How often can you take OCN exam?

You can retake the OCN exam multiple times, but you must wait 90 days between attempts during a single eligibility window, and after three failed attempts, you must wait one year before retesting. Each retest requires a new application and fee, though programs like DoubleTake offer discounts for a second attempt within 180 days, and FreeTake provides free retakes for eligible candidates.

What is the OCN exam pass rate?

Frequently asked questions. In 2024, the pass rate for an initial examination of the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) exam was 65%. The total pass rate including retakes, renewals, and other situations was 62%.

How many times can you fail the RN exam?

Understand NCLEX Attempt Limits

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides information on how many times you can take NCLEX, permitting candidates to attempt the exam up to eight times within a calendar year.

How many questions do you have to get right to pass OCN?

For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 25 and 75. You'll need to get a final score of at least 55 to pass the exam.

How long is OCN certification good for?

ONCC certifications are valid for four years. Three renewal options are available for most credentials - Option 1 is most popular. You must have a current, active, unencumbered RN license and meet the requirements for the specific renewal option.

OCN Study Guide Nausea & Vomiting

What is the highest paid oncology job?

The highest-paid oncology jobs are typically specialized physician roles, with Radiation Oncologists, Hematologist-Oncologists, and Surgical Oncologists earning the most, often exceeding $400,000 to over $500,000 annually, with leadership positions like Chief of Oncology reaching even higher, like $750k+. Factors like location (rural areas sometimes pay more), experience, and specific focus (e.g., breast surgical oncology) influence earnings, with some job postings showing salaries up to $900,000 for experienced physicians. 

What is the highest paid CNA?

The highest-paid CNAs are typically those who work in high-cost states like Alaska, Hawaii, or California, in specialized roles like surgical CNA, or in settings like government facilities or hospitals, with travel CNA positions offering the highest potential pay through higher rates and shift differentials, though some unique roles like Nurse Aide Evaluator can reach very high salaries. Location, experience, specialization (e.g., critical care, phlebotomy), and work setting (hospital vs. nursing home) are key factors. 

Is 60% passing for NCLEX?

So, what exactly is the NCLEX passing score? The NCLEX-RN passing standard is -0.18 logits, and the NCLEX-PN passing standard is -0.26 logits (NCSBN, 2023). That number isn't a percentage—it's a measurement of your ability compared to the difficulty of questions you answer correctly.

How many nurses are OCN certified?

There are more than 31,000 Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN®). These registered nurses consist of staff nurses, clinicians, educators, and managers. The OCN® Examination tests the knowledge necessary for the nurse to practice competently at the basic level, within the specialty of adult oncology nursing.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE "good pop-up" (inability to rebook), no new Authorization to Test (ATT) being issued, the Quick Results service showing a pass (if available), seeing your name added to your state board's license list, and a feeling of confidence with your test shutting off at the minimum question count (like 85 for RNs), though the only official sign is the nursing board's confirmation. 

Which state has unlimited NCLEX exams?

Each State Board of Nursing Can Have Separate Rules:

For example, you can take the NCLEX® in these states as follows: Texas: Every 45 days for 4 years . . . then you have to go back to school. California: Every 45 days as many times as you want.

How many nurses pass NCLEX on first try?

Overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates surged after the test change in April 2023, climbing from 88.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. However, through most of 2025, overall first-time pass rates3 have dipped to 87.5% — prompting reflection about what these trends mean for student preparedness and program effectiveness.

Can a nurse practitioner make $200,000?

Yes, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) absolutely can make $200,000 or more, with about 1 in 12 NPs reaching this level, but it typically requires high-demand specialties like Dermatology, Psychiatry, or Anesthesia, working in high-paying locations (like California or major metros), taking on extra shifts, working in private practice, or on productivity-based pay. While the national median is lower (around $130k-$140k), significant experience and strategic career choices make $200k+ attainable. 

Is OCN certification worth it?

Yes, OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) certification is generally considered worth it, validating expertise, boosting career opportunities (like clinical ladders and potential pay raises), increasing job satisfaction, and enhancing patient trust and safety by demonstrating advanced knowledge and commitment to oncology nursing. It signifies mastery and commitment, benefiting nurses, patients, and healthcare organizations. 

What is the hardest nursing certification to get?

The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is widely considered one of the hardest due to its deep focus on complex, life-sustaining care for critically ill patients, demanding extensive knowledge across multiple organ systems and advanced life support, often with lower pass rates. Other exceptionally challenging certifications include the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) for pre-hospital critical care and specialized advanced practice certifications, requiring high-level expertise in acute or niche fields.
 

Who gets paid more, RN or NP?

Yes, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) generally make significantly more than Registered Nurses (RNs) because NPs have advanced degrees, greater autonomy, and expanded responsibilities like diagnosing conditions and prescribing medication, justifying higher pay for their increased skills and education, though specific earnings depend on location, specialty, and experience for both roles. 

Is there a shortage of oncology nurses?

At the global level, the persistent shortage of oncology-trained nurses further represents a major barrier to maintaining consistent, high-quality care [32].

What is an RN with a Masters called?

An MSN degree, or Master of Science in Nursing, is a graduate-level program that builds on undergraduate nursing education, preparing registered nurses for advanced clinical roles, leadership positions or specialized areas.

Is NCLEX shutting off at 85 good?

Yes, the NCLEX stopping at 85 questions is generally a good sign, indicating you likely passed because the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm found you consistently above the minimum passing standard for safe nursing practice; however, it can mean you failed if you were consistently below that standard, but statistics heavily favor passing at 85 questions, showing strong performance. 

Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

New Hampshire leads the nation with a 96.5% NCLEX pass rate, followed by North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Nationally, 91.2% of test-takers passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.

What happens if I get 150 questions on NCLEX?

Your test will end at 85 questions if the software determines with a 95% confidence level that you're clearly above (or clearly below) the passing standard. If you get all 150 questions and you're at or above the passing standard, you pass. If you're below the passing standard, you do not pass.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

How to make $100,000 as an RN?

To make $100k as a nurse, combine high-demand roles (like Travel Nurse, CRNA, NP, or Nurse Manager) with strategic moves like working in high-paying locations (California, NYC), picking up overtime/per diem shifts, earning advanced certifications/degrees (MSN, DNP), specializing (ICU, ER), and exploring non-bedside options like Clinical Documentation Specialist or health writer. 

What pays more, RN or CNA?

Registered Nurses (RNs) make significantly more money than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because RNs require much more education, have greater responsibilities (like administering medications, assessments, and care plans), and can work in more varied settings, while CNAs provide basic patient care and have shorter training, leading to lower pay, though both roles are in demand. RN salaries can range from around $80,000 to over $90,000+ annually, while CNAs typically earn closer to $30,000-$40,000, depending on location and experience, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.