National Certification Exam Candidates

NCSN Online Study Group – Week 4: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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

Reading Assignments – Week 4

We are continuing our exploration of health promotion and disease prevention. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that splitting this material into two lessons will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group.

School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Cogan, 2020)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion and Nursing Management
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Knox, 2025)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention/ Infectious Disease
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Selekman, Shannon, & Yonkaitis), Third Edition

• Chapter 5
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon & Yonkaitis), Fourth Edition

• Chapter 4
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33

This Week's Assignment - Reflection Prompt

Sharing your process is helpful for everyone, so please share how your preparation is going!

I continue my quest to find multiple-choice study questions that are specific to school nursing.  Here is a link to an online sample test through the generous State of Illinois!  This is helpful because it is an online version and is similar to the NBCSN test experience.  Some of the questions are specific to Illinois regulations, but others are more global questions for practice.

*Don't forget the NBCSN Practice Tests available singly or in a bundle of two. Each computerized test has 75 multiple-choice questions with a rationale for the answers. You can access them through your application page or go to www.nbcsn.org and click on the orange Login button on the top right.*
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you taken advantage of the Free Test Taking Strategies on NurseBuilders?

Here are more multiple-choice testing strategies from Nurse Labs test-taking strategies
7. Identify Specific Determiners

When the options of a test item contain words that are identical or similar to words in the stem, the alert test taker recognizes the similarities as clues about the likely answer to the question. The stem word that clues you to a similar word in the option or that limits potential options is known as a specific determiner. For example:

The government agency responsible for administering the Nursing Practice Act in each state is the:

1. Board of Regents
2. Board of Nursing
3. State nurses' association
4. State hospital association

Options 2 and 3 contain the closely related words nurse and nursing. The word nursing, used both in the stem and in option 2, is a clue to the correct answer.

8. Identify Words in the Options That Are Closely Associated With Words in the Stem

Be alert to words in the options that may be closely associated with but not identical to a word or words in the stem. For example:

When a person develops symptoms of physical illness for which psychogenic factors act as causative agents, the resulting illness is classified as:

1.        Dissociative

2.        Compensatory

3.        Psychophysiologic

4.        Reaction formation

Option 3 should strike you as a likely answer since it combines physical and psychological factors, like those referred to in the stem.

9.Watch for Grammatical Inconsistencies

If one or more of the options are not grammatically consistent with the stem, the alert test taker usually can eliminate these distractors. The correct option must be consistent with the form of the question. If the question demands a response in the singular, plural options usually can be safely eliminated. When the stem is in the form of an incomplete sentence, each option should complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way. For example:

Communicating with a male client who is deaf will be facilitated by:

1.  Use gestures
2. Speaking loudly
3. Find out if he has a hearing aid
4. Facing the client while speaking

Options 1 and 3 do not complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way and can, therefore, be eliminated. Option 2 would be of no assistance with a deaf client, so option 4 is the correct answer.

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, some were perplexed Friday / weekend when this didn't pop up as "scheduled"? Hoping you are all safe! 

NCSN Online Study Group – Week 4: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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

Reading Assignments – Week 4

We are continuing our exploration of health promotion and disease prevention. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that splitting this material into two lessons will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group.

School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Cogan, 2020)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion and Nursing Management
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Knox, 2025)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention/ Infectious Disease
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Selekman, Shannon, & Yonkaitis), Third Edition

• Chapter 5
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon & Yonkaitis), Fourth Edition

• Chapter 4
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33

This Week's Assignment - Reflection Prompt

Sharing your process is helpful for everyone, so please share how your preparation is going!

I continue my quest to find multiple-choice study questions that are specific to school nursing.  Here is a link to an online sample test through the generous State of Illinois!  This is helpful because it is an online version and is similar to the NBCSN test experience.  Some of the questions are specific to Illinois regulations, but others are more global questions for practice.

