FoxExams
USA
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Examination
600 questions
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About this exam
The Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Examination is a U.S. certification exam for registered nurses who provide care to people with cancer. The credential, administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), recognizes oncology nursing knowledge; it is not a substitute for an RN license. Eligibility typically includes an active RN license, recent nursing experience, oncology practice hours, and oncology-focused continuing education or academic study. Requirements can change, so check the current ONCC candidate handbook before applying.
The OCN exam assesses knowledge used across the adult cancer-care continuum, including oncology nursing assessment, care planning and evaluation; cancer biology, pathophysiology, staging and prognostic indicators; prevention, risk reduction and screening; and diagnostic procedures and interpretation of findings. It also addresses treatment, symptom management, supportive care, and professional practice. The current exam format and content outline are set by ONCC. Preparation is more effective when you connect clinical concepts to nursing decisions and review the official blueprint than when you memorize isolated facts.
How to prepare for the OCN exam
- Use the latest ONCC OCN test content outline to organize your review, and prioritize oncology assessment, care planning, cancer biology and staging, prevention, screening, and diagnostic findings.
- Study by applying concepts to patient-care scenarios: connect assessment findings with likely nursing priorities, appropriate interventions, evaluation, and patient education.
- Build timed study sessions with varied multiple-choice questions, then review why each answer is right or wrong; use the current ONCC handbook to confirm eligibility, exam format, and test-day requirements.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the OCN exam?
Applicants generally need an active RN license and must meet ONCC requirements for recent nursing experience, adult oncology practice hours, and oncology-focused education. The exact criteria and time windows may change, so confirm them in the current ONCC candidate handbook before applying.
How many questions are on the OCN exam, and how long is it?
The exam has typically included 165 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 15 unscored pretest questions, and a three-hour testing period. Check the current ONCC exam information because format details can change.
What subjects should I study for the OCN exam?
Review the current ONCC content outline. Key areas include oncology nursing assessment and care planning, cancer biology and staging, prevention and screening, diagnostic procedures, treatment, symptom management, supportive care, and professional practice.