top of page
Search

How to Pass the TCRN Exam

Updated: Feb 2

Steps for Success
Steps for Success
  • Check www.BCEN.org for exam information, live remote proctoring option, purchasing vouchers to reduce exam fee, sample questions, and FAQ’s.

  • Take the current edition of TNCC (9th edition), ATCN, or TCAR. Live and virtual TNCC courses can be found on the ENA website under the Education University. My sample questions and posttest, and critical thinking questions are referenced to TNCC 9th edition, 2024.

  • Download and read the FREE American College of Surgeons Optimal Care of the Injured Patient.

  • The TCRN exam is 175 questions, you have 180 minutes to complete the exam. All questions are multiple-choice, there are no “all of the above” or ‘select all that apply”. Twenty-five questions are NOT graded, and the passing score is 104/150. The 2024 TCRN pass rate was 59%.

  • Purchase the 2024 PDB Nurse Education paperback TCRN Study Guide on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4gnMb8X

  • Plan as if you are preparing for a marathon, schedule study time! Prepare a dedicated study space, have flashcards or a notebook to write content you need to learn more when studying the “Physiology Review”. Just reading is not actively studying. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

  • Study during your peak brain time, in 30-45-minute intervals. Study the “190 Sample Questions” and rationales until you thoroughly understand the rationale. Do not focus on just memorizing the questions. Analyze your incorrect answers, and study that content again.

  • Take the 60-question “Posttest” in 60 minutes and ensure you score 75% or higher.

  • Create acronyms and memory aids for common content.

  • Assess your content knowledge through the 70 “Critical Thinking" questions. If you want to practice more, order the TCRN Kindle eBook of 50 more sample questions and 75 more "Critical Thinking" questions at https://amzn.to/4aI01BD

  • Take the BCEN's TCRN practice exam in timed test mode to simulate the exam experience.

  • Do not cram the night before, you do not test as well when your brain is tired. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast/lunch prior to exam, but do not overhydrate.

  • Approach exam with CONFIDENCE! Visualize the win! Control your anxiety, practice deep breathing and visualization. Take a deep breath and ignore self-defeating thoughts.

  • Read each question carefully and ask yourself, “What is the question really asking?” looking for “key words” like priority, initial intervention, first, earliest, least likely, or best.

  • Answer the question without looking at the answer choices, then look for an answer choice that is the same or similar. Read all answer choices, eliminate obviously incorrect answers.

  • Do NOT read into the question. All information needed is in the scenario (take it at face value). Do NOT be misled by “close-to-correct” answers that often precede the correct answer.

  • Be alert to questions that say INCORRECT, EXCEPT, NOT correct. Read the four choices for which answer does not fit. Do NOT be taken in by unfamiliar words.

  • Do NOT assume an answer is correct because you have observed the action in your nursing practice. Let evidence-based practice guide your response.

  • When in doubt, go with your first response and do NOT change answers unless you misinterpreted the question. Do NOT get immobilized by a question! Answer it the best you can and move on. Let it go!

  • Pace yourself and manage your time. Answer every question.

  • Pam says, “You Can Do It!” You get your score as soon as you complete the exam. Email me at pbartleysc@gmail.com after you ace the exam! If you do not pass, email me your scoresheet and let's make a plan of action.

241 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page