time to shine. Wondering what to expect on exam day? Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:
- Your test will have 150 questions (125 scored and 25 unscored).
- You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- You need a minimum scaled score of 350 out of 500 to pass.
- You’ll be able to check your results through the Prometric report validation portal using your exam confirmation number and last name.
- Your certificate and ANCC pin will arrive in the mail about 4 weeks after you pass.
Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
The MEDSURG-BC certification is valid for five years. After this period, you need to go through the renewal process to keep your certification active. This process involves earning 75 hours of continuing education from an accredited provider and meeting at least one of the following additional requirements:
- Earn an additional 75 hours of continuing education in your specialty.
- Complete 5 semester credits or 6 quarter credits in courses related to your specialty.
- Create 1 or more presentations that add up to at least 5 clock hours.
- Complete a project that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities.
- Get published — write articles, a book chapter, or create content for your field.
- Complete a research project, a doctoral dissertation, or a thesis.
- Serve as a mentor to nursing students for at least 120 hours.
- Complete 2 or more consecutive years of volunteer work in your field.
- Gain a minimum of 1,000 practice hours in your specialty.
- Take and pass the test, or submit a portfolio.
When you’re all set, just submit your renewal application, upload the necessary documents to your online account, and pay the $350 renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions: MEDSURG-BC Certification
Is MEDSURG-BC the same as RN-BC?
No, these credentials are different. The General Nursing Practice Certification (RN-BC), which is currently available for renewal only, is a general credential that applies to various nursing specialties. On the other hand, MEDSURG-BC is a specialized certification for medical-surgical nurses.
How hard is the exam?
How easy or difficult you find the exam will largely depend on the amount of effort you invest in preparing. The pass rate of 78% suggests that most nurses who attempt to earn this credential successfully do so. Preparation is key to increasing your chances.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can apply for a retake five days after your last attempt, though you must wait 60 days before sitting for the exam again. Be sure to review your score report carefully — it highlights areas to focus on, helping you prepare for your next attempt.
CMSRN vs. MEDSURG-BC: What’s the difference?
Both credentials are designed for RNs specializing in medical-surgical nursing. The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) is offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), while the MEDSURG-BC is offered by the ANCC. For more information, explore our article comparing the two credentials for med-surg nurses.
How do I verify my credentials?
Certification verification is available via the ANCC. Individuals receive one free verification, with additional requests priced at $40 each. Expect the process to take approximately seven business days.
How long does exam preparation take?
ANCC recommends you start preparing approximately six months before you plan to take your exam. Create a study plan that covers essential topics and incorporates helpful study tools.
What are the benefits of a professional certification?
Certification demonstrates your expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the healthcare field. It also gives you a competitive edge in the job market, making it easier for you to land opportunities at top healthcare institutions, qualify for promotions, or even take on leadership roles.
How much do med-surg nurses make?
The typical salary for RNs in general medical and surgical hospitals is around $96,830 per year. However, this number can fluctuate greatly based on factors like your education, experience, and healthcare facility type.
Geographic location matters when it comes to your salary. Here are five states that offer competitive salaries for RNs:
Related Certifications
Want to see more credential choices? Here are some additional credentials that may support your career ambitions:
- Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
- Certified Cardiovascular Registered Nurse (CVRN)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
- Nursing Professional Development (NPD)
Ready for a New Nursing Opportunity?
Whether or not you’ve earned MEDSURG-BC certification, let IntelyCare connect you with nursing jobs that take your career to new heights. Find out how personalized job alerts can help you connect with roles that match your skills and preferences.