Preparing for the CBN Exam
One common question is, “How do I prepare for the CBN exam?” While everyone’s study journey is unique, here are some key guidelines to help you create an effective study plan.
The Certified Bariatric Nursing exam is based on a comprehensive Practice Analysis (or blueprint) developed from surveying practicing metabolic and bariatric surgery nurses. This study determined that the examination is valid regardless of whether you work in the operating room caring for patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery or in an outpatient setting, as well as in many areas in between. Specifically, five areas or domains of knowledge were identified, and each test contains the same number of questions within each domain.
| Domain | Percentage | Number of Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clinical Management: Preoperative (Pre-hospital) | 21.30% | 32 Test Items |
| 2. Clinical Management: Perioperative (Hospital) | 25.30% | 38 Test Items |
| 3. Clinical Management: Follow-up (Post-hospital) | 25.30% | 38 Test Items |
| 4. Professional and Community Collaboration | 14.70% | 22 Test Items |
| 5. Program Quality | 13.30% | 20 Test Items |
| TOTAL | 100% | 150 Test Items |
To start, assess your current knowledge and experience by reviewing the Examination Content Outline, Knowledge Statements, and Reference List sections in the 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook. Note any unfamiliar tasks or knowledge areas, as this will help identify your learning needs. Some tasks may be related to specific procedures that your center does not perform. Other tasks may require you to broaden your knowledge base to include areas on the continuum of care that you are less familiar with.
Learning Resources
ASMBS offers valuable resources to support your preparation:
- Live CBN Review Courses during the ASMBS Annual Meeting and ASMBS Weekend
- Online CBN Review Course that is flexible, affordable, and user-friendly
Participation in the ASMBS CBN Review Course is optional and does not guarantee a passing score on the CBN Examination. Faculty associated with review courses may hold the CBN credential but are not involved in examination development and do not have access to exam content. The CBN Certification Council does not require, endorse, or promote any specific preparatory course or materials. Candidates are encouraged to use a variety of study resources when preparing for the examination. All candidates are responsible for preparing across the full scope of metabolic and bariatric nursing practice, including areas outside of their current role or experience.
Additional Resources:
- Current metabolic and bariatric surgical textbooks, journals, and online resources
- Scientifically-based presentations from local, national, and regional meetings
- The 2025-2026 CBN Candidate Handbook includes a reference list of useful materials
- 2022 ASMBS CBN Practice Analysis Report: Summary
This report provides an overview of the most recent practice analysis used to define the content and structure of the CBN Examination. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, tasks, and knowledge areas essential to metabolic and bariatric nursing practice. The findings from this study form the foundation of the examination content outline and domain weightings, ensuring the certification reflects current practice and supports a fair, valid, and reliable assessment of competency.
Consider partnering with fellow nurses for group study sessions, especially if you work in different areas of metabolic and bariatric care. Sharing knowledge can enhance your preparation and deepen your understanding.