*Don't forget the NBCSN Practice Tests available singly or in a bundle of two. Each computerized test has 75 multiple-choice questions with a rationale for the answers. You can access them through your application page or go to www.nbcsn.org and click on the orange Login button on the top right.*
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you taken advantage of the Free Test Taking Strategies on NurseBuilders?

Here are more multiple-choice testing strategies from Nurse Labs test-taking strategies
7. Identify Specific Determiners

When the options of a test item contain words that are identical or similar to words in the stem, the alert test taker recognizes the similarities as clues about the likely answer to the question. The stem word that clues you to a similar word in the option or that limits potential options is known as a specific determiner. For example:

The government agency responsible for administering the Nursing Practice Act in each state is the:

1. Board of Regents
2. Board of Nursing
3. State nurses' association
4. State hospital association

Options 2 and 3 contain the closely related words nurse and nursing. The word nursing, used both in the stem and in option 2, is a clue to the correct answer.

8. Identify Words in the Options That Are Closely Associated With Words in the Stem

Be alert to words in the options that may be closely associated with but not identical to a word or words in the stem. For example:

When a person develops symptoms of physical illness for which psychogenic factors act as causative agents, the resulting illness is classified as:

1.        Dissociative

2.        Compensatory

3.        Psychophysiologic

4.        Reaction formation

Option 3 should strike you as a likely answer since it combines physical and psychological factors, like those referred to in the stem.

9.Watch for Grammatical Inconsistencies

If one or more of the options are not grammatically consistent with the stem, the alert test taker usually can eliminate these distractors. The correct option must be consistent with the form of the question. If the question demands a response in the singular, plural options usually can be safely eliminated. When the stem is in the form of an incomplete sentence, each option should complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way. For example:

Communicating with a male client who is deaf will be facilitated by:

1.  Use gestures
2. Speaking loudly
3. Find out if he has a hearing aid
4. Facing the client while speaking

Options 1 and 3 do not complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way and can, therefore, be eliminated. Option 2 would be of no assistance with a deaf client, so option 4 is the correct answer.

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, some were perplexed Friday / weekend when this didn't pop up as "scheduled"? Hoping you are all safe! 

NCSN Online Study Group – Week 4: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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

Reading Assignments – Week 4

We are continuing our exploration of health promotion and disease prevention. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that splitting this material into two lessons will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group.

School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Cogan, 2020)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion and Nursing Management
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Knox, 2025)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention/ Infectious Disease
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Selekman, Shannon, & Yonkaitis), Third Edition

• Chapter 5
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon & Yonkaitis), Fourth Edition

• Chapter 4
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33

This Week's Assignment - Reflection Prompt

Sharing your process is helpful for everyone, so please share how your preparation is going!

I continue my quest to find multiple-choice study questions that are specific to school nursing.  Here is a link to an online sample test through the generous State of Illinois!  This is helpful because it is an online version and is similar to the NBCSN test experience.  Some of the questions are specific to Illinois regulations, but others are more global questions for practice.

*Don't forget the NBCSN Practice Tests available singly or in a bundle of two. Each computerized test has 75 multiple-choice questions with a rationale for the answers. You can access them through your application page or go to www.nbcsn.org and click on the orange Login button on the top right.*
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you taken advantage of the Free Test Taking Strategies on NurseBuilders?

Here are more multiple-choice testing strategies from Nurse Labs test-taking strategies
7. Identify Specific Determiners

When the options of a test item contain words that are identical or similar to words in the stem, the alert test taker recognizes the similarities as clues about the likely answer to the question. The stem word that clues you to a similar word in the option or that limits potential options is known as a specific determiner. For example:

The government agency responsible for administering the Nursing Practice Act in each state is the:

1. Board of Regents
2. Board of Nursing
3. State nurses' association
4. State hospital association

Options 2 and 3 contain the closely related words nurse and nursing. The word nursing, used both in the stem and in option 2, is a clue to the correct answer.

