CDN Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
Success on the CDN exam requires a deep understanding of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and patient care. Our CDN study guide breaks down complex nephrology topics into manageable sections. Practice with the free CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
- The CDN exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, of which about 25 are unscored pilot questions. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- Candidates have three hours to complete the 150-question CDN exam. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- To pass the CDN exam, a candidate must answer approximately 74% of the test items correctly, according to NNCC's application handbook revised in June 2026. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) exam fee is $350, or $300 for members of NNCC partner organizations (ANNA, ASN, NKF, NOVA). (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- A candidate who fails the CDN exam gets one chance to retake it at a reduced rate within one year. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- The CDN credential is valid for three years from the last day of the month in which the candidate passed the exam. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- The CDN exam is a computer-based test that candidates book through C-NET at the testing location of their choice once their application is approved. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- To sit for the CDN exam, a nurse needs a full, unrestricted US RN license, at least 2,500 hours of in-center hemodialysis nephrology nursing in the past two years, and 30 contact hours of nephrology continuing education in the past two years. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
- CDN candidates who take the computer-based exam receive their score as soon as they finish. (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission)
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CDN Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 150 multiple-choice questions (about 25 unscored pilot items) | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Time limit | 3 hours | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Passing score | About 74% correct | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Exam fee | $350 ($300 for ANNA/ASN/NKF/NOVA members) | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Retake policy | One reduced-rate retake within 1 year | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Validity | 3 years | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Delivery | Computer-based test at a testing center (via C-NET) | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Eligibility | Unrestricted RN license + 2,500 in-center hemodialysis RN hours in 2 years + 30 nephrology CE hours | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Score release | Immediately on completion | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Registration deadline | Year-round; postmark at least 4 weeks before desired test date | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
| Testing window | 90 days from permit issue (one 90-day extension for $125) | Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Study Tools
Interactive CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
CDN Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CDN Anemia Management in Dialysis Patients
CDN Exam Questions covering Anemia Management in Dialysis Patients. Master CDN Test concepts for certification prep.
CDN Certified Dialysis Nurse
Free CDN Practice Test featuring Certified Dialysis Nurse. Improve your CDN Exam score with mock test prep.
CDN Complications and Emergency Management
CDN Test Prep for Complications and Emergency Management. Practice CDN Quiz questions and boost your score.
CDN Dialysis Adequacy and Prescription
CDN Questions and Answers on Dialysis Adequacy and Prescription. Free CDN practice for exam readiness.
CDN Dialysis Complications and Emergency M...
CDN Mock Test covering Dialysis Complications and Emergency Management. Online CDN Test practice with instant feedback.
CDN Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in Dialysis
CDN Practice Questions for Fluid and Electrolyte Balance in Dialysis. Build confidence for your CDN certification exam.
CDN Patient Education and Psychosocial Care
CDN Test Online for Patient Education and Psychosocial Care. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
CDN Patient Education and Quality of Care ...
CDN Study Material on Patient Education and Quality of Care in Dialysis. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CDN Renal Pharmacology for Dialysis Nurses
Free CDN Test covering Renal Pharmacology for Dialysis Nurses. Practice and track your CDN exam readiness.
CDN Vascular Access Management
CDN Exam Questions covering Vascular Access Management. Master CDN Test concepts for certification prep.
Certified Dialysis Nurse Flashcards
Study key concepts for your dialysis nurse certification.
🩸What is the primary function of hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis filters wastes, salts, and fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer healthy enough to do this work adequateley.
START CDN PRACTICE TEST💧What is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis?
Peritonitis is a common and serious complication involving infection of the peritoneum, often caused by contamination of the catheter.
GET CDN EXAM PREP💉What is an AV fistula?
An Arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a surgical connection between an artery and a vein, providing vascular access for hemodialysis treatments.
REVIEW CDN QUESTIONS🧪Why is water treatment critical in dialysis?
Dialysis patients are exposed to large volumes of water, and contaminants like bacteria or endotoxins can cause severe reactions like pyrogenic episodes.
TRY CDN MOCK EXAM📉What is hypotension in dialysis?
Intradialytic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure during dialysis, often caused by rapid fluid removal or inaccurate target weight assessment.
ACCESS CDN STUDY GUIDE⚕️What is Kt/V?
Kt/V is a measure of dialysis adequacy, where K is urea clearance, t is time, and V is the volume of urea distribution in the patient.
PRACTICE CDN TEST NOWCertified Dialysis Nurse Study Guide
Our CDN study guide covers essential topics. Understanding the test format and requirements is the first step toward becoming a Certified Dialysis Nurse.
Focus on the CDN exam blueprint provided by NNCC. Pay special attention to water treatment standards and vascular access complications, as these are high-frequency topics on the hemodialysis nurse certification test.
CDN Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
125
88 out of 125 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Plan for a total investment of approximately $400-$500 for your CDN certification, including the exam fee and preparation materials. Membership in the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) can reduce exam costs.
Specialized CDN Career Paths
Earning your CDN certification opens doors to specialized roles in nephrology.
Pediatric Dialysis Nurse
Specialize in providing dialysis treatments to children and adolescents, requiring patience and specialized skills.
Travel Dialysis Nurse
Work on short-term contracts in various locations nationwide, earning higher pay and exploring new places.
Acute Dialysis Nurse
Provide bedside dialysis in hospital ICUs and ERs for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
Home Dialysis Nurse
Train and support patients performing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis at home, offering autonomy.
Clinical Nurse Manager
Oversee clinic operations, staff training, and compliance with safety regulations in dialysis centers.
CDN Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Government ID
- ✓RN License Info
- ✓Appointment Confirmation
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Leave Electronics in Car
- ✓Review Exam Blueprint
- ✓Dress in Layers
- ✓Positive Mindset
Master the CDN Exam
Join thousands of nurses who have passed their CDN exam using our comprehensive practice resources.
CDN Renewal Requirements
Practice Hours
1000 Hours
Education
45 CEUs
Cycle
3 Years
Keep track of your CE credits and practice hours. You can renew your CDN certification online through the NNCC website up to six months before expiration.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A patient's pre-dialysis BUN is 80 mg/dL and post-dialysis BUN is 28 mg/dL. What is the urea reduction ratio (URR)?
- A. 35%
- B. 45%
- C. 65%
- D. 72%
Answer: C. 65%
URR = [(Pre-BUN − Post-BUN) / Pre-BUN] × 100 = [(80−28)/80] × 100 = 65%, which meets the minimum recommended threshold of 65%.
What is the recommended target URR for hemodialysis patients according to current guidelines?
- A. ≥50%
- B. ≥55%
- C. ≥65%
- D. ≥80%
Answer: C. ≥65%
Current guidelines recommend a minimum URR of 65% for hemodialysis patients, corresponding to an spKt/V of approximately 1.2.
Which of the following is a contraindication to using a tunneled dialysis catheter as permanent long-term access?
- A. Patient is awaiting AV fistula maturation
- B. Patient has an active bloodstream infection
- C. Patient has inadequate peripheral veins
- D. Patient is on anticoagulation therapy
Answer: B. Patient has an active bloodstream infection
Active bloodstream infection is an absolute contraindication to placing any new tunneled catheter, as it would seed the device and worsen infection.
A peritoneal dialysis patient's drain effluent is consistently brown or feculent. What does this MOST likely indicate?
- A. Normal variation in PD effluent color
- B. Bowel perforation with fecal contamination of the peritoneum
- C. Hemoperitoneum from catheter trauma
- D. Fungal peritonitis
Answer: B. Bowel perforation with fecal contamination of the peritoneum
Brown or feculent effluent strongly suggests bowel perforation with intestinal contents contaminating the peritoneal cavity, requiring emergency surgical evaluation.
CDN Questions and Answers
Official Resources
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) – Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN): the credentialing body's official CDN page, listing eligibility (an unrestricted U.S. RN license, 2,500 hours of nephrology nursing in the past two years and 30 contact hours of nephrology CE) and the exam format of 150 questions in 3 hours.
- American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA): the professional nephrology nursing organization that NNCC names as a source of certification review courses and publishes the Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing used as a CDN reference.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): the federal agency whose End-Stage Kidney Disease program interpretive guidance appears on the NNCC CDN core reference list.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- cnetnurse.com — Test delivery, fees, score release · verified Oct 2026
- nncc-exam.org — Score validity, passing score, registration deadline, retake policy, test dates, exam format, time limit · verified Oct 2026