BE PREPARED FOR THE CNS EXAM: YOUR ULTIMATE FAQ GUIDE! WITH CAITLIN SELF

Be Prepared for the CNS Exam: Your FAQ Guide!

Preparing for the CNS exam? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions! 

CNS Test Prep FAQ - Content Questions

Should I memorize formulas & equations for the CNS exam?

➡️ Generally speaking: NO! I do personally recommend memorizing the Mifflin St. Jeor equation just in case, but in the last few exam cycles, everyone has reported that they did not need to do any calculations. 

Are there case studies on the CNS exam?

➡️ Technically, NO! You’re not likely to see a case presented and then a series of questions about this case. Instead, you’ll see shorter questions with case information folded in. The purpose of studying case reviews is for learning and building context in your education! 

How specific do we need to be in X topic when studying for the CNS exam?

➡️ Unfortunately…VERY specific! We are receiving reports of high levels of specificity for some of the exam questions. The exam is trying to test your breadth and depth…which is extremely hard to assess on a multiple choice exam! Yes, this is intimidating, but if you focus on what we have highlighted in the course, you’ll have a very high chance of covering what you need!

CNS Test Prep FAQ - Logistics and Day-of Questions 

This information was published on 3/12/25 and is subject to change by the BCNS.  More information about the CNS exam can be found here: https://www.theana.org/certify/cnscandidate-examprep/ 

1. How much does it cost to retake the exam?

   1. $200

2. How many times can you retake the exam?

   1. Unlimited retakes

3. Do you lose money if you defer the exam to a later date?

   1. There is a $50 postponement fee, all other fees carry over.

4. What is the % needed to pass?

   1. This varies by exam, usually around 70% but psychometrics vary by exam. (Depends on how many questions they throw out.)

5. What can you bring to the exam?

   1. Water and a snack. Identification. They will allow you to store items in a locker.

6. How much time do you have to complete the exam?

   1. 4 hours

   2. Most finish in 2 ish hours. 4 hours is a TON of time for most people.

7. Does your eligibility to take the exam expire if you wait too long to take the exam after completing your Master's?

   1. No, but if you apply and keep deferring over two years, you have to reapply and meet the current requirements. 

   2. Once you pass the exam, you have 5 years to complete your SPE (supervised practice experience) hours.

8. How do you contest a question?

   1. Digitally: There is a place to add a note on each question. Add notes or contest a question there.

   2. Paper tests: There are no paper takers except the ones Amy is proctoring. They can email contested questions to her after.

9. Can you use the bathroom during the exam?

   1. Yes, but you can not go back to previous questions if you take a break. So make sure you feel confident in your answers before taking a break.

10. Can you bring a snack?

    1. Yes

11. Will calculators be available to test takers?

    1. Yes, they are built into the computer

Candidates are provided most of this information upon registration to sit for the CNS exam.  Check your email for this information from the ANA and BCNS and your proctor site!

Our CNS Prep Course helps nutrition students successfully pass the CNS exam.  The course is created by CNS’s for CNS candidates. Weaving together CNS exam study tips, nutrition practice questions, study groups, a discussion forum, webinars, and 70+ modules of content, our prep course prepares nutrition graduates and students for the CNS exam.  Our pass rate is 86% for all students and 91% for interns in our Mentorship Program.

Preparing for the CNS exam? Looking for CNS test questions? Test your knowledge with our 10 practice CNS exam questions.