8. Identify Words in the Options That Are Closely Associated With Words in the Stem

Be alert to words in the options that may be closely associated with but not identical to a word or words in the stem. For example:

When a person develops symptoms of physical illness for which psychogenic factors act as causative agents, the resulting illness is classified as:

1.        Dissociative

2.        Compensatory

3.        Psychophysiologic

4.        Reaction formation

Option 3 should strike you as a likely answer since it combines physical and psychological factors, like those referred to in the stem.

9.Watch for Grammatical Inconsistencies

If one or more of the options are not grammatically consistent with the stem, the alert test taker usually can eliminate these distractors. The correct option must be consistent with the form of the question. If the question demands a response in the singular, plural options usually can be safely eliminated. When the stem is in the form of an incomplete sentence, each option should complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way. For example:

Communicating with a male client who is deaf will be facilitated by:

1.  Use gestures
2. Speaking loudly
3. Find out if he has a hearing aid
4. Facing the client while speaking

Options 1 and 3 do not complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way and can, therefore, be eliminated. Option 2 would be of no assistance with a deaf client, so option 4 is the correct answer.

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.

NCSN Online Study Group – Week 4: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

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

Reading Assignments – Week 4

We are continuing our exploration of health promotion and disease prevention. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that splitting this material into two lessons will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group.

School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Cogan, 2020)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion and Nursing Management
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing Certification Review Book (Selekman & Knox, 2025)

• Chapter 5: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention/ Infectious Disease
• Complete the self-assessment at the end of Chapter 5

School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Selekman, Shannon, & Yonkaitis), Third Edition

• Chapter 5
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39

NEW BOOK, COMING SUMMER 2025: School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text (Shannon & Yonkaitis), Fourth Edition

• Chapter 4
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33

This Week's Assignment - Reflection Prompt

Sharing your process is helpful for everyone, so please share how your preparation is going!

I continue my quest to find multiple-choice study questions that are specific to school nursing.  Here is a link to an online sample test through the generous State of Illinois!  This is helpful because it is an online version and is similar to the NBCSN test experience.  Some of the questions are specific to Illinois regulations, but others are more global questions for practice.

*Don't forget the NBCSN Practice Tests available singly or in a bundle of two. Each computerized test has 75 multiple-choice questions with a rationale for the answers. You can access them through your application page or go to www.nbcsn.org and click on the orange Login button on the top right.*
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Have you taken advantage of the Free Test Taking Strategies on NurseBuilders?

Here are more multiple-choice testing strategies from Nurse Labs test-taking strategies
7. Identify Specific Determiners

When the options of a test item contain words that are identical or similar to words in the stem, the alert test taker recognizes the similarities as clues about the likely answer to the question. The stem word that clues you to a similar word in the option or that limits potential options is known as a specific determiner. For example:

The government agency responsible for administering the Nursing Practice Act in each state is the:

1. Board of Regents
2. Board of Nursing
3. State nurses' association
4. State hospital association

Options 2 and 3 contain the closely related words nurse and nursing. The word nursing, used both in the stem and in option 2, is a clue to the correct answer.

8. Identify Words in the Options That Are Closely Associated With Words in the Stem

Be alert to words in the options that may be closely associated with but not identical to a word or words in the stem. For example:

When a person develops symptoms of physical illness for which psychogenic factors act as causative agents, the resulting illness is classified as:

1.        Dissociative

2.        Compensatory

3.        Psychophysiologic

4.        Reaction formation

Option 3 should strike you as a likely answer since it combines physical and psychological factors, like those referred to in the stem.

9.Watch for Grammatical Inconsistencies

If one or more of the options are not grammatically consistent with the stem, the alert test taker usually can eliminate these distractors. The correct option must be consistent with the form of the question. If the question demands a response in the singular, plural options usually can be safely eliminated. When the stem is in the form of an incomplete sentence, each option should complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way. For example:

Communicating with a male client who is deaf will be facilitated by:

1.  Use gestures
2. Speaking loudly
3. Find out if he has a hearing aid
4. Facing the client while speaking

Options 1 and 3 do not complete the sentence in a grammatically correct way and can, therefore, be eliminated. Option 2 would be of no assistance with a deaf client, so option 4 is the correct answer.

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.