CNML Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for the CNML exam, a candidate must meet the target practitioner definition:
CNML Target Practitioner: The nurse manager and leader is a nurse leader who has the skills to facilitate delivery of high quality evidence-based collaborative care to a wide range of patients. Nurse Managers/Leaders possess clinical expertise. Typically, Nurse Manager/Leaders have clinical and administrative accountability for their unit(s) during all hours of operations. The Nurse Manager/Leaders’ administrative responsibility includes management of finances, human resources, staffing, performance improvement, technology, and strategy. The Nurse Manager/Leader possesses broad-based clinical and leadership skills through communication, mentoring, advocacy, systems thinking, critical thinking, and establishment of a healthy work environment.
A valid and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse and fulfill one of the following requirements for education/work experience.
- A baccalaureate in nursing degree or higher plus one year of experience in a nurse manager/leader role
- A non-nursing baccalaureate degree or higher plus 3 years of experience in a comprehensive leadership support role
There is no defined time limit, but the practice should be recent enough that the applicant’s executive nursing practice was guided by the AONL Nurse Executive Competencies.
Your job title might not match the title of the exam application, but you may be practicing in the role and specialty the exam tests. Please refer to the Test Content Outline and target audience found in the Candidate Handbook for details and compare it to your job function.
The examination is composed of 115 multiple-choice questions. A candidate’s score is based on 100 of these questions; 15 are “trial” or “pretest” questions that are interspersed throughout the examination.
A candidate is allowed two (2.0) hours in which to complete the examination.
A minimum score of 70 is required to pass the CNML examination.
Candidates can retake the exam no sooner than 90 days after their most recent exam date. An application will be available after the 90 days have passed. Candidates may apply for and take the same certification exam up to 3 times in a 12-month period. Review the complete policy.
The pass rate and the number of certified CNML nurses can be found here.
Yes. The AONL International Credentials Evaluation Service (administered through CGFNS International, Inc.) allows foreign-educated nurses to verify educational, licensure/registration and employment credentials required for the exam. Candidates who are eligible for the CNML Examination and wish to be tested outside the U.S. must submit a Request for International Examination Administration.
AONL offers testing locations in all 50 states. We also offer testing locations internationally abroad. Find the nearest testing location.
AONL offers practice exams and in-person review courses for people interested in taking the review course. The following are recommended resources to assist you in your preparation. CNML exam resources.
Exam: $300 AONL | $450 non-member
Register for the examA candidate with a visual, sensory or physical disability that prevents taking the examination under standard conditions may request special accommodations and arrangements. For either a computer administration or a special administration, complete the Request for Special Examination Accommodations form at least 45 days prior to the desired testing date.
Testing centers that have resumed operations following COVID-19 closures. This list is updated daily and serves as the best reference for candidates and associates.
Since the outbreak began, the testing centers have adhered to the latest safety procedures based on various international, state, and local Orders and guidelines and CDC and WHO recommendations.Learn more about the testing centers procedures and safety guidelines.
- Robert Boesch, DNP, RN, CNML (Chair), Hershey, Penn.
- Karen Chandler, MSN, RN, CNML, CPPS, Lebanon, N.H.
- Tracy M Carafeno, BSN, MS, RN CNML, New Haven, Conn.
- Tina Hepner, MSN, RN, CNML, Salt Lake City
- Deborah Dalsing, MSN, RN, CNML, Dodgeville, Wis.
- Vanessa Vonderhaar-Picard, DNP, MEd, RN, CNML, Cincinnati
A candidate’s application is valid for 90 days after completing registration and payment, during which time the candidate must schedule an appointment to test on the computer and take the examination. A candidate who fails to schedule an appointment and take the exam within the 90-day period forfeits the application and all fees paid to take the examination.
Recertification
Attaining certification is an indication of mastery of a well-defined body of knowledge at a point in time. Periodic recertification is required to maintain certified status. Initial certification or recertification of certification is valid for three (3) years. A certificant may renew the CNML credential through one of two routes:
- Successful re-examination
- Documentation of 45 contact hours of continuing professional education over the 3-year period and payment of the renewal fee. Recertification $200 fee for AONL and $275 fee for nonmember.
Renewal applications may be submitted up to one year prior to the certification expiration date