The CGRN exam blueprint is divided into five core domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps candidates prioritize their study time effectively.
- Patient Care (~30%): Pre-procedure assessment, post-procedure recovery, patient education, complication recognition and management, infection control, and documentation. This is the single largest domain — expect scenario-based questions on patient safety and nursing judgment.
- Endoscopic Procedures (~25%): Upper endoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS, capsule endoscopy, and related therapeutic interventions. Covers scope handling, equipment setup, assistant roles, and procedure-specific nursing responsibilities.
- GI Anatomy and Physiology (~20%): Structure and function of the GI tract from esophagus to rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Pathophysiology of common GI conditions including IBD, GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and colorectal cancer.
- Sedation and Anesthesia (~15%): Moderate (conscious) sedation pharmacology, monitoring parameters, reversal agents, airway management, and ASGE/SGNA sedation guidelines. Covers both RN-administered sedation and CRNA-managed deep sedation protocols.
- Professional Practice (~10%): Scope reprocessing and disinfection standards (SGNA guidelines, AAMI, FDA), legal and ethical principles, scope of practice, quality improvement, and research utilization.
The 20 unscored pretest items are randomly distributed throughout the exam and cannot be identified — treat every question as if it counts toward your score.
