{"id":20820,"date":"2016-02-02T14:37:05","date_gmt":"2016-02-02T14:37:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy?page_id=20820"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:36:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:36:48","slug":"adult-gerontology-cns-practice-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/adult-gerontology-cns-practice-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist exam assesses the knowledge and skills that registered nurses must have in the adult-gerontology specialty.<\/p>\n<p>Click \u201cStart Test\u201d above to take a free Adult-Gerontology CNS practice test, and check out our premium-quality Adult-Gerontology test prep resources by clicking the links below!<\/p>\n<div class=\"buttonlinks\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cns\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Guide Button', 'Guide Click', 'CNSAdultGeron Guide Click']);\">Adult-Gerontology CNS Study Guide<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cns\/\" class=\"class_names\" style=\"color:black;\" onclick=\"_paq.push(['trackEvent', 'Flashcard Button', 'Flashcard Button Click', 'CNSAdultGeron Flashcard Click']);\">Adult-Gerontology CNS Flashcards<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Exam_Eligibility\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Exam Eligibility<\/h2>\n<p>To be eligible for this exam, you must hold a current RN license in the US (or another country&#8217;s legally recognized equivalent). You must also meet the following requirements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You must hold a master&#8217;s degree, post-graduate certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)<\/li>\n<li>You must have completed three separate graduate-level APRN Core courses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"AGCNS_Exam_Outline\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>AGCNS Exam Outline<\/h2>\n<p>The ANCC Adult-Gerontology CNS exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions, 25 of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 3.5 hours.<\/p>\n<p>The exam is split into three content domains, which are designed to cover the various competencies and points of knowledge that a registered nurse in the adult-gerontology specialty should possess.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"I_Assessment_and_Diagnosis_(41_scored_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>I. Assessment and Diagnosis (41 scored questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to various assessments, theories, and diagnoses.<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -0.5em;\">Knowledge<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0.5em;\">\n<li>Diagnostic testing<\/li>\n<li>Environmental determinants of health<\/li>\n<li>Normal age-related changes<\/li>\n<li>Abuse and neglect<\/li>\n<li>Individual determinants of health<\/li>\n<li>Nursing theories<\/li>\n<li>Pathophysiology across the lifespan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\">Skills<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: -0.5em;\">\n<li>Differential diagnoses<\/li>\n<li>Comprehensive assessments<\/li>\n<li>Problem-focused assessments<\/li>\n<li>Ethical healthcare practice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<h3><span id=\"II_Planning_and_Implementation_(64_scored_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>II. Planning and Implementation (64 scored questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to various interventions, roles, and initiatives.<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -0.5em;\">Knowledge<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0.5em;\">\n<li>Pharmacotherapeutics<\/li>\n<li>Substance use disorders<\/li>\n<li>Family and caregiver roles<\/li>\n<li>Polypharmacy<\/li>\n<li>Palliative and end-of-life care<\/li>\n<li>Care transition and coordination<\/li>\n<li>Change management<\/li>\n<li>Educational initiatives<\/li>\n<li>Adult learning theories<\/li>\n<li>Information technology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\">Skills<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: -0.5em;\">\n<li>Pharmacologic interventions<\/li>\n<li>Nursing and healthcare advocacy<\/li>\n<li>Non-pharmacologic interventions<\/li>\n<li>Coordination of nursing and healthcare resources<\/li>\n<li>Health promotion<\/li>\n<li>Evidence-based practice process<\/li>\n<li>Complementary and alternative therapies<\/li>\n<li>Patient, family, and caregiver education, coaching, and advocacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<h3><span id=\"III_Evaluation_(45_scored_questions)\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>III. Evaluation (45 scored questions)<\/h3>\n<p>The questions in this domain assess your knowledge and skills pertaining to various outcomes, responses to interventions, and improvements.<\/p>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-top: -0.5em;\">Knowledge<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0.5em;\">\n<li>Scope and standards of healthcare practice<\/li>\n<li>Patient outcomes<\/li>\n<li>System outcomes<\/li>\n<li>Research methodology and statistical analysis<\/li>\n<li>Quality and process improvement<\/li>\n<li>Regulatory compliance<\/li>\n<li>Healthcare business and finance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"togglelist\">\n<summary style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\">Skills<\/summary>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle; margin-top: -0.5em;\">\n<li>Patient response to interventions<\/li>\n<li>Family and caregiver response to interventions<\/li>\n<li>Care plan modification<\/li>\n<li>Organization and systems leadership<\/li>\n<li>Developing and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check out Mometrix's Adult-Gerontology CNS Study Guide<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Study Guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/studyguides\/cns\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"184\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/cnsadultgeron-20620.jpg\" alt=\" Study Guide\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Registration\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span> Registration<\/h2>\n<p>Registering for and scheduling your Adult-Gerontology CNS exam can be done online. The cost of the examination is $395 for all candidates who are not ANCC members.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have registered, you will receive information on how to schedule your examination appointment.