Eligibility Requirements for Certification

In order for candidates to sit for the CBN examination they must satisfy the following eligibility criteria, including compliance with the ASMBS standards of conduct:

1. Be currently licensed as a professional nurse (RN) in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico. A valid license number MUST be entered when applying online.
- International nurses are eligible to sit for the CBN examination. Acceptable international nurse licensure will be determined on an individual basis by the ASMBS. It is important for international nurses to understand that the examination is based on a practice analysis of nursing care of morbidly obese and bariatric surgical patients in the United States of America. In addition, the examination will only be offered in the English language.

2. Complete a minimum of 24 months (within the preceding four years) of nursing care of morbidly obese and bariatric surgery patients, predominately in the bariatric surgery process (i.e., pre-operative, peri-operative or post operative/follow up care).

Learn more about becoming a Certified Bariatric Nurse:
View the CBN Certification FAQs.
Download the CBN 2013 Certification Handbook

EXAM REGISTRATION IMPORTANT DATES

Are you ready to register for the CBN Exam?

Click here to register for the July 2013 Window – Opens April 2, 2013

2013 CBN Exam Registration Important Dates

2013 Test Window 2
Exam Administration       Saturday, July 13, 2013 – Sunday, July 28, 2013

View the CBN Certification FAQs.

CBN Examination Administration

The ASMBS has selected a national testing agency, Professional Examination Service (ProExam), to assist with examination preparation and administration. Questions about the application process and administration of the CBN examination should be directed to:

Professional Examination Service
ASMBS Management Office
475 Riverside Drive
Suite 600
New York, NY 10115
toll-free (800) 449-0633
phone (212) 367-4343
e-mail ASMBS@proexam.org

Eligibility Requirements for Re-Certification

CBNs interested in re-certifying must continue to meet the following criteria:

1. Be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico. A valid license number must be included with your re-certification application. Acceptable international nurses’ licensure will be determined on an individual basis by the ASMBS.

2. Must also have a minimum of 1000 hours of professional practice (within the preceding 48 months) of nursing care of morbidly obese and bariatric surgery patients, predominately in the bariatric surgery process (i.e., pre-operative, peri-operative or post-operative/follow-up care).

3. Must hold a current certificate from ASMBS as a Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN).

Additionally, candidates must submit information showing achievement of a CBN Re-Certification method. There are currently two re-certification methods available: Re-testing (re-take and pass the CBN exam) or Professional Development. Professional development options are outlined below:

1. 80 Contact Hours of Continuing Education
2. 40 Hours of Continuing Education and 2 Presentations
3. 40 Hours of Continuing Education and 1 Published Article
4. 40 Hours of Continuing Education and 4 Academic Credits

Regardless of the chosen re-certification method, all re-certification activities must take place within the 48 months preceding the expiration of certification.

Learn more about the CBN Re-Certification process:
View the CBN Re-Certification FAQs.
View the re-certification section of the CBN Handbook
Ready to Re-Certify? Go to CBN Re-Certification

Eligibility for CBN Re-Certification requires adherence to the ASMBS Standards of Conduct. Candidates are required to confirm acceptance of a statement on the application form that they understand violations of the ASMBS Standards of Conduct may result in loss of eligibility for CBN certification. Verification of all above requirements must be provided upon request.

CBN Certification and Re-Certification Resources

New ASMBS CBN® Online Review Course
For more information, click here.

Answers to most inquiries regarding CBN Certification and Re-Certification can be found in the CBN Certification Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions for certification and re-certification are also available:
CBN Certification FAQs
CBN Re-Certification FAQs
CBN Recertification Demographic Information Sample
CBN Recertification Worksheet Sample

Why is Certification of a Bariatric Nurse Important?
Download this PDF to share with hospital administrators and employers the importance of CBN!

If you have additional questions not addressed in the FAQs or CBN Candidate Handbook please e-mail barbara@asmbs.org.