FoxExams
USA
Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN) Examination
600 questions
Session complete
Keep going in the FoxExams app for adaptive practice, mocks, and Ask Fox.
See you tomorrow
About this exam
The Certified Addiction Registered Nurse (CARN) Examination is a U.S. specialty certification exam for registered nurses who care for people affected by substance use and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. It assesses applied addiction-nursing knowledge and clinical judgment; it is not an entry route into nursing school or a general RN licensing test. Candidates may work in behavioral health, detoxification, treatment, acute care, or community settings. Eligibility generally involves an active RN license, relevant addiction-nursing practice, and continuing education. Check the current ANCB candidate handbook for exact requirements.
The CARN exam covers addiction nursing practice, including screening and assessment, substance use disorder diagnosis and care planning, treatment, and evaluation. Review substance use and withdrawal, the neurobiology of addiction, and safe, evidence-informed nursing care. The exam uses multiple-choice questions; consult the current handbook for the official format and exam-day details. Preparation is more effective when you connect clinical concepts to patient scenarios, identify weak areas, and revisit the exam blueprint. Timed question practice can help you build pacing and decision-making skills.
How to Prepare for the CARN Examination
- Use the current ANCB candidate handbook and exam content outline to organize your review, and verify eligibility and testing details with the certification board.
- Study screening and assessment, diagnosis and care planning, and evaluation together; practice applying these steps to substance use and co-occurring behavioral health scenarios.
- Review alcohol intoxication and withdrawal, other substance-related effects, and addiction neurobiology, then use timed multiple-choice practice to find and revisit gaps in your reasoning.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the CARN exam?
The CARN is intended for registered nurses with addiction-nursing experience. Eligibility generally includes an active RN license, qualifying practice hours, and addiction-related continuing education. Requirements can change, so confirm the current criteria in the ANCB candidate handbook before applying.
What is the format of the CARN exam?
It is a standardized multiple-choice certification exam. Check the current ANCB handbook for the official item count, time limit, delivery arrangements, and other exam-day rules, as these details may change.
What subjects should I study for the CARN exam?
Review addiction nursing assessment and screening, substance use disorder diagnosis and care planning, treatment and evaluation, and the neurobiology of addiction. Include substance-specific topics such as alcohol intoxication and withdrawal, and use the current exam outline to guide your study priorities.