Constructing the Exams

As of the fall 2009 examination administration, each CPAN® and CAPA® certification examination consists of 165 questions. In addition to the 140 questions which are scored, there are 25 questions which are being pretested (piloted) and these will not count towards the candidate’s final score. These 25 piloted questions are randomly distributed throughout the examination and will not be specifically identified. Beginning with the spring 2010 examination administrations, each examination will contain 175 questions with 140 scored multiple-choice questions plus 35 unscored pretest questions. Candidates may take up to three hours to complete the examinations. Industry standards show that the increase in the number of questions beginning in the spring 2010 should not affect the length of time given to take an examination.

Candidates are tested on their ability to recall facts or understand principles, to relate two or more facts to a situation or analyze a group of facts and to synthesize information and evaluate situations, in order to choose a correct course of action.

Each examination question has been verified for accuracy, currency and reliability and referenced to a source published within the past five years. Examination questions are written by practicing perianesthesia nurses who are also CPAN® or CAPA® certified.