SANE-A^® Exam Practice Questions

SANE-A Exam Practice Questions (updated 2026)

SANE-A^® is the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent credential formerly administered by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). Responsibility for SANE-A and SANE-P certification has transferred to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

ANCC will not offer the former separate SANE-A and SANE-P exams. A new exam covering care across the lifespan is expected in fall 2027. The practice questions and linked resources on this page concern the former adult/adolescent exam.

Exam Eligibility

ANCC expects to publish eligibility requirements in summer 2027. Check ANCC’s certification transition guidance before relying on former SANE-A requirements.

SANE-A Study Topics

Use the following topics to organize your review of adult/adolescent forensic nursing:

1. Assessment and Documentation

• Identifying emergent and urgent medical problems
• Assessing a patient’s safety needs and implementing safety measures
• Identifying acute and long-term psychological and emotional responses to sexual assault
• Obtaining and documenting a patient’s health history and sexual assault history
• Assessing a patient for indicators of alcohol- and drug-facilitated sexual assault
• Assessing a patient’s level of development
• Assessing a patient for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and pregnancy risk
• Assessing a patient’s immunization status
• Conducting a comprehensive physical assessment and documenting findings
• Assessing body areas involved in the sexual assault for trauma using appropriate methods
• Distinguishing trauma from normal findings and other abnormal findings
• Completing photographic documentation using forensic photography principles

2. Evidence Collection

• Identifying items for evidence collection based on the circumstances and events
• Collecting biological and trace specimens from involved body areas using appropriate methods
• Collecting reference samples for a patient’s DNA
• Preserving forensic sample integrity
• Documenting clothing and biological and trace specimens

3. Patient Management

• Using appropriate communication resources
• Providing crisis intervention to the patient and family members
• Supporting informed consent, patient choice, and control through developmentally appropriate communication
• Conducting a medical forensic exam using trauma-informed care principles
• Educating the patient about STIs, testing, prophylaxis, and treatment
• Administering testing, prophylaxis, and treatment for STIs as indicated
• Educating a patient about pregnancy risks and emergency contraception
• Administering pregnancy testing and emergency contraception as indicated
• Educating a patient about the actions and side effects of prophylactic medications
• Consulting with other healthcare providers about medical problems
• Referring a patient for follow-up counseling, support, and advocacy services
• Creating discharge and safety plans
• Conducting follow-up based on medical forensic needs

4. Legal Issues and the Judicial Process

• Adhering to applicable mandatory reporting requirements
• Responding to subpoenas and court orders for judicial proceedings
• Testifying as an expert or fact witness for the prosecution or defense
• Providing ethical and professional testimony

5. Professional Practice

• Implementing safety measures
• Implementing principles of confidentiality
• Implementing principles of informed consent and refusal
• Participating in peer and case reviews and quality improvement processes
• Evaluating and using current evidence-based practices
• Collaborating with interprofessional team members
• Identifying risks, prevention strategies, and interventions for vicarious trauma
• Incorporating ethical principles in professional practice

Registration

Application dates have not been announced.

Current SANE-A and SANE-P Certificants

Existing holders can maintain their credentials through renewal without taking the new exam. ANCC renewal and verification services begin January 1, 2027.

FAQs

By Kate Nockunas

Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.

Edited by Aaron Lanni

Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix’s quality and accessibility standards.

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