Quick recap
This webinar focused on helping school nurses prepare for the National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) certification exam, with team members Sarah Portle, Cindi Poole, Janice Selekman, Karen Schwind, and Sandi Delack providing guidance and answering questions. The team discussed the updated 2025 exam structure, which now has four main domains: health appraisal and nursing practice, health promotion and disease prevention, school health practice considerations, and professional responsibility. They outlined a six-week study plan starting May 22nd, covering content from health appraisal through professional responsibility, and recommended various study resources including the 2025 edition of the Certification Review Guide, practice exams, and Dr. Selekman's review course. The session addressed common concerns about test anxiety, provided information about exam logistics and registration processes, and emphasized the importance of studying across the full age spectrum (3-22 years) even for nurses who primarily work with specific age groups.
Summary
NCSN Certification Program Introduction
The meeting focused on beginning the journey to certification as a National Certified School Nurse (NCSN). Sarah Portle, a nationally certified school nurse, introduced the program and explained that the class structure now follows the 2025 domains for testing. The team discussed the study schedule, testing and application logistics, and next steps. Cindi introduced the team members, specifically recognizing Sarah's significant contributions to developing and supporting the program.
New Leadership Introduction Meeting
The meeting focused on introducing new leadership and welcoming participants to the School NurseNet community. Cindi introduced Alana Parker as the new moderator, replacing Sarah who was departing for a new role. Dr. Janice Selekman, a nationally recognized expert in school nursing and author of the School Nursing Certification Review book, was also introduced as a special guest. Dr. Selekman clarified that while her book is sponsored by NBCSN, it was not written by them and she would be available to answer questions about its content.
NCSN Exam Preparation Strategy
Sarah led a discussion about NCSN exam preparation, sharing her own experience of failing the NCLEX twice before passing the NCSN exam in 2019. She outlined a new study structure for the 2025 NCSN exam, which has been streamlined into four core domains: health appraisal and nursing practice, health promotion and disease prevention, school health practice considerations, and professional responsibility. Sarah explained the weekly study plan, which will include tips and test-taking strategies, recommended readings, independent review questions, discussion participation, and knowledge checks with review questions provided by Karen and the exam prep committee.
Exam Preparation Course Planning Meeting
Sarah and Cindi discussed the structure and content of an upcoming 6-week exam preparation course. They reviewed available resources including a review guide, practice exams, and lecture audio from Dr. Selekman, which can be accessed through NBCSN.org and Nurse Builders. The course will cover topics such as national certification purpose, health appraisal and nursing process, and health promotion and disease prevention, with specific focus on exam-relevant content from chapters 3 and 4 of the review book.
Exam Structure and Preparation Overview
Sarah outlined the structure of an upcoming exam, covering topics from weeks 1 to 5, including education, prevention planning, risk reduction, infectious disease prevention, chronic health conditions, and professional responsibilities. She emphasized the importance of understanding national standards rather than focusing solely on state-specific practices and recommended using practice exams to prepare for the test. Cindi mentioned addressing registration-related questions in the next part of the meeting.
Test Anxiety Resources and Procedures
Cindi and Sarah discussed resources available for test anxiety and clarified important details about exam applications. Cindi explained that applications are specific to the testing window and provided a step-by-step guide with screenshots to help students navigate the application process. They also covered exam scheduling procedures, including the use of Authorization to Test (ATT) emails and remote proctoring options. Cindi emphasized the importance of using remote proctoring as a last resort and outlined expectations for exam day, including what to bring and accommodation options.
Exam Review Materials Discussion
The meeting focused on discussing review materials for an exam, with participants addressing questions about shipping timelines and test question updates. Sandi joined as a panelist and expressed appreciation for school nurses on School Nurses Day. The group discussed that review books are now printed and ready to ship rather than printed on demand, with shipping typically taking less than 3-6 weeks via USPS. Karen confirmed that the test banks were updated in December 2025 with comprehensive rationales for each question.
NCSN Exam Preparation Strategies Discussion
The discussion focused on NCSN Exam preparation strategies, with Sarah recommending practice questions and utilizing the updated rationale provided online. Cindi clarified that the review book can be accessed through the learning plans section of the application, and purchasing the print book includes digital access. Janice provided information about available courses, noting that the taped course through Nurse Builders is from March of the previous year, while a live course is being offered in Las Vegas as a pre-conference event before the summer exam. The conversation concluded with a brief mention of certification renewal requirements, which occur every five years.
NCSN Recertification
Sarah and Sandi discussed the requirements and resources for NCSN recertification, including the need for 75 hours of continuing education over five years and employment verification. They outlined the upcoming study program starting May 22nd, which will include weekly review guides, access to the School Nurse Net group, and NBCSN practice exams. Sarah mentioned that while the textbook is a supportive resource, participants don't need to read all chapters, and emphasized that specific questions from review guides should not be posted directly in the chat.
NCSN Certification Exam Preparation
The meeting was a review session for school nurses preparing for the NCSN certification exam. Janice provided recommendations for studying, including using the textbook questions for discussion and reviewing the content categories in the candidate's handbook. Sarah and Sandi emphasized the importance of connecting with other nurses for support and study groups, suggesting reaching out to state liaisons and sharing phone numbers in the chat. The group discussed various learning resources and study methods, with Cindi confirming that a recording of the session would be shared with participants.
I have also attached the slide deck that was used.
You've got this. Almost everyone walks into exam day thinking, "I could have studied more." That feeling is normal and it doesn't mean you're unprepared. Don't let the fear gremlin take the lead. As cute as he may be, it's time to thank him for his concern and send him on his way. Trust your preparation, take a deep breath, and do what you already know how to do.