NCSN Online Study Group – Week 1: Welcome to the Spring 2026 NCSN Exam Study Group!
Welcome, Candidates!
My name is Sarah Portle, and I am thrilled to welcome you to our online NCSN study group. I have been a School Nurse since 2008 and proudly earned my National Certification in School Nursing (NCSN) in 2019. Currently, I serve as the Lead Nurse for Arizona State University College Preparatory Academy, and I'm also working on my PhD in Nursing.
Over the years, I've worked in Illinois, Florida, and Arizona, and most recently served as the Program Manager for the Arizona School Nurse Access Program (ASAP), which helped increase NCSN certification in Arizona by 300%!
I am so honored to walk alongside you during this certification journey-let's get started!
Spring 2026 Exam Information
Thinking of testing this Spring? Be sure to review the key dates:
- Spring Testing Window: March 1 – April 5, 2026
- Application Window: November 24, 2025 – February 1, 2026
Visit www.nbcsn.org to begin your application and download the Candidate Handbook.
Not ready to test yet? NBCSN has testing windows three times per year!
- Summer Testing Window: July 9 - August 16, 2026
- Registration Window: April 6 - June 9, 2026
- Fall Testing Window: October 22 - November 22, 2026
- Registration Window: August 17 - September 22, 2026
Exam applications will not be visible/available until the application window opens.
Updated Exam Content Outline – Summer 2025 and Beyond
As a result of the 2023 Job Task Analysis (JTA), the NBCSN streamlined and reorganized the Exam Content Outline (ECO) beginning with the Summer 2025 exam. The exam still covers the same essential content-just better organized into four updated domains:
New Exam Content Domains & Number of Questions
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New Domain
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# of Questions
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Health Appraisal & Nursing Practice
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52
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Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
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41
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School Health Practice Considerations
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32
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Professional Responsibility
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50
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** These changes are effective for exams starting July 2025. **
Comparison of Old vs. New Content Domains
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Old Domains
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New Domains
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Health Appraisal
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Health Appraisal & Nursing Practice
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Health Problems & Nursing Management
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Now integrated across all domains
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Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
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Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
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Special Health Issues
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School Health Practice Considerations
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Professional Issues
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Professional Responsibility
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Reading Assignments – Week 1
School Nursing Certification Review Book – Selekman & Cogan, 2020
- Chapter 1: National Certification – The Why and How
- Chapter 2: Foundations of Pediatric Nursing: Understanding Children and Their Families
- Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 2
NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing Certification Review Book – Selekman & Knox, 2025
- Chapter 1: National Certification and the Foundations of School Nursing Practice
- Chapter 2: Children and Their Families
- Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 2
School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon, & Yonkaitis), Third Edition
- Chapters 1–4: Foundations of school nursing and pediatric development
- Chapters 11–13: Chronic conditions and practice considerations
NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon & Yonkaitis), Fourth Edition
- Chapters 1-5: Foundations of School Nursing
- Chapters 9-11: Core Development and Family Context
Study Resources Overview
Highly Recommended – No Cost
Purchase Through NBCSN
This Week's Assignment - Reflection Prompt
Why are you pursuing national certification?
Please share your response on this week's discussion thread. Reflecting on your "why" helps ground your motivation and builds community.
I pursued certification to ensure I had the most current knowledge and skills to support student well-being. Becoming nationally certified helped me grow both professionally and personally and gave me a network of school nurses equally committed to excellence. It's one of the best decisions I've made in my career.
Let's Collaborate
Have a question about the content? Post it in the discussion! Refer to questions by chapter, number, and letter (e.g., Chapter 2, Question 4, Answer C).
Please do not copy questions or answers verbatim due to copyright.
Final Thoughts – You've Got This!
As we begin this journey together, remember: you're not alone. Whether this is your first time preparing for a certification exam or a return to formal study, know that this process is a powerful step forward in your professional growth.
This isn't just about passing a test-it's about strengthening your ability to support your students, advocate for health equity, and shine in your role as a leader in school nursing.
You've already taken a big step by showing up. Stay curious, stay committed, and lean on each other throughout this journey. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
You are more than capable. Let's do this, together.
💙 - Sarah Portle, M.Ed., R.N., N.C.S.N. (she/her)
Lead Nurse, ASU Preparatory Academy
PhD Candidate, Nursing
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Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
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