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Test_Day\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Test Day<\/h2>\n<p>You should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes before the exam is scheduled to begin to leave you with extra time to complete the check-in process. When you arrive, you will be asked to provide two forms of identification, one of which must contain your photo and signature. If your ID is invalid, you will not be permitted to take the examination.<\/p>\n<p>Personal items are not allowed in the testing area, so you will be asked to leave them in a secured locker before the exam begins.<\/p>\n<p>Once the check-in process is complete, you will be led to your testing station and given a short tutorial on the testing system before beginning your exam.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"How_the_Exam_is_Scored\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>How the Exam is Scored<\/h2>\n<p>The scores for the ANCC Adult-Gerontology CNS exam are calculated using a criterion-based scoring system. This means that a panel of ANCC subject-matter experts has evaluated the questions and determined a passing score. The passing score is set using the modified-Angoff method, which means that your score is based solely on your performance, without any input from the performance of other test-takers.<\/p>\n<p>Your score is reported on a scale of 1 to 500, and you must get a score of at least 350 to pass the exam.<\/p>\n<p>You will be able to see your preliminary scores as soon as you complete the exam, and your final score report will be made available via your ANCC account.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"Retaking_the_AGCNS_Exam\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Retaking the AGCNS Exam<\/h2>\n<p>If you fail the exam, you may retake it after a 60-day waiting period. After the waiting period, you must resubmit an application and the retest fee of $270.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-box-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sg-box-title\">Check out Mometrix's Adult-Gerontology CNS Flashcards<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get complex  subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"sg-box-button blue-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Your Flashcards<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashcardsecrets.com\/cns\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/cnsadultgeronflash.jpeg\" alt=\" Flashcards\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"pt-page\"><span id=\"FAQs\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-list\">\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How many questions are on the Adult-Gerontology CNS exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>There are 175 multiple-choice questions on the exam.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How long is the Adult-Gerontology CNS exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The time limit for the exam is 3.5 hours.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">What is the passing score for the Adult-Gerontology CNS exam?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>To pass the exam, you must achieve a scaled score of at least 350.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"qa_wrap\">\n<div class=\"q_item text_bold\">\n<h4 class=\"letter\">Q<\/h4>\n<p style=\"line-height: unset;\">How much does the Adult-Gerontology CNS exam cost?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"a_item\">\n<h4 class=\"letter text_bold\">A<\/h4>\n<p>The examination fee is $395.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"author\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Headshot of Kate Nockunas.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/tinywow_tinywow_Kate-Nockunas-Cropped-min_24640345_24640389.webp\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">By <span itemprop=\"name\">Kate Nockunas<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Kate has been Mometrix\u2019s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master\u2019s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"editor\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" class=\"author-bio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"author-image\" height=\"127\" width=\"127\" alt=\"Aaron Lanni profile pic\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image_2024-12-11_124906662.png\"><div class=\"author-text\"><p class=\"author-name\">Edited by <span itemprop=\"name\">Aaron Lanni<\/span><\/p><div class=\"author-desc\"><p>Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix\u2019s quality and accessibility standards.<\/p>\n<\/div><p class=\"alignright author-desc author-link\"><a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/editorial-guidelines\/\">Learn more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> \u2192<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/ancc-certification\/\">ANCC Certifications &#8211; Home<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Mometrix Test Preparation is not affiliated with or endorsed by any official testing organization. All organizational and test names are trademarks of their respective owners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist exam assesses the knowledge and skills that registered nurses must have in the adult-gerontology specialty. Click \u201cStart Test\u201d above to take a free Adult-Gerontology CNS practice test, and check out our premium-quality Adult-Gerontology test prep resources by clicking the links below! Exam Eligibility To be eligible for this exam, &#8230; <a title=\"Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Test\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/adult-gerontology-cns-practice-test\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Test\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":205784,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-20820","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-nursing-certifications","7":"page_type-exam-overview","8":"page_domain-ancc-adult-gerontology-2"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20820"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20820\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":284185,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20820\/revisions\/284185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}