CMSRN Practice Test

The MSNCB CMSRN exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the examination. Practice with the free CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (450+ questions with answer explanations).

CMSRN Exam at a Glance

Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Free CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Tools

Interactive CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• Free CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing General Questions and Answers — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
• CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Focus on the Clinical Practice domain, which makes up the bulk of the exam. Understanding pathophysiology and nursing interventions for common med-surg conditions is key. Use our CMSRN practice test to simulate these clinical scenarios.

Expect to invest between $400 and $600 total for your CMSRN certification, including exam fees and study materials. Many employers offer reimbursement through programs like MSNCB's FailSafe Certification Program.

Start CMSRN Exam Prep

Don't wait until the last minute. Begin your preparation with our free CMSRN practice test and comprehensive study resources today.

Keep track of your CE credits using the CMSRN Tracker. Maintaining your CMSRN certification ensures continued professional growth and eligibility for higher-paying positions.

Related Nursing Practice Tests

If you are preparing for a career in nursing, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

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Prepare for the PCCN - Exam — the Progressive Care Certified Nurse exam for nurses in step-down and telemetry units.

CMSRN Certification: What the Exam Covers

The CMSRN (Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse) exam is administered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) and contains 150 multiple-choice questions, 125 of which are scored. Candidates have three hours to complete the test, which covers areas including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal nursing care, plus professional role and patient safety domains.

CMSRN Eligibility and Passing Score

To sit for the CMSRN, nurses need an active RN license plus a minimum of two years of medical-surgical experience and 2,000 practice hours within the last three years. The passing scaled score is 71 out of 100, and certification is valid for five years before renewal is required.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. A nurse planning to sit for the CMSRN must have practiced in medical-surgical nursing for at least how many hours within the past 3 years?

   • A. 2,000 hours
   • B. 1,000 hours
   • C. 3,000 hours
   • D. 500 hours

Answer: A. 2,000 hours

Eligibility requires a minimum of 2,000 hours of adult medical-surgical nursing practice within the past 3 years.

Answer: C. Notify the anesthesia provider immediately while preparing naloxone

Respiratory depression from epidural opioids requires immediate provider notification and preparation of naloxone while maintaining close monitoring and airway readiness.

Answer: D. Excess Fluid Volume related to compromised regulatory mechanisms.

During an acute exacerbation of heart failure, excess fluid volume is the priority problem as it leads to pulmonary congestion, impaired gas exchange, and respiratory distress. Addressing the fluid overload through interventions like diuretic administration and fluid restriction is critical to stabilize the patient's cardiopulmonary status. While the other nursing diagnoses are relevant, they are secondary to the immediate life-threatening issue of fluid volume excess.

Answer: A. Administer IV fluid bolus and position the patient supine

Sympathetic blockade from epidural analgesia causes vasodilation and hypotension, so IV fluid bolus and supine positioning restore venous return and blood pressure.

Take the full CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing practice test

Official Resources

• MSNCB – CMSRN Certification: the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board's official page for CMSRN eligibility requirements and the current candidate handbook.
• MSNCB – Exam Processes, Scheduling, and Fees: the official source for how to apply, schedule your CMSRN exam, and confirm current exam fees.
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN): the professional association for med-surg nurses, offering membership, continuing education, and CMSRN exam-prep